Guam

Petty crime occurs in Guam, including drug-and alcohol-related crime.

Tourists may be targeted for pickpocketing and purse-snatching. This can happen anywhere but is more prevalent in crowded areas and on public transport.

Conceal your valuables. Pay close attention to your personal belongings and only carry what you need. Leave other valuables in a secure location.

Rental cars can be easy to spot and are often a target of thieves. 

To protect yourself from theft:

• be aware of your personal safety
• protect your valuables, don't leave them in a parked car or unattended at the beach.
• don't buy or accept counterfeit goods

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Demonstrations and protests

Civil unrest is rare. However, demonstrations and large public gatherings can turn violent.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Guam is an unincorporated US territory included in the US National Terror Advisory System. Refer to our advice for the United States of America.

More information:

• Department of Homeland Security (US)
• Terrorism

Transport and tour operators may not follow safety precautions or maintain their equipment. This includes activities such as scuba diving and yachting.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• use transport and tour operators with a good reputation
• check the operator's credentials and their safety equipment before booking
• ask your travel insurer if your policy covers the activity
• always use the safety equipment, even if others don't

Use another provider if the right safety gear isn't available.

Guam can experience natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• tropical storms
• typhoons
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media and other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with your friends and family

Tropical storms and typhoons

Tropical storms and typhoons mostly occur from June to December and peak in August.

The direction and strength of typhoons can change with little warning.

Tropical storms and typhoons can:

• happen in any month
• cause flooding and landslides
• disrupt services

If there's a typhoon or severe tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended and available flights may fill quickly
• there may not be enough shelter available
• water conditions may be hazardous and ports may close

Monitor weather updates and warnings:

• National Weather Service Guam
• Joint Typhoon Warning Centre

To protect yourself if a typhoon or severe storm is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter
• stay away from beaches and coastal areas as winds may cause swells, wind waves, surf and rip currents.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes can happen in Guam.​

To protect yourself during an earthquake:

• consider tsunami risks
• monitor earthquake information via the United States Geological Survey

After an earthquake:

• expect aftershocks
• be ready for delays and to adjust your travel plans
• ask your tour operator if tourist services at your destination have been affected

Tsunamis

Tsunamis can happen.

Register for tsunami alerts:

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
• Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System

Move immediately to high ground if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens.

Move to higher ground straight away if advised by local authorities. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Insect-borne diseases

Mosquitoes in Guam spread illnesses, including dengue.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• monitor local media for health news

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common.

More information:

• Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Medical facilities

Public medical facilities in Guam generally don't meet Australian standards but the standard of private hospitals and healthcare facilities is similar to Australia.

A visit to a doctor for even a minor issue can cost thousands of dollars and you may be asked to show proof of insurance or your ability to pay before receiving treatment.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave Australia and make sure that it covers you for the duration of your trip, for all activities you intend to undertake, for any pre-existing medical conditions and for all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. 

The Australian Government won’t cover these costs and there's no reciprocal health care agreement between Australia and the United States. This means that you aren’t covered by Australian Medicare in the United States. 

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. You may also be delayed by the limited number of flights out of Guam.

There are 2 decompression chambers of a high standard at Guam Regional Medical City. 

Drugs

Penalties for drug-related offences can be severe and often include minimum mandatory sentences.

Laws related to the possession and recreational and/or medical use of marijuana (cannabis) vary between jurisdictions. While the possession of 1 ounce or less of cannabis for personal use is legal in Guam, it remains illegal under US federal laws in any form and quantity.

Some medications readily available in Australia are illegal or considered controlled substances, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. 

It's also illegal to possess any prescription medication without a prescription. See Health.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

The legal drinking age is 21 years.

Counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Buying, selling or owning these goods is illegal.

The US recognises dual nationality.

If you're an Australian-US dual citizen, you must:

• travel with both passports
• use your US passport to enter and exit the US, including Guam

Check the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs for advice before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Visas

Guam is an unincorporated US territory. Before entering Guam, you'll need to complete a mandatory electronic declaration form, accessible 72 hours prior to departure. 

You must meet US entry or transit requirements to enter Guam. The United States has strict entry requirements. US authorities won't allow you to enter the country if you don't comply. Please see United States of America Travel Advice for further information on the requirements of entry.

If you're visiting the United States for less than 90 days, you may be eligible to:

• apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and
• then enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

If you only intend on traveling directly to Guam or CNMI for less than 45 days and will not enter any other parts of the US, you may be eligible to enter under the G-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. Otherwise, you'll need to get a visa before you travel.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions, including currency, customs and quarantine rules, can change at short notice. Contact your nearest US Embassy or Consulate for the latest details.

More information:

• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - ESTA
• US Department of State - Visa Information
• US Customs and Border Protection - Official G-CNMI ETA Application Website
• Smartraveller - USA Travel Advice & Safety
• Embassy of the United States of America in Australia

Baggage locks

The locks on your airline baggage must meet US requirements.

More information:

• Transportation Security Administration

Arriving by sea

All vessels must clear customs and immigration at Apra Harbour.

Contact the Port Authority of Guam and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) well in advance of your arrival.

Fees may apply if you arrive by sea after 5pm or on a weekend.

More information:

• Port of Guam - Port Entry Procedures

If you're travelling with a child, carry evidence of your relationship.

If you're the sole parent travelling with your child, you'll need a notarised letter. You'll also need one if you're travelling with a child who isn't yours. This letter needs to include:

• consent signed by the non-travelling parents or guardians
• details on who the child can travel with
• the dates and places of travel

Some airlines don't allow children to travel alone. Ask your airline if unaccompanied children are allowed on flights to, from, or that transit in Guam.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD).

When you arrive and depart, you must declare amounts over $US10,000. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

ATMs are widely available. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Driving permit

You can drive a motor vehicle for a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of arrival into Guam with a valid Australian driver's licence (digital licences may not be accepted).

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous, particularly at night.

Hazards include:

• slippery roads after rain
• unlit streets
• poorly maintained roads

Before driving in Guam:

• learn local traffic laws and practices

If you're involved in an accident as a driver, don't leave the scene or move your vehicle until the police have attended.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Make sure that your insurance policy covers you before riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis and authorised limousines.

Book vehicles through your hotel or resort.

Make sure the driver uses a taxi meter.

Public transport

Guam has a limited network of public buses and services can be unreliable.

Bus services don't run on Sundays or public holidays.

More information:

• Guam Regional Transit Authority
• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

A number of cruise vessels visit Guam annually, docking at the Port Authority of Guam’s F1 Pier.

Yachts must clear customs and immigration at Apra Harbour on arrival. See 'Arriving by sea'.

More information:

• Cruises

Air travel

Check Guam's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 911.

Medical emergencies

Call 911.

Police

Call 911.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an Embassy in Guam. For consular assistance, please contact the Australian Consulate-General in Honolulu. 

Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu

Australian Consulate-General, Honolulu
Penthouse, 1000 Bishop Street 
Honolulu HI 96813

Phone: +1 808 529 8100
Website: usa.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: facebook.com/AustralianConsulateGeneralHNL
X: twitter.com/AusCGHonolulu

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact the Australian consulate, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia