Håfa Adai!
Planning a trip to the beautiful island of Guam and feeling a little lost about whether you need a passport? We get it—this question is asked often because there’s conflicting information floating around the web. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with all the essential details, plus some handy tips to ensure smooth travel.
So, let’s dive into everything you need to know before you head off to this tropical paradise!
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Passport to Fly to Guam?
Good news! If you’re a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to fly to Guam. Guam is a U.S. territory, and traveling there from the mainland is considered domestic travel, much like going to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This means that just like traveling to Hawaii or Puerto Rico, all you need is your government-issued photo ID—such as a driver’s license will work, or REAL ID or a REAL ID-compliant identification.
According to the TSA, all passengers 18 and older must present valid identification at airport security checkpoints. Starting May 7, 2025, standard IDs won’t cut it—you’ll need a REAL ID, marked with a star, or another compliant form of identification like a U.S. passport or military ID.
If your driver’s license or state-issued ID doesn’t have that star yet, head to the DMV to upgrade it to a REAL ID so you’re prepared for any domestic air travel, including your flight to Guam.
How about Flying Through Hawaii?
If your itinerary includes a layover in Hawaii, no worries—you still don’t need a passport! Since Hawaii is a U.S. state, you can use a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license for your entire journey, just like any other domestic trip.
What about International Layovers?
Here’s where things can get a little more complex: if your flight route takes you through Japan, South Korea, or any other international destination, then yes, you will need a passport.
Even though Guam is a U.S. territory, flying through an international location means you’ll need to clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival in Guam. So, pack your passport if you have any international stops along the way!
Why you should bring your passport anyway.
Even though you don’t need a passport for most flights to Guam, we strongly recommend bringing one for a couple of reasons:
- Flight Diversions: Flights can sometimes get diverted due to bad weather or other unexpected reasons. If your plane is rerouted to an international location, like Japan, not having a passport can delay your journey or even leave you stuck until the situation is resolved(BG Tours Guam).
- Return Flights: Weirdly enough, some airlines may treat your return flight from Guam to the U.S. mainland as an “international flight” and could ask for a passport. While this doesn’t always happen, having your passport handy ensures that you’re prepared for anything.
Is Guam part of the United States?
You might wonder, “Is Guam a U.S. state or territory?” Guam is an unincorporated U.S. territory, meaning it’s part of the U.S., but it doesn’t have all the rights of a state. Residents of Guam are U.S. citizens by birth but have limited representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential elections.
However, for travel purposes, this means you can move freely between the U.S. and Guam without needing a passport, much like traveling to any other U.S. state.
What Currency does Guam use?
There’s no need to worry about currency exchanges when heading to Guam. The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official currency, so your dollars will work everywhere from restaurants to hotels to shops.
Major credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially if you’re visiting more rural parts of the island.
Fun Facts about Guam.
Besides being a passport-free destination for U.S. citizens, Guam offers rich Chamorro culture, breathtaking beaches, and world-class diving spots. Whether you’re exploring hidden waterfalls or visiting historical WWII sites, Guam provides plenty of adventure for every type of traveler.
If you’re a foodie, don’t forget to try the local Chamorro cuisine—a delightful fusion of Pacific, Spanish, Japanese and Filipino flavors!
Better Safe Than sorry.
To wrap it up: No, you don’t need a passport to fly to Guam if you’re a U.S. citizen flying from the mainland or Hawaii. However, we recommend bringing one just to be safe. Flight diversions and the chance of being asked for a passport on your return can create unnecessary headaches.
Having your passport handy gives you peace of mind and ensures a smooth, worry-free trip to the island. So grab your REAL ID, consider packing that passport, and get ready to experience the beauty of Guam without a hitch!
Si Yu’us Ma’åse’! Safe travels!
