- Guam is a US territory, so you need an ESTA or to qualify for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver
- Tumon Bay has resort beaches and a protected marine reserve
- Chamorro culture and Second World War sites are the island's soul
- Dry season runs roughly January to May; typhoons are a risk later in the year
- Airports
- Antonio B. Won Pat International (GUM), about 10 minutes from Tumon
- Flight time
- about 20-24h from London, via Tokyo, Seoul, Manila or Honolulu
- Best time to go
- January-May
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
Guam is the largest and southernmost island of the Mariana Islands and an unincorporated territory of the United States. Most visitors come from Japan and South Korea, a few hours' flight away, for beaches, shopping and diving, but the island also has a deep Chamorro culture stretching back around 3,500 years, Spanish colonial heritage and some of the Pacific's most significant Second World War sites.
Guam is ten hours ahead of the UK in winter (nine during British Summer Time). It uses the US dollar, US-style plugs (types A and B) and drives on the right. English and Chamorro are official languages. For the wider picture, see our Oceania guide, and our Northern Mariana Islands guide for nearby Saipan.
Things to do
- Tumon Bay: calm, shallow water, resort beaches and a marine preserve full of reef fish.
- Two Lovers Point: a clifftop lookout with a famous Chamorro legend and views across the bay.
- Hagåtña: the capital's Plaza de España, the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral and Latte Stone Park.
- War in the Pacific National Historical Park: beaches, bunkers and memorials from the 1944 battle.
- Ritidian Point: a wildlife refuge with a pristine beach and ancient cave sites.
- Diving and snorkelling: wrecks from both world wars lie together in Apra Harbor, plus reefs and the Blue Hole.
- Chamorro Village night market: barbecue, red rice and dancing on Wednesday evenings.
- Southern villages: Inarajan's natural pools, Umatac's Spanish fort ruins and quieter coastal drives.
Where to stay
- Tumon: the main resort strip, with large beachfront hotels, restaurants and shopping.
- Tamuning: cheaper hotels close to the airport and Tumon.
- Hagåtña: smaller hotels near the capital's historic sights.
- The south: a few guesthouses and rentals for a quieter stay.
Getting there
There are no direct flights from the UK. United Airlines connects Guam with Honolulu, Tokyo, Seoul, Manila and other Asian cities, while Japanese and Korean carriers also fly in. Expect around 20-24 hours' travel with one or two stops. British passport holders can enter with an approved ESTA under the US Visa Waiver Program or under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver, which allows shorter stays; transiting the US mainland or Hawaii requires an ESTA. A hire car is the easiest way to explore.
Good to know
- Culture: Chamorro traditions, Catholic village fiestas and the concept of inafa'maolek (interdependence) shape island life.
- Food: kelaguen (citrus-marinated chicken or fish), red rice and fina'denne' sauce are staples at fiestas and barbecues.
- Money: prices are in US dollars and cards are widely accepted.
- Military presence: large US bases occupy much of the north; some areas, including parts of Ritidian, have restricted access.
- Sea safety: rip currents and sharp reefs catch out swimmers outside Tumon Bay, so check local conditions and swim where others do.
Best time to visit
The dry season runs roughly from January to May, with warm, sunny days and lower humidity. The wet season from July to November brings heavy showers and the main typhoon risk. Water temperatures stay in the high 20s °C all year.
Check whether your route passes through Honolulu or the US mainland; if it does, get an ESTA rather than relying on the Guam-CNMI waiver.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Guam?
Not usually. British passport holders can enter with an ESTA or, for short stays arriving directly from eligible places, under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver. Check the current US rules before you travel.
Is Guam part of the USA?
Guam is an unincorporated US territory. Residents are US citizens, and it uses the US dollar and US entry rules.
How long does it take to fly to Guam from the UK?
Usually around 20-24 hours with connections in Asia or Hawaii.
What is Guam known for?
Tumon Bay beaches, diving, duty-free shopping, Chamorro culture and its role in the Pacific War.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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