Guam
About Guam
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English and Chamorro |
| Capital | Hagatna (Agana) |
The Territory of Guam is a small island located in Oceania, in the north Pacific Ocean. The island was occupied by Spain until 1898 when Spain ceded control of Guam to the United States (U.S.). In 1941, during World War II, Guam was briefly captured by Japan, but control of the island was quickly reassumed by the Americans in 1944. Today, the island is a self-governing territory of the U.S., administered by the American government. In this presidential democracy, the chief of state is the president of the U.S., while the head of government is the governor of Guam. The people of Guam are American citizens, though they do not have the right to vote in U.S. presidential elections.
Guam’s location in Oceania contributes to its tropical climate. The temperature varies little throughout the year. Precipitation, cyclones, major flooding, and landslides are common in the rainy season (July-December).
The U.S. military occupies approximately one-third of the island’s territory, making Guam an important U.S. military base. The military operations in Guam also play an important role in supporting the island’s economy.
The population of Guam is approximately 162,742 people (2016 estimate) with people from European, Asian, American and indigenous cultures. This cultural diversity, along with the territory’s beautiful island landscapes and climate, is what draws over 1 million tourists to the island each year. On the island of Guam, tourists can find this cultural blend permeating the food, music and the arts, making the island of Guam a unique tourist destination.
Recommended Vaccinations For Guam
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Recommended Medications For Guam
There are no recommendations for Guam at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Guam
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in Guam through contaminated food or water.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever may occur in Guam.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
For Some Travellers
Chikungunya Fever
There is a risk of acquiring Chikungunya in this country.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Measles
There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic or wild animals in this country.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Guam, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to Guam are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Safety & Security in Guam
Personal Safety
Guam experiences petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles, which remain the most common concerns for visitors. Tourist zones such as Tumon/Tamuning have a dedicated police precinct, and travelers are strongly advised to safeguard passports and valuables at all times, particularly by not leaving them unattended on the beach or in parked cars. While violent crime does occur, there is limited publicly available data to suggest that it frequently involves tourists or random strangers. According to the most recent Uniform Crime Report, violent crime has generally declined in recent years. Community-watch programs are active, and local authorities emphasize prevention and vigilance.
Extreme Violence
Violent crime in Guam declined by 5.4% between 2020 and 2021 (from 703 incidents to 665), according to the 2021 Uniform Crime Report. In 2021, there were 9 murders, 180 rapes, 57 robberies, and 419 aggravated assaults. Compared to 2020, robbery dropped significantly (~42%), while aggravated assault rose by about 10.8%. Over time, methamphetamine remains a major drug-abuse concern on the island. High-purity crystal meth (“shabu”) is widely available, and authorities in past assessments have linked it with violent-crime trends. Drug trafficking to Guam includes smuggling via postal services, with methamphetamine shipments reported to originate from the Philippines and other parts of Asia. Although local leaders have expressed concern about crime, official statistics suggest the overall violent-crime levels remain moderate relative to many major U.S. cities.
Political Unrest
Guam sees limited political unrest, with mostly peaceful protests rather than large-scale instability. In June 2025, more than a dozen demonstrators gathered in Dededo for the first-ever “No Kings” protest in a U.S. territory, organized by the Chamorro-led group Prutehi Guåhan. Participants raised concerns about Guam’s lack of federal voting rights, proposed budget cuts, and compensation for Cold War–era nuclear fallout exposure. Indigenous Chamorro activists continue to call for decolonization and demilitarization, especially in response to U.S. military expansion on the island. These groups have raised concerns about environmental damage, cultural site loss, and the lack of free, prior, and informed consent for military projects. While demonstrations occur, they are usually peaceful and focused on political change. There is little indication that protests routinely disrupt tourist areas or pose a significant safety risk for visitors, though visitors may observe advocacy rallies in public spaces.
Areas To Avoid
Tourist zones in Tumon remain among the most developed and patrolled on Guam, but serious incidents have occurred: in January 2024, a South Korean visitor was fatally shot during a robbery near Gun Beach / Tumon Bay. Beaches along Guam’s northwest coast, especially around Andersen Air Force Base, are known for large waves and strong currents driven by the Rota Channel. Locations such as Ritidian Beach, Gun Beach, Tanguisson, Haputo, Shark’s Hole, Asan, and the South Beach “Scuba Cut” on Andersen AFB are particularly hazardous, with strong riptides and reef-related risks. Swimming is prohibited in certain areas: Pagat Point, Shark’s Hole, and Shark’s Cove are restricted for military personnel and considered dangerous. There is also a historical risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO) on land and underwater. The War in the Pacific National Park cautions visitors that live WWII-era munitions may still be present. Diving expeditions by the NPS / NOAA have documented UXO, including mortar shells and artillery, near some coastal sites. Given these risks, extra caution is recommended - especially in less populated areas after dark, and when engaging in water activities at remote or poorly supervised beaches.
