Traveling during a pandemic requires constant effort and a great deal of attention, particularly when it comes to the changing guidelines of your destination. It sure is great news, though, that more and more places are starting to open their borders. Maybe you’re wondering, “Can you get vaccinated in another country?” The short answer is - yes, you can! For non-vaccinated travelers, the U.S. island territory of Guam is one of the first places to reopen its doors to tourists with the introduction of its Air V&V - vaccination and vacation - program. This island’s fascinating history, alluring beaches, and distant shores summon you. If you’re traveling to Guam during the pandemic, allow us to ease your planning with these things to take note of.
1. The COVID-19 status in Guam
The most recent updates regarding the status of COVID-19 in Guam are regularly provided by the Office of Epidemiology and Research of the Department of Public Health and Social Services. As of July 13, 2021, there have been 8,467 confirmed cases with 142 deaths since January 3, 2021. The summary also notes that 160,795 doses have been administered as of June 2021.
As of this writing, there are 113 cases in active isolation and 6 hospitalized cases. If you’re planning a trip to Guam, be sure to check the websites of the World Health Organization and Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services for real-time updates.
Website: World Health Organization
Website: Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services
2. General visa guidelines and requirements
The rules and requirements to enter and exit Guam follow that of the continental United States and Hawaii. For US citizens, photo IDs and proof of citizenship may be allowed, but it’s best to have your passport handy. If you’re presenting a photo ID, keep in mind that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) only accepts REAL ID compliant cards, which show the mark of a star at the top.
For tourists coming from other countries, the general policy is to have a valid passport with a US visa. If you’re an international traveler eligible for the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, you must complete Form I-736 for your trip.
Website: Entry & Exit Formalities
Website: TSA REAL ID
3. Pre-travel COVID testing requirements
All air passengers must get tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to departure and present the negative result to their respective airlines before the flight, as enforced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of January 26, 2021, passengers must also present an attestation that the information and document they provide are true.
If you have been previously infected with COVID within three months of your travel to Guam, you must also take a COVID-19 PCR test and obtain clearance from your physician, clinic, or health institution.
Website: CDC Guidance
Website: Departing from the Philippines
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4. Quarantine requirements upon arrival in Guam
For all incoming travelers, the general rule upon arrival is a 10-day Guam quarantine at a government facility. Quarantine may be exempted for travelers who will present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of their arrival. If you’ve only taken a negative antigen test within 72 hours of your arrival, you’ll still be required to quarantine at a home or at your accommodation.
If you are fully vaccinated, you may be exempt from quarantine but must first present documents such as a photo ID, a vaccination card, a secondary proof of vaccination, and a declaration form signed under penalty of perjury.
Website: Quarantine Guidelines
5. Proof of vaccination for vaccinated travelers
For entry to Guam, being fully vaccinated means that two weeks have passed since your second dose in a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine that is authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization. In case you qualify, you may be exempt from quarantine after providing documents such as a photo ID, a COVID-19 vaccination card (with name, date of birth, date(s) of vaccination, and brand of vaccine), secondary proof of vaccination (vaccinating health authority record or a letter from your vaccination provider), and a declaration form attesting to your vaccination signed under penalty of perjury.
Website: Proof of Vaccination Guidelines
6. Guam's Air V&V travel program
Besides Guam’s majestic shores, one of the best things waiting for you here is the introduction of the Air V&V travel program. This vaccination and vacation program is open to those who wish to get a COVID-19 vaccine during their trip. If you are 12 years of age and above, you may receive either Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This excellent program that aims to raise the overall vaccination numbers allows you to get your dose while staying in the comfort of a participating hotel. There are 12 participating hotels, including Westin Resort Guam, Pacific Islands Club, Leopalace Resort Guam, and Guam Reef Hotel.
You may schedule your appointment online and choose among the three brands depending on availability. You may get vaccinated as soon as the day after you arrive. If you’ve been vaccinated with the first dose in your home country, you may present your records and get your second dose in Guam.
To get your vaccine, you’ll only need to present a photo ID. For travelers aged 12 to 17, a parent or legal guardian must be present.
Air V&V Guam
Click below for more information about Guam’s Air V&V (vaccination and vacation) program.
7. Requirements for those previously infected with COVID-19
If you have previously been infected with COVID-19 within three months of your arrival in Guam, don’t worry, you’ll still be allowed to travel under certain conditions! Most importantly, you must not have any signs and symptoms of infection to be exempt from quarantine. You’ll have to provide the following documents: a valid photo ID such as passport and driver’s license, a valid positive PCR test that was collected between 10 to 90 days prior to your arrival, and a valid negative PCR test that was taken within 10 days before your arrival. You must also obtain clearance from your physician, clinic, or health institution.
Website: Guidelines for those previously infected with COVID-19
8. Mask mandate, social distancing, and other safety tips
While mainland US does not require the wearing of masks for fully vaccinated people, Guam’s case is different. Guam’s limited health care facilities may be overwhelmed when cases increase, so everyone must still wear masks. As of this writing, Guam governor Lou Leon Guerrero aims to reach 80% herd immunity by July 21 and have a 100% capacity for restaurants and other establishments. For now, keep yourself and your loved ones safe by practicing social distancing, always wearing masks, and washing and sanitizing your hands regularly!
Mask mandates and other news
Website: States and territories with mask mandates
Website: Guam mask mandate
Guam welcomes you
Traveling during the pandemic sure has its fair share of downs. Having to constantly check airport guidelines and local government restrictions gets overwhelming. Now that the world is getting a hold of the situation and vaccine tourism is becoming popular, more places are starting to welcome us back, and this includes the beautiful and sunny Guam.
With its Air V&V program, the island is aiming for a boost in tourism and the economy, and of course, the overall safety and well-being of its visitors. We hope that these things to take note of when traveling to Guam will help you prepare for your visit to this summer paradise!
Air V&V Guam
Click below for more information about Guam’s Air V&V (vaccination and vacation) program.
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