Moylan Renewed Effort to Include Philippines in Guam Visa Program

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Key Takeaways

• James Moylan pushes to include Philippines in Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program by late 2025.
• Philippine citizens could visit Guam and CNMI visa-free for up to 45 days under proposal.
• Federal agencies review security, compliance; no implementation date set yet.

Congressman James Moylan has renewed his push in July 2025 to include the Philippines 🇵🇭 in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, a move that could reshape travel, tourism, and family connections between Guam and the Philippines. This effort, supported by the Guam Visitors Bureau and now under review by federal agencies, aims to allow Filipino citizens to visit Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) without a visa for short stays. The proposal is still in the advocacy and negotiation stage, but it has sparked strong interest and debate across the region.

What’s Happening and Why It Matters

Moylan Renewed Effort to Include Philippines in Guam Visa Program

James Moylan, Guam’s delegate to the U.S. Congress, is leading the charge to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program already lets citizens from certain countries visit Guam and CNMI for up to 45 days without a visa. Moylan’s renewed effort in 2025 comes after years of stalled attempts, and it’s backed by local tourism leaders who see the Philippines as a key market for Guam’s economy.

The main goal is to make travel easier and cheaper for Filipinos visiting Guam and CNMI, whether for tourism, business, or to see family. Many people in Guam have close relatives in the Philippines, so this change could help families reunite more often. At the same time, Guam’s tourism industry, which is still recovering from the pandemic, stands to benefit from more visitors and increased business.

Key Players and Their Roles

James Moylan: As Guam’s delegate in Congress, Moylan is the main advocate for this policy change. He argues that including the Philippines in the visa waiver program will help Guam’s economy and strengthen family ties. Moylan has said, “This is about making it easier for families to connect and for our businesses to grow. The Philippines is a natural partner for Guam.”
Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB): The GVB is working closely with Moylan, providing data and support to show how much Guam could benefit from more Filipino visitors. The GVB believes that easier travel rules will boost tourism, create jobs, and help local businesses.
Federal Agencies: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other federal bodies must review and approve any changes to the visa waiver program. They are responsible for making sure that new countries meet all security and information-sharing requirements before being added to the program.

How the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program Works

The Guam-CNMI VWP is different from the main U.S. Visa Waiver Program. While the national VWP covers countries like Japan and South Korea, the Guam-CNMI version has its own list of eligible countries. Right now, the Philippines is not on that list, so Filipino citizens must apply for a visa to visit Guam or CNMI, even for short trips.

If the proposal succeeds, Filipino citizens could travel to Guam and CNMI for up to 45 days without a visa. This would remove a major barrier, saving travelers time and money. It would also make Guam a more attractive destination for Filipino tourists, business people, and families.

Why Now? The Push in 2025

The renewed effort comes at a time when Guam is looking for ways to boost its economy and recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism is a major part of Guam’s economy, and visitor numbers from the Philippines have always been strong when travel is easy. By making it simpler for Filipinos to visit, Guam hopes to see more flights, fuller hotels, and busier shops and restaurants.

James Moylan and the GVB have been meeting with federal officials, local business leaders, and community groups to build support. They are also working to address concerns about security and compliance, which have blocked similar efforts in the past.

The Steps Needed for Approval

Adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI VWP is not a simple process. It involves several steps:

Formal Request to DHS: Moylan and the GVB must submit a detailed request to the Department of Homeland Security, explaining why the Philippines should be added and how it meets the program’s requirements.
Congressional Advocacy: Moylan is working to build support in Congress, reaching out to lawmakers from both parties. Bipartisan backing is important for moving the proposal forward.
Security and Compliance Checks: The Philippines must show that it has secure passports, shares information with U.S. authorities, and has a low rate of visitors overstaying their allowed time. These checks are meant to protect U.S. borders and prevent abuse of the program.
Federal Review and Decision: DHS and other agencies will review the request, conduct risk assessments, and decide whether to approve the change. This process can take months or even years.

As of July 2025, the proposal is still under review, and no official implementation date has been set. Moylan and his supporters hope for a decision by late 2025, but the timeline depends on how quickly federal agencies complete their work.

Potential Benefits for Guam and the Philippines

Supporters of the proposal see many benefits:

More Tourists: The Philippines is a large country with a growing middle class. Many Filipinos already travel abroad for vacations and business. Making it easier for them to visit Guam could lead to a big jump in visitor numbers.
Economic Growth: More tourists mean more spending on hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions. This could help Guam’s economy recover and create new jobs.
Stronger Family Ties: Many people in Guam have family in the Philippines. Visa-free travel would make it easier for families to visit each other for holidays, celebrations, and emergencies.
Business Opportunities: Easier travel could lead to more business deals, conferences, and trade between Guam and the Philippines.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the inclusion of the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program could be a “game-changer” for Guam’s tourism sector and for Filipino-Guamanian relations.

Concerns and Challenges

Not everyone supports the proposal. Some critics worry about:

Border Security: There are concerns that visa-free travel could make it easier for people to overstay their allowed time or enter the U.S. illegally. Federal agencies will need to make sure that the Philippines meets all security standards before approving the change.
Overstays: The U.S. government tracks how many visitors stay longer than allowed. If too many people overstay, it could lead to problems and even removal from the program.
Screening and Information Sharing: The Philippines must show that it can share information with U.S. authorities about travelers, lost or stolen passports, and criminal records.

James Moylan has said that these concerns are being taken seriously. “We want to make sure that any changes protect Guam’s security and follow all federal rules,” he said. “We’re working closely with DHS and other agencies to address these issues.”

Historical Context: Why Hasn’t This Happened Before?

The idea of adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI VWP is not new. Over the past decade, local leaders have raised the issue several times. However, previous efforts stalled because of security concerns and shifting federal priorities. The U.S. government has strict rules for visa waiver programs, and the Philippines has not yet met all the requirements.

The Guam-CNMI program is separate from the main U.S. VWP, which means changes can be made at the regional level if federal authorities agree. This gives Guam and CNMI some flexibility, but they still need approval from Washington, D.C.

What Needs to Happen Next?

For the proposal to move forward, several things must happen:

The Philippines must meet all U.S. security and information-sharing standards.
DHS and other federal agencies must complete their review and approve the change.
Congressional leaders must continue to support the effort and help move it through the necessary channels.

If all goes well, the change could take effect in 2026. However, this is only an estimate, and the actual timeline depends on federal action.

How Would Filipino Travelers Benefit?

If the proposal is approved, Filipino citizens would be able to:

Visit Guam and CNMI for up to 45 days without a visa
Save time and money by skipping the visa application process
Travel more easily for tourism, business, or family visits

This would make Guam and CNMI more attractive destinations for Filipinos, who already travel in large numbers to other countries in Asia and beyond.

What Should Travelers and Businesses Do Now?

While the proposal is still under review, travelers and businesses should:

Stay informed: Follow updates from Congressman Moylan’s office, the Guam Visitors Bureau, and official U.S. government sources.
Prepare for possible changes: Businesses in Guam should get ready for a possible increase in Filipino visitors by improving services, hiring staff, and updating marketing materials.
Check current visa rules: Until the change is approved, Filipino citizens must still apply for a visa to visit Guam or CNMI. The latest information can be found on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website.

Community Voices: What Are People Saying?

Many people in Guam and the Philippines are watching the proposal closely. Tourism leaders, business owners, and families with ties to both places are hopeful that the change will happen soon.

A local hotel manager in Guam said, “We’ve always welcomed Filipino guests, but the visa process can be a barrier. If this goes through, we expect to see a big increase in bookings.”

A Filipino resident in Guam shared, “I have family in Manila, and it’s hard for them to visit because of the visa rules. This would make a huge difference for us.”

At the same time, some community members urge caution. “Security is important,” said a local official. “We need to make sure that any changes are safe for everyone.”

Looking Ahead: What’s the Outlook?

The future of the proposal depends on several factors:

Federal approval: DHS and other agencies must complete their review and give the green light.
Philippines’ readiness: The Philippines must show that it can meet all U.S. requirements for secure travel and information sharing.
Continued advocacy: James Moylan and his supporters must keep building support in Congress and among federal officials.

If the proposal is approved, it could take effect as early as 2026. This would mark a major change in travel and immigration policy for Guam, CNMI, and the Philippines.

Where to Find More Information

For the latest updates and official news, readers can visit:

These sites provide up-to-date information on the status of the proposal, current visa rules, and travel requirements.

Conclusion: What This Means for Guam and the Philippines

The renewed push by James Moylan to include the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program is one of the most important immigration and tourism developments for Guam in recent years. If approved, it would make travel easier for thousands of Filipino visitors, boost Guam’s economy, and help families stay connected. The proposal has strong support from local leaders and businesses, but it must still clear several federal hurdles before becoming a reality.

For now, travelers and businesses should watch for updates and be ready for possible changes. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the outcome of this proposal could set a new standard for regional cooperation and people-to-people ties between Guam and the Philippines. The coming months will be critical as federal agencies review the plan and decide on the next steps.

Learn Today

Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program → A regional visa waiver allowing citizens of select countries to visit Guam and CNMI without a visa for short stays.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. federal agency responsible for immigration security and approval of visa waiver program changes.
Visa Overstay → When a foreign visitor remains in the U.S. beyond the allowed time without authorization, risking penalties.
Congressional Advocacy → Efforts by lawmakers to support or promote legislation or policy changes through Congress.
Information Sharing → The process of exchanging traveler and security data between countries to ensure border safety.

This Article in a Nutshell

Congressman James Moylan advocates adding the Philippines to Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, easing travel for Filipinos. This would boost tourism, family reunions, and economic recovery in Guam. With federal review ongoing, a decision is expected by 2025, potentially revolutionizing regional travel and strengthening ties between Guam and the Philippines.
— By VisaVerge.com