Filipinos Flying to Guam for Divorce with Only 7 Day Residency

When most travellers think of Guam, they imagine white sand beaches, duty free shopping, and a relaxed island lifestyle. What many do not expect is that this small United States territory in the Pacific has also become a destination for Filipinos who want a fresh start in life.

The reason is simple. Guam offers something that the Philippines still does not, divorce. Even more surprising is how quickly it can be done. The island only requires a seven day residency to file for divorce, which has made it an attractive option for Filipinos who are ready to move on from their marriages.

Why Filipinos Are Looking to Guam

In a recent court hearing, a lawyer shared that Guam’s short residency requirement has drawn many Filipinos, especially overseas Filipino workers or OFWs. For those based in nearby countries like Japan or South Korea, the trip to Guam is practical and often easier to arrange. Some even combine the process with a short island break, handling legal matters while enjoying the beach.

In the Philippines, divorce is still not recognised by law. The alternatives are annulment or legal separation, both of which can take years to finalise and often cost a significant amount. Compared with this, Guam’s process feels straightforward and gives people a chance to close one chapter of their lives and begin another.

How the Seven Day Rule Works

If you can show that you have stayed in Guam for seven days, you become eligible to file for divorce. The residency requirement is short, but that does not mean the process is as simple as buying a ticket and leaving free.

To begin, you need to prove your one week stay through documents such as your passport entry stamp, flight ticket, or hotel booking. From there, the process usually involves:

• Filing a petition for divorce with the Superior Court of Guam

• Providing your marriage certificate and valid identification

• Submitting any affidavits or agreements related to property, custody, or support (if applicable)

• Settling court fees and legal costs

• Working with a licensed Guam lawyer to handle paperwork and represent you in proceedings, especially if you cannot appear in person

Hearings can sometimes be done without the spouses physically present if a lawyer represents them. Once approved, the divorce decree issued in Guam can be recognised in the Philippines under certain conditions, particularly if one spouse is a foreign national.

Even with these requirements, the process remains far faster and clearer than the lengthy and costly annulment procedures in the Philippines.

Travelling to Guam While Starting Over

What makes Guam appealing is that it offers more than just a legal solution. While spending a week there, Filipinos can also explore the island’s highlights. Tumon Bay is known for its beaches, while cultural sites like the Plaza de España give visitors a glimpse of history. Guam is also a favourite shopping destination, with duty free outlets that attract travellers from all over Asia.

From Manila, flights to Guam take just over four hours. This makes it one of the closest international destinations where Filipinos can both travel and manage legal matters. For OFWs already working in the Pacific, it is even more convenient.

A New Chapter Begins

For many Filipinos, the idea of starting over after only a week in Guam is not only a legal possibility but also a source of hope. It proves that even if divorce remains unavailable at home, there are places abroad where change is possible.

Tourists may come to Guam for sunsets, island culture, and shopping. But for an increasing number of Filipinos, the island represents something deeper, the chance to move forward and begin a new chapter in life.