![[Updated for 2026] Traveling to Tropical Destinations with Your Dog | Procedures and Return Preparations for Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan](https://petair.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Top-3-countries-where-you-can-fully-enjoy-a-resort-atmosphere.jpg)
Last Updated: August 1, 2026
Which tropical destinations are dog-friendly? The answer is Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan.
The three tropical destinations that are easy to visit with your dog are Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan. All three are U.S. territories with well-established rabies control systems in place. While the official websites of the relevant authorities in Hawaii and Guam provide clear guidance on the procedures for bringing dogs from Japan, please note that Saipan requires individual inquiries regarding the import of dogs from outside the U.S., including Japan.
A Rough Comparison of the Three Destinations
- Hawaii: The only state in the U.S. free of rabies. If certain conditions are met, you may be eligible for airport pickup on the day of arrival.
- Guam: 3. Among the travel destinations, this one is relatively close by direct flight. If certain conditions are met—such as taking a direct flight and staying in the destination for at least 120 days—you may be eligible for quarantine exemption.
- Saipan: A laid-back, relaxing island. Since direct flight availability varies by season, it’s important to check in advance, and packing for the return trip is the most time-consuming of the three destinations.
It’s not true that “all tropical destinations have the same procedures.” Saipan, in particular, is treated fundamentally differently from Hawaii and Guam under Japan’s repatriation regulations. The key to a successful trip with your dog is to plan not only the procedures for the trip there but also the preparations for the return trip. Let’s go through them step by step.
What are the U.S. rules (CDC regulations) common to all three travel destinations?
Since Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan are all part of the United States, the U.S. CDC’s dog import regulations, which took effect on August 1, 2024, apply uniformly to all three (as of July 2026). In addition to the quarantine rules specific to each state and territory, you must first comply with these federal regulations.
Japan is not included on the CDC’s list of high-risk countries for rabies and is classified by the CDC as a “rabies-free or low-risk country.” For dogs entering Japan on a direct flight that have spent the past six months exclusively in rabies-free or low-risk countries, the only additional CDC-related document required is the Dog Import Form, and there are no restrictions on which airports they may enter through (as of July 2026). For details,CDC FAQs on Importing Dogs (English)Please check there for the latest information.
Hawaii | The Only State in the U.S. Free of Rabies
Hawaii's Highlights and How to Enjoy It
Hawaii is the only state in the U.S. where there have been no cases of rabies (Source:Hawaii State Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity FAQ(as of July 2026). To maintain this status, a quarantine system for dogs and cats has been established; while the rules are strict, if you meet the requirements, you may be eligible for “direct airport release,” which allows you to pick up your dog at the airport on the day of arrival.
Leisurely walks along the blue ocean and white sandy beaches, as well as hikes on lush, green trails, are some of the unique pleasures Hawaii has to offer. While there are pet-friendly restaurants and accommodations, rules regarding dogs vary by beach and facility, and some areas may not allow them. Be sure to check the local rules for the places you plan to visit in advance.
What Do You Need to Enter Hawaii? (Direct Airport Entry and "5 Days or Less" Requirements)
Hawaii’s quarantine program consists of three categories: “Direct Airport Release,” “5 Days or Less,” and “120-Day Quarantine.” Dogs for which all necessary preparations have been completed may be eligible for Direct Airport Release, allowing them to be picked up on the day of arrival. As of July 2026, the main requirements are as follows:
Attachment of microchip
To link blood samples from antibody titer tests to specific animals, microchipping must be performed prior to blood collection.
Two or more rabies vaccinations in a lifetime
The second dose must be administered at least 30 days after the first dose. The most recent vaccination must have been administered at least 30 days prior to arrival and must be within its validity period (within 12 months for the 1-year vaccine and within 36 months for the 3-year vaccine).
Rabies Antibody Titer Test (OIE-FAVN) and 30-Day Waiting Period
An antibody titer of more than 0.5 IU/ml is required. You may enter the state after a 30-day waiting period from the date the testing facility received your blood sample. The test results are valid for 36 months.
Issuance of Health Certificates and Proof of Tick and Flea Control
A health certificate issued by a veterinarian is required. The certificate must also include a record of tick and flea treatment. Since the timing of issuance and requirements for treatment medications are subject to change, please check the official website for the latest conditions.
Submit the complete set of documents at least 10 days before arrival
Please send the complete set of documents prepared by the pet owner to the Hawaii Animal Quarantine Station so that they arrive at least 10 days before your arrival. If the documents are submitted less than 10 days before arrival, an additional fee will apply, and there is a possibility that the paperwork will not be processed in time for you to pick up your pet at the airport (please check the official website for details).
The state fees are as follows (as of July 2026; subject to change).
| Program | State Fees (as of July 2026) |
|---|---|
| Direct Airport Release (if documents must be received at least 10 days prior to arrival) | $185 |
| 5 Days or Less | $244 |
| When using the "Direct Airport Access" service on a neighboring island (Kona, Kahului, Lihue) | In addition to the above, a separate fee is required for the Neighboring Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) (please check the official website for the amount). |
In addition to Honolulu (Daniel K. Inouye International Airport), the direct airport entry program is also available in Kona, Kahului, and Lihue if you obtain an inspection permit for neighboring islands. However, for inter-island travel, documents must be received at least 30 days prior to arrival, and a prior appointment at a local approved veterinary clinic is also required (please note that this deadline is earlier than the “10 days prior” requirement for Honolulu). Additionally, upon arrival on a neighboring island, a separate Neighboring Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) fee will be charged in addition to the state fees mentioned above (please check the official website for the amount). The governing agency is the “Hawaii State Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB),” which was renamed in July 2025. The latest requirements and fees areThe agency's Animal Quarantine page (in English)Please be sure to check this.
Guam | A U.S. territory that’s relatively close via direct flights
Guam's Highlights and How to Enjoy It
One of Guam’s appeals is that, among these three destinations, it’s relatively close and accessible via direct flights. Since the flight time is short, it’s easier to minimize the stress on your dog, making it a great option to consider for your first overseas trip. While there are pet-friendly accommodations available, rules regarding dogs on beaches and at restaurants vary by establishment. When planning your trip, it’s a good idea to check with the places you plan to visit in advance for peace of mind.
What do I need to enter Guam?
To enter Guam, you must complete the following preparations, including obtaining an Entry Permit in advance (Source:Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency (CQA) Pet Import Requirements(as of July 2026).
Application for an Entry Permit
The pet owner must submit the application. The official FAQ recommends applying 2 to 3 months before arrival. The application fee is $60 (non-refundable), and the pet license fee is $5 per year (as of July 2026). Be sure to plan ahead.
Attachment of microchip
If you are using the quarantine program for stays of less than 120 days, Guam authorities require that the mask be “made in the U.S. and readable by the AVID Universal Scanner.” It is safest to check the CQA official website in advance to confirm the specific requirements that apply to you, including cases where you may be eligible for quarantine exemption on direct flights from Japan.
Two or more rabies vaccinations in a lifetime
Your most recent vaccination must be valid at the time of arrival (within 12 months for a 1-year vaccine, and within 36 months for a 3-year vaccine).
Rabies Antibody Titer Test (OIE-FAVN)
If you plan to use the quarantine program, you must have had the test performed within 12 months prior to arrival and achieved a titer of 0.5 IU/ml or higher (1.0 IU/ml or higher if using home quarantine). Please check the official CQA website to confirm whether you need the test, including cases where you may be eligible for quarantine exemption on direct flights from Japan. Please note that test results are sent directly from the testing facility to the Guam Department of Agriculture, and you cannot receive an additional rabies vaccination after the FAVN blood draw.
Get the combination vaccine (for 6 diseases) at least 10 days before departure
Vaccinations against distemper, canine infectious hepatitis/adenovirus type 2, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and Bordetella are required.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days prior to arrival.
In English, with the veterinarian’s signature (original or stamped signature). It must include the animal’s information, parasite treatment history, microchip number, and rabies vaccination record.
Dogs arriving on a direct flight from a rabies-free region such as Japan, that meet the requirements, and have resided in that region for at least 120 days may be eligible for quarantine exemption. If the requirements are not met, the dog will be subject to a quarantine period of up to 120 days, so advance preparation is absolutely essential for travel to this destination. The latest requirements areGuam Customs and Quarantine Bureau Official Website (English)please check there.
This article provides a detailed overview of your trip to Guam.
Saipan | The Island of Healing. However, it requires the most preparation out of the three.
Features of Saipan and Current Travel Information
Saipan (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, CNMI) is a popular travel destination known for its mild climate and laid-back island atmosphere. Flight schedules, including direct flights from Narita to Saipan, are subject to change depending on the season. When planning your trip, please check the latest flight schedules on the airlines’ official websites, including information on connecting flights.
Another important point to note is that Saipan is not included in the “designated regions” under Japan’s repatriation system. Unlike Hawaii and Guam, where “the same procedures” apply, you’ll need to make separate arrangements for both your outbound and return trips. This will be explained in more detail in the section on repatriation below.
What do I need to enter Saipan?
The list published on the official website of the CNMI Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) regarding entry requirements for Saipan is, based on its heading, intended for “Bringing Dogs and Cats from the United States.” For animals brought in from outside the United States—including Japan—the policy states that “regulations vary by region, so please inquire individually”; therefore, the specific conditions applicable to dogs from Japan and whether quarantine is required are not explicitly stated (Source:CNMI Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Animal Import Page(as of July 2026). For reference, the following are the requirements published on that page for travelers arriving from the United States. If you are traveling from Japan, please be sure to check with the CNMI authorities individually at the planning stage of your trip.
Application for an Entry Permit
The disclosure requirements state that pet owners must submit an application to the Agriculture Division of the CNMI Department of Natural Resources (DLNR) at least 14 days prior to arrival, and that the permit is valid for 60 days.
Two or more rabies vaccinations in a lifetime
According to the disclosure requirements, a certificate signed by a veterinarian is required for each vaccination. The guidelines state that an antibody titer test (FAVN) is recommended after the second vaccination.
Combination Vaccines and Parasite Prevention
The disclosure requirements state that, in addition to vaccinations for DHLPP (a combination vaccine for distemper, etc.) and Bordetella, a veterinarian’s certification is required confirming that the animal has been treated for internal and external parasites within 14 days prior to travel.
Health certificates must be issued within 10 days prior to travel
The entry requirements include a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days prior to travel.
Compliance with CDC Regulations
Since Saipan is part of the U.S. territory, the standard rules—that dogs must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, and accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form—apply.
To reiterate, the list above outlines the public requirements for entry from the United States. Since it has not been disclosed to what extent these requirements apply to entry from Japan or whether such entry is subject to quarantine, please check with the CNMI authorities individually regarding the applicable conditions—including quarantine procedures—when considering your trip.
Comparison Chart of Procedures for Three Destinations
Here is a comparison of the main requirements. All figures and deadlines are based on official information from the respective authorities as of July 2026. Please note that the asterisk (*) in the Saipan column indicates reference values published by the CNMI for “imports from the United States”; the applicable conditions for imports from Japan must be confirmed on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to check the latest information at the links provided.
| Items | Hawaii | Guam | Saipan *Publicly available rates for shipments originating in the U.S.; please confirm individually. |
|---|---|---|---|
| rabies vaccination | At least twice in a lifetime (the second time must be at least 30 days after the first, and the most recent must be at least 30 days before arrival) | At least twice in a lifetime (valid upon arrival) | At least twice in one’s lifetime (with proof for each occasion) * |
| Antibody Titer Test (FAVN) | Greater than 0.5 IU/mL + 30-day waiting period from the date of specimen receipt (results are valid for 36 months) | 0.5 IU/mL or higher within 12 months prior to arrival (when using the quarantine program) | Recommended after two doses* (effectively mandatory for returning to Japan) |
| Health certificate | Issued by a veterinarian (check the official website for the issuance date) | Within 10 days of arrival (English) | Within 10 days prior to departure* |
| advance application | All documents must be received at least 10 days prior to arrival | Apply for an entry permit in advance (recommended 2–3 months before arrival) | Apply for an entry permit at least 14 days before arrival* |
| Procedures Upon Returning to Japan | Designated Areas (Short-term mooring permitted if requirements are met) | Designated Areas (Short-term mooring permitted if requirements are met) | Outside the designated areas (antibody testing, etc., prior to departure is effectively mandatory) |
Source:Hawaii State Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity／Guam Customs and Quarantine Bureau／CNMI Department of Natural Resources (DLNR)／Animal Quarantine Office (Procedures for Returning to Japan)(Date of confirmation: August 1, 2026). *The figures in the Saipan column are the requirements published on the CNMI’s official website for “Bringing Dogs and Cats from the United States.” Since the conditions for bringing animals from Japan are not explicitly published, individual confirmation with CNMI authorities is required.
Once you've decided on your destination, start working backward from the preparation period
Please let us know your destination and planned departure date.
Here is information on the required preparation period and the initial procedures.
When should I start preparing for my return to Japan?
Preparations for returning to Japan begin “before you leave Japan.” Since Hawaii and Guam are “designated regions” for Japan, your quarantine upon return will be brief if you meet the requirements; however, because Saipan is not a designated region, failing to make the necessary preparations before departure carries the risk of a lengthy quarantine upon your return. While this detail is often overlooked in travel articles, it is the most significant difference among these three destinations.
Requirements for Departing Japan (Common to All Three Destinations)
Before leaving Japan, dogs must undergo export inspections for rabies and leptospirosis at an animal quarantine station and receive an export health certificate. You must contact the animal quarantine station where the inspection will take place no later than 14 days before departure (depending on the destination’s requirements, you may need to contact them even earlier). For details,Animal Quarantine Service: “For Those Traveling Abroad with Dogs or Cats for a Short Stay”please review.
Return from Hawaii and Guam (Designated Areas)
Hawaii and Guam are included in Japan’s import system as “designated regions” (regions considered rabies-free) (as of July 2026. Source:Animal Quarantine Service: "Importation of Dogs and Cats from Designated Areas"). The main steps are as follows:
- Up to 40 days before your return (arrival): Submit a pre-import notification via NACCS (the online system for animal quarantine-related operations).
- Within 10 days before departure from the destination country: The goods will undergo a pre-shipment inspection at the destination.
- Obtain a certificate issued by a local government agency: The recommended form is Form AB. It must include a statement such as “The animals have been kept exclusively in the designated area since their export from Japan.”
- Upon Arrival in Japan: The vessel will undergo an import inspection. If all requirements are met, the detention will be brief; however, if there are any deficiencies in the documentation, the detention for inspection could last up to 180 days.
Returning from Saipan (excluding designated areas)
Since Saipan is not included in the designated areas, the standard requirements for returning to Japan are significantly stricter. Microchipping, at least two rabies vaccinations, an antibody titer test of 0.5 IU/ml or higher at a designated testing facility, and a waiting period of at least 180 days from the date of blood collection—if any of these requirements are not met, your pet may be subject to a quarantine period of up to 180 days upon your return to Japan (Source:Animal Quarantine Service: “Importation of Dogs and Cats from Areas Other Than Designated Regions”(as of July 2026).
However, for short-term trips, there is a system in place whereby, if you complete the microchipping, at least two rabies vaccinations, a blood test, and an antibody titer test before departing Japan, you can avoid the 180-day waiting period overseas and limit the quarantine period upon your return to Japan to within 12 hours. You must also submit an import notification at least 40 days before your return and provide a health certificate issued by a government agency in the country where you are staying. In other words, for a trip to Saipan, “completing your return preparations before departure” is essentially a prerequisite. For detailed conditions,Official Website of the Animal Quarantine ServicePlease check this or consult with us during the planning stage.
Common precautions
No matter where you're traveling, the following preparations—along with complying with regulations—will determine how comfortable your trip is.
Related Articles:Tips for Enjoying Overseas Travel with Your Dog
FAQ
🐾 Traveling Abroad with Your Pet? Please Contact Us First
Please let us know your destination, desired departure date, and pet situation.
A summary of the required procedures and deadlines will be provided.
Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)
*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. Quarantine regulations in various countries and airline policies are subject to change without notice. This article is intended to provide general information only; to determine whether travel is permitted in your specific case and to confirm the requirements, please check the latest official information from the relevant national authorities, animal quarantine offices, and airlines.
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