About Rota Island
Rota is a small, tropical paradise located nearly halfway between Saipan and Guam. It has an area of 85.38 km² and is home to approximately 2,500 residents.
Surrounded by the ocean and blessed with refreshing sea breezes, the island still retains much of its untouched, pristine nature.
As there are no direct international flights to Rota, visitors travel via Saipan or Guam.
Star Marianas Air operates flights from both Saipan and Guam, with a flight time of approximately 30 minutes on a small aircraft. Click here for more access details.
| Country | Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), U.S. Territory |
|---|---|
| Access | Approx. 3.5 hours from Japan to Saipan or Guam, then a 30-minute flight via small aircraft. |
| Passport | Must be valid for at least 45 days from the date of entry. |
| Visa / Entry | ETA (Guam-CNMI VWP): For stays up to 45 days (Free) OR ESTA: For stays up to 90 days ($21 fee). *Please check latest official requirements. |
| Time Zone | ChST (Chamorro Standard Time) / UTC+10. (1 hour ahead of Japan). |
| Languages | English, Chamorro, and Carolinian. Many locals speak a few words of Japanese. Interestingly, words like “Zori” (sandals) and “Futon” are the same as in Japanese! |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD). There are banks on the island but no currency exchange offices. We recommend exchanging money before arrival. (Note: Some shops do not accept credit cards.) |
| Electricity | 110V, 60Hz. Standard Japanese appliances can usually be used for short periods without a transformer. |
| Tipping | While not strictly mandatory, it is a U.S. territory, so a tip of around 10-15% is standard as a gesture of appreciation. |
| Water | Rota’s tap water comes from high-quality natural underground springs and is safe to drink. The water is “hard water” and tastes great! |
| Island Transport | No public transportation. Traffic drives on the right side. Travel between the airport and hotels is done via hotel shuttles or rental cars. As there are no taxis, we highly recommend renting a car for personal exploration. Click here for rental car details. |
| Driving License | Japanese driver’s licenses are valid for up to 30 days after entry. International licenses are also accepted. |
| Safety | Very safe. Locals are friendly and often wave to tourists. Walking at night is generally safe, but please be careful as streetlights are limited. As with any travel, please manage your valuables responsibly. |
| Climate / Water Temp | Tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 27°C (80°F). Temperature and humidity remain stable, making it possible to swim year-round. |
| Local Custom | It is a local habit to wave hello to others, whether walking or driving. The islanders are very friendly, so please wave back and say hello! |
☆ There are two main villages on Rota:
“Songsong Village” in the southwest and “Sinapalo Village” near the airport.
【Songsong Village】 Approx. 15 minutes by car from the airport.
(The main hub featuring the harbor, hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. Blue Palms is also located here.)
