DoD Bumps Up Pay for Trips to Guam and Samoa
Published Date: 8/25/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting September 1, 2026, the Department of Defense is updating daily travel pay rates for government workers visiting U.S. territories like Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. These changes mostly mean higher lodging costs will be covered, making official trips smoother and less costly out of pocket. If travelers think the rates don’t match local prices, they can ask for a review to get fair pay.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Higher per diem for Guam, NMI, American Samoa
If you travel on official government business to Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa, your per diem for lodging is $179 and your meals & incidental expense (M&IE) is $138 for a total per diem of $317. These rates apply starting September 1, 2026 and reimburse higher lodging costs on official trips.
Bulletin 332 updates non-foreign per diem rates
The Department of Defense published Civilian Personnel Per Diem Bulletin Number 332 listing updated lodging, meal, and incidental rates for non-foreign areas (Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. possessions). The notice states the updated rates take effect September 1, 2026 and provides location-specific amounts in the bulletin table.
You can request a per diem rate review
If you think the listed lodging, meal, or incidental allowance for a locality is too low, you may request a rate review. The notice directs travelers to the Defense Travel Management Office Per Diem Rate Review FAQ for how to request a review.
Meal pay limited when meals included in lodging
When meals are included in the lodging rate at a locality, a traveler is allowed the meal rate only on the first and last day of travel. This rule limits how much you can claim for meals when lodging already covers some meals.
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