Chinese Visitors to the Northern Marianas Lose a Visa Shortcut This Week

The US Department of Homeland Security is suspending a program that let eligible Chinese passport holders visit the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa for up to 14 days. The Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program, known as EVS-TAP, stops at 2 p.m. Eastern time on October 30, which is early morning on October 31 in the islands.

DHS cited concerns about birth tourism, national security and intelligence-gathering risks, and possible unauthorized onward travel to Guam. The suspension covers new applicants and travelers who were already approved but have not yet arrived. People who are already in the commonwealth may finish their authorized stay. After the cutoff, Chinese nationals will need a visa unless another lawful exception applies.

The scale matters for a small tourism economy. According to DHS, more than 3,000 Chinese nationals used the program in fiscal year 2025. The department says the suspension is indefinite while it reviews the program with the Secretaries of State and the Interior, and it has not given a timeline for a decision. Separately, a State Department task force created in August has revoked hundreds of visas tied to suspected birth tourism.

For airlines, tour operators and hotels in Saipan and neighboring islands, the practical question is how quickly visa appointments can replace a program built for speed. Travelers with bookings after October 30 should confirm their documents with their carrier now rather than at the check-in counter, because the rule applies from the moment it takes effect.

Sources: Travel And Tour World, Legal 500