SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands — The US Department of Homeland Security is suspending a program that let Chinese visitors travel to the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa, effective October 31.
A notice published in the Federal Register on Tuesday suspends the CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorisation Program (EVS-TAP), introduced in February 2025. It allowed stays of up to 14 days, with no onward travel to Guam. More than 3,000 Chinese nationals entered under it in fiscal year 2025, RNZ reported.
DHS cited security risks, including espionage targeting US military bases, and past cases of Chinese nationals smuggled from Saipan to Guam, some later encountered near sensitive military facilities. It also pointed to birth tourism, money laundering and labour abuses, including at the former Imperial Pacific casino.
The suspension applies to new and already-approved travelers. Those already in the territory may stay until their authorized stay ends.
DHS said it will review the program with the State and Interior departments and gave no timetable for reinstating it.
Sources: RNZ
—
