The United States has suspended a special visa-free travel programme for Chinese nationals visiting the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), citing national security concerns, human smuggling and other criminal activities.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the suspension of the CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorisation Program (EVS-TAP) in a Federal Register notice published on Tuesday.
The suspension takes effect on 31 October.
The EVS-TAP, introduced in February 2025, allows eligible Chinese nationals to visit the Northern Marianas without a US visa for up to 14 days.
Chinese visitors are prohibited from travelling onward to Guam or other parts of the United States under the arrangement.
The department said more than 3000 Chinese nationals entered the Northern Marianas under EVS-TAP during fiscal year 2025.
However, Homeland Security officials determined that the program presented unacceptable security and law enforcement risks, including the possibility of espionage targeting US military installations in the region.
The department cited previous cases involving Chinese nationals being smuggled from Saipan to Guam, some of whom were subsequently encountered near sensitive military facilities.
It also raised concerns about birth tourism, money laundering, and labour abuses associated with Chinese-linked businesses, including the former Imperial Pacific casino operation on Saipan.
The department acknowledged that suspending the program could affect businesses in the Northern Marianas that depend on Chinese tourists but said national security concerns outweighed the potential economic impact.
The suspension applies to new applicants and travelers who already have approved EVS-TAP authorisations.
Chinese nationals already legally in the Northern Marianas under the program may remain until their authorised stay expires.
Future visitors from China will need to obtain an appropriate US visa unless another lawful exception applies.
The department said it would review the program in consultation with the US departments of State and the Interior.
No timetable has been announced for its possible reinstatement.
