US DHS suspends visa-free travel for Chinese citizens to Northern Mariana Islands

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended the Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), which allowed preselected Chinese citizens to travel to the Northern Mariana Islands for up to 14 days without a consular visa. The suspension took effect on October 30, 2026.

Officials stated the program was being halted due to risks involving birth tourism, human trafficking, and potential espionage near military installations. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin emphasized that the measure is part of efforts to strengthen immigration integrity and border security, noting that “American citizenship is not a travel privilege.”

Under the new requirements, Chinese citizens wishing to visit the islands for business or tourism must now apply for B-1 or B-2 visas through a US embassy or consulate. The decision impacts the local tourism industry in the Northern Mariana Islands, which relied heavily on the program. In fiscal year 2025, more than 3,000 Chinese citizens utilized the EVS-TAP authorization.