US suspension of EVS-TAP for Chinese nationals

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the suspension of the Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), which permitted pre-screened Chinese nationals to visit the Northern Mariana Islands for up to 14 days without a visa. The suspension, which took effect on October 30, 2026, applies to both new applicants and previously approved travelers.

DHS cited national security and law enforcement risks as the primary drivers for the decision. These concerns include potential espionage near sensitive military infrastructure, human trafficking, and birth tourism. Officials noted that the previous screening process by Customs and Border Protection was deemed insufficient compared to State Department consular oversight. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated the measure aims to strengthen immigration integrity, noting that “American citizenship is not a travel privilege.”

As a result of the suspension, Chinese citizens seeking to visit the islands for tourism or business must now apply for B-1 or B-2 visas through a US embassy or consulate. The policy change is expected to impact the local tourism industry in the Northern Mariana Islands, which saw more than 3,000 Chinese citizens utilize the program in fiscal year 2025.