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US Ends EVS-TAP Program for Chinese Visitors
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the suspension of visa-free travel for Chinese nationals visiting the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Effective October 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, the suspension will terminate the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP).
This program previously allowed pre-screened Chinese passport holders to enter the US Pacific territory for stays of up to 14 days without a traditional US visa. The suspension applies to both new applicants and those who had previously received approval.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin ordered the move following concerns from lawmakers regarding birth tourism and national security vulnerabilities. Federal officials also cited the risk of unauthorized onward travel to Guam, which serves as a critical US military hub in the western Pacific.
Impact on Travel and Entry Procedures
The suspension is not a total ban on Chinese visitors but removes a specific, streamlined entry pathway. Travelers who are already within the territory may complete their authorized stays, but existing EVS-TAP approvals will not guarantee entry for future trips.
Because the deadline is set to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), there is a time zone gap for those in the islands. When the suspension takes effect at 2 p.m. EDT on October 30, it will be 4 a.m. on October 31 in the Northern Mariana Islands (Chamorro Standard Time).
Travelers with upcoming trips are advised to coordinate with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and their airlines to determine the necessary visa requirements for their specific dates of travel.
Strategic and Economic Significance
The Northern Mariana Islands, centered around Saipan, rely heavily on East Asian tourism to support their economy. The suspension of this specific authorization may disrupt visitor flows, impacting local tour operators, hotels, and aviation services.
The decision highlights the tension between economic vitality and regional security. The proximity of the CNMI to Guam makes the territory a sensitive point for federal agencies monitoring movement within the western Pacific.
The EVS-TAP was a geographically limited exception and differed from the broader US Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of specific countries to visit for 90 days. Chinese nationals were never part of the general Visa Waiver Program; they only had this specific, limited access to the CNMI.
Future Outlook and Review
The suspension remains in place indefinitely while a comprehensive review is conducted. This assessment will involve the secretaries of state and the interior to determine if screening processes can be improved to mitigate the identified risks.
The primary drivers for this policy shift include:
- Birth Tourism: Preventing the use of short-term visits to secure US citizenship for children.
- Security Risks: Addressing potential intelligence-gathering activities.
- Border Integrity: Stopping unauthorized movement from the CNMI to Guam or the US mainland.
Program Suspension Details
| Policy Detail | Reported Position |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Effective Time | 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time |
| Affected Nationality | Chinese nationals travelling under EVS-TAP |
| Destination | Northern Mariana Islands |
| Previous Permitted Stay | Up to 14 days |
| Reported Program Usage | More than 3,000 Chinese nationals in FY 2025 |
| New Applicants | Covered by the suspension |
| Previously Approved Travellers | Covered by the suspension |
| Visitors Already in Territory | May complete authorized stays |
| Future Visits | US Visa required (unless other lawful exception applies) |
| Duration of Suspension | Indefinite (pending interdepartmental review) |
Key Takeaways
- Deadline: Visa-free entry under EVS-TAP ends October 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. EDT.
- Scope: Affects Chinese nationals; includes both new and previously approved authorizations.
- Reasoning: Driven by concerns over birth tourism, national security, and unauthorized travel to Guam.
- Requirement: Travelers must now secure a standard US visa for entry into the Northern Mariana Islands.
- Status: The program is under review by the DHS, State, and Interior departments.
FAQ
Can I still visit the Northern Mariana Islands if I am a Chinese national? Yes, but you can no longer use the EVS-TAP visa-free authorization. You will generally need to apply for a standard US visitor visa through a US embassy or consulate.
What happens if I already have an approved EVS-TAP authorization? Approved authorizations are void after October 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. EDT. You will not be granted entry based on a previous EVS-TAP approval after this deadline.
Does this suspension apply to Guam? This specific suspension targets the EVS-TAP program for the Northern Mariana Islands. However, the move was partly motivated by the desire to prevent unauthorized travel from the CNMI into Guam.
