DHS Suspends Visa-Free Travel Program for Chinese Nationals Visiting CNMI

• The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is suspending the CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), ending visa-free travel to the Northern Mariana Islands for eligible Chinese nationals while the agency reviews national security and law enforcement concerns.

Visa-Free Travel Program for Chinese Nationals Visiting CNMI 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the suspension of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), which allowed pre-screened nationals of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to travel to the CNMI without a visa. The suspension will take effect three days after publication in the Federal Register.  

According to DHS, the agency is suspending the program while it evaluates its operation and the potential national security, law enforcement and immigration-related risks associated with visa-free travel under EVS-TAP.  

What Is EVS-TAP? 

EVS-TAP was created in 2024 as a restricted travel authorization program allowing eligible PRC nationals to visit the CNMI without a visa under specific conditions. Travelers were generally limited to stays of up to 14 days and were not permitted to travel to Guam, the U.S. mainland or other U.S. destinations.  

The program became operational in February 2025 and replaced a previous parole policy for PRC nationals traveling to the CNMI.

Why Is DHS Suspending the Program? 

DHS stated that it determined there is “good cause” to suspend EVS-TAP based on national security, law enforcement and immigration enforcement concerns. The agency cited: 

• Concerns that the program could be exploited for espionage or intelligence collection activities.  
• Instances of unauthorized travel from the CNMI to Guam involving PRC nationals.  
• Potential immigration enforcement concerns, including birth tourism.  
• Historical concerns involving criminal activity, money laundering and labor abuse linked to PRC-connected enterprises in the CNMI.  

DHS also noted that more than 3,000 PRC nationals used EVS-TAP to enter the CNMI during fiscal year 2025. 

Impact on Travelers 

Under the suspension: 

• New EVS-TAP applications will no longer be accepted.  
• Existing EVS-TAP travel authorizations will be suspended.  
• PRC nationals already present in the CNMI under EVS-TAP may remain until the end of their authorized stay. 
• PRC nationals seeking future travel to the CNMI will generally need to obtain an appropriate U.S. nonimmigrant visa before traveling.  

Don’t Miss an Update 

At Envoy Global, we combine smart, friendly legal teams with smart, friendly technology to facilitate immigration for companies and the global talent they depend on. Our holistic, proactive immigration services are built for accuracy and efficiency, always putting people first. 

Reach out today to learn how we can support your company’s immigration needs.