Visa-free travel to the Northern Mariana Islands under the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program, or EVS-TAP, will end at 4 a.m. Saturday, October 31, in Saipan. Existing authorizations will be canceled, affecting eligible nationals of the People's Republic of China who relied on the program for short business or leisure visits.
The Department of Homeland Security notice, published October 27, sets the cutoff at 2 p.m. Eastern on Friday, October 30. That is 11 a.m. Pacific, but Saturday morning in the islands.
Existing approvals and current visitors
An approval with time left on it will no longer support travel under EVS-TAP after the cutoff. Affected travelers will need an appropriate nonimmigrant visa unless another lawful exception applies.
People already admitted under EVS-TAP and lawfully present when the suspension takes effect may remain for their current authorized stay. The suspension does not require them to leave immediately.
DHS cites security and immigration enforcement concerns and acknowledges possible losses for travelers and CNMI businesses.
Documents airlines will check
CBP's October 26 carrier bulletin tells airlines that EVS-TAP travel will no longer be permitted and warns of penalties for carrying passengers without proper documents. A confirmed flight reservation does not replace the required entry documents.
NMI News Service reports that the separate Electronic Visa Update System, or EVUS, still applies to B1/B2 visa travelers covered by that requirement. EVUS is not a replacement visa or a continuation of EVS-TAP.
Before heading to the airport, travelers relying on EVS-TAP should ask their airline to check their documents against the new policy.
