Omanghana
The Trump administration has announced the suspension of a visa-free travel program for Chinese nationals visiting the Northern Mariana Islands, citing concerns over birth tourism, human smuggling and potential espionage.
The Department of Homeland Security said the Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program, known as EVS-TAP, will be suspended at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 30, 2026. The decision affects new applicants and travelers holding existing authorizations.
The program allowed prescreened Chinese nationals to visit the U.S. Pacific territory for up to 14 days without obtaining a conventional visa.
Security Concerns Behind the Decision
DHS said the program presented vulnerabilities involving unauthorised onward travel to Guam and possible intelligence gathering near sensitive American military facilities.
The department also raised concerns about visitors travelling to give birth in the territory and the potential strain on local medical services. These concerns form part of the administration’s justification for suspending the program while officials evaluate it.
Chinese nationals already lawfully admitted under EVS-TAP may complete their authorised stays. Future visitors must obtain an appropriate U.S. nonimmigrant visa unless another lawful exemption applies.
Tourism Industry Warns of Economic Consequences
The Marianas Visitors Authority has expressed concern about the suspension’s potential impact on the territory’s tourism-dependent economy.
Acting board chairwoman Vicky Benavente said Chinese visitors accounted for more than 20 per cent of total arrivals in the 2026 fiscal year, making them a significant source of tourism revenue.
The authority warned that reduced demand could also affect already limited airline services. Approximately 30 per cent of Chinese visitors arrive through Seoul, meaning the effects could extend to connections from South Korea as well as flights from Hong Kong.
DHS acknowledged possible financial losses for businesses and travelers but said its security and immigration enforcement concerns outweighed those interests.
Part of Wider Birth Tourism Measures
The suspension follows broader administration measures targeting birth tourism.
On August 6, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to take action against travel undertaken for birth tourism, including possible visa refusals and revocations, subject to their legal authority. The order also provides for humanitarian and national-interest exemptions.
The State Department subsequently announced a Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force. On September 23, Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled a visa restriction policy targeting people who knowingly participate in or facilitate birth tourism, including commercial operators and intermediaries.
Source: Omanghana
