United States of America
US Ends Visa Waiver for Chinese Travellers to Northern Mariana Islands
The US has suspended visa-free entry for Chinese visitors to the Northern Mariana Islands due to security concerns.
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially suspended the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorisation Programme. This change effectively ends the visa-free entry option previously available to certain travellers. The announcement was made on Monday, 27 October 2026.
This suspension directly impacts Chinese nationals who could previously enter the US territory without a visa under this programme. The action follows allegations of "birth tourism" and organised people smuggling activities within the islands. US Senator Mike Lee welcomed the decision, describing the former programme as a "Biden-era loophole".
The programme was originally established to support the local economy of the Northern Mariana Islands. The article does not specify the new entry requirements for Chinese visitors, or an exact effective date for the suspension.
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