Northern Marianas tourism industry warns US travel suspension could deepen economic crisis

Tourism and business leaders in the Northern Mariana Islands are warning that the United States' suspension of visa-free travel for Chinese tourists could further damage the territory's struggling economy and threaten its remaining international airline services.

The Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands (HNMI), and Saipan Chamber of Commerce have joined political leaders in expressing concern over the Department of Homeland Security's decision to suspend the CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorisation Program (EVS-TAP).

The suspension takes effect from 4am Saturday, 31 October (loccal time).

The programme allows eligible Chinese nationals to visit the Northern Marianas without a US visa for up to 14 days.

MVA acting board chairwoman Vicky Benavente said Chinese tourists accounted for more than 20 percent of visitor arrivals in the 2026 financial year.

She said approximately 30 percent of Chinese visitors travel to the islands through South Korea, raising concerns that the suspension could also affect flights carrying Korean and other international tourists.

"With fewer passengers, airlines may find it increasingly difficult to sustain their current flight schedules or consider expanding services," Benavente said.

She said the territory was already facing reduced government working hours, a four-day public school week, and job losses.

HNMI chairman Ivan Quichocho said the Northern Marianas receives only nine international flights a week and could not afford further reductions.

"If the Chinese visitor pipeline disappears, we could lose not only Chinese visitors but also the airline capacity that brings Korean and other international visitors to our shores," he said.

The Saipan Chamber of Commerce said China was the territory's largest individual visitor market in August, accounting for 1605 of the 5001 arrivals recorded that month.

Chamber president Joshua Wise said estimates indicated Chinese travelers connecting through South Korea account for between 30 and 40 percent of passengers on Jeju Air flights serving Saipan.

The Chamber warned that further reductions in tourism could affect government tax revenues, businesses, and public services.

It also questioned the practicality of requiring Chinese tourists to obtain regular US visas, citing application costs, interviews, and additional travel expenses.

All three organisations have called for greater consultation with federal authorities and stronger security safeguards rather than a prolonged suspension.

Trump intervention

Meanwhile, the territory's congressional delegate, Kimberlyn King-Hinds, said she had contacted the White House, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, and congressional leaders seeking an urgent review.

King-Hinds said Mullin had assured her he would work with the Northern Marianas to address security concerns and had committed to visiting the territory with Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick after the election.

She has also asked President Donald Trump to intervene and requested additional federal assistance to offset the potential economic impact.

Independent congressional delegate candidate Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero criticised the handling of the issue, saying earlier warnings from US lawmakers should have prompted stronger action to protect the programme.

He called for improved security screening, closer federal consultation, and further diversification of the tourism industry.

The Department of Homeland Security said the suspension was necessary because of national security and immigration enforcement concerns, including possible espionage, human smuggling, and criminal activities linked to Chinese-operated businesses.

It said more than 3000 Chinese nationals entered the Northern Marianas under EVS-TAP during the 2025 financial year.

The suspension affects new applicants and previously approved travel authorisations.

Chinese nationals will now need an appropriate US visa to visit the territory unless another legal exemption applies.

Those already legally admitted under EVS-TAP can remain until their authorised stay expires.

The department acknowledged the potential economic damage but said national security concerns outweighed those interests.

No timetable has been announced for restoring the programme.