U.S. Pauses Visa-Free Chinese Travel Program for Northern Mariana Islands
Published Date: 10/27/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting October 30, 2026, the U.S. is pausing a special travel program called EVS-TAP that let certain Chinese travelers visit the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa. This pause affects travelers from China and is meant to keep everyone safe while officials review the program. No extra fees or changes for travelers yet, but the program is on hold until further notice.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
EVS-TAP suspended on October 30, 2026
You cannot use the EVS-TAP program to travel visa‑exempt to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) starting at 1400 EDT on October 30, 2026. The suspension applies to new applicants and to currently active EVS‑TAP travel authorizations, though PRC nationals already physically in the CNMI on that date may remain for their authorized period of stay. DHS reported that more than 3,000 PRC nationals used EVS‑TAP in Fiscal Year 2025.
Future travel requires a nonimmigrant visa
If you are a national of the People's Republic of China and want to visit the CNMI after 1400 EDT on October 30, 2026, you must obtain an appropriate nonimmigrant visa before you travel unless another lawful exception applies. The notice also makes clear the prior parole policy for PRC nationals (discontinued on February 20, 2025) is not being reinstated.
CNMI businesses and travelers may face losses
CNMI businesses that planned for tourism or commercial travel under EVS‑TAP and prospective travelers from the PRC may be inconvenienced or face financial loss because the program is suspended as of 1400 EDT on October 30, 2026. DHS specifically acknowledges potential reliance interests of CNMI businesses and affected travelers but determined national security and law enforcement risks outweigh those interests.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20955, Removal of Automatic Extensions for Certain Employment Authorization Documents
Starting October 14, 2026, certain workers with Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will no longer get automatic extensions when they apply to renew. This change affects people who rely on these work permits and means they must wait for approval before continuing to work. The goal is to improve security and make sure everyone is properly checked before getting a new work permit, with no extra fees but a tighter timeline.
2026-20884, Advance Traveler Information for Rail
U.S. Customs and Border Protection wants train companies to send traveler info ahead of time for anyone coming into or leaving the U.S. by rail. This helps keep travel safe and smooth for passengers and crew. The rule is open for comments until December 14, 2026, and could mean new tech or process updates for rail carriers.
2026-20650, Low-Value Shipments
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.
2026-20660, Optional Practical Training Fees
Starting soon, international students using Optional Practical Training (OPT) will face new fees: $70,000 for their first OPT and $30,000 for any extra OPT periods. This change aims to stop fraud and protect U.S. workers. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by November 9, 2026!
2026-20087, Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements
The Coast Guard wants to simplify training rules for certain mariners, like Masters and Officers in charge of smaller vessels and engineers with big engines. They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards. If you’re affected, get ready to share your thoughts by December 30, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother sailing ahead!
2026-20016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment-Based Immigrant Visa, Fifth Preference (EB-5) Fee Rule
Starting November 30, 2026, USCIS is updating the fees for the EB-5 immigrant visa program, which helps investors and their families get green cards. These changes reflect new rules from the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and include adjusted costs to keep the program fair and efficient. If you're applying or renewing your EB-5 visa after this date, be ready to pay the new fees!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21879, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of Previously Approved eCollection eComments Requested; Title-Annual Progress Report for the STOP Formula Grants Program
The Department of Justice is asking to keep collecting annual progress reports for the STOP Formula Grants Program, which helps fight violence against women. They want your feedback on how this info is gathered and how much time it takes. Comments are open until November 27, 2026, so affected groups can share their thoughts without any new costs or big changes.
Next: 2026-21881, Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes: Call for Nominations
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is looking for a practicing nuclear pharmacist to join their Advisory Committee on the Medical Uses of Isotopes. If you’re interested, send your nomination by December 28, 2026. This role helps shape important rules and safety guidelines for nuclear medicine, making a real impact on patient care and safety.