The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has announced the implementation of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP). This program is a specific part of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program that allows certain pre-approved travelers from China to visit the CNMI without a visa for up to 14 days. The implementation of this program will start on February 20, 2024, and travelers will need to get an electronic travel authorization before going. The previous policy allowing Chinese nationals to enter the CNMI with parole will end on the same date.
Simple Explanation
In this notice, the U.S. government is starting a new rule on February 20, 2024, where some people from China who have been pre-approved can visit a place called the Northern Mariana Islands for up to 14 days without needing a visa, but they have to get a special permission first. This new rule is part of a bigger program and replaces an older way that allowed them to come with a different kind of permission.