The transition period from the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to CNMI Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program, or EVS-TAP, is set to officially end this month fully enforcing the EVS-TAP come Nov. 29.
With the EVS-TAP program expected to be in full swing come Nov. 29, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said this is good news as it would benefit the CNMI and the federal government in terms of security purposes.
“To me, [this means] processing is faster because its online, the other thing is that it should address the federal government’s concern about unregulated visa-free entry to the Commonwealth from China and other places. Let’s just hope it works both ways; an easier to process visas, and for security purposes,” he said.
Back in January, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a ruling that paves the way to create the EVS-TAP.
The EVS-TAP would essentially allow visa-free travel for pre-screened travelers from China to the CNMI, much like the current discretionary parole program in place.
According to the interim final ruling issued recently, DHS amends its regulations to require persons intending to travel to the CNMI under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to submit Form I-736 electronically in advance of travel and receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a flight to Guam or the CNMI.
Under the current visa waiver program regulations, a paper U.S. Customs and Border Protection Form I-736 is presented to Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.
This rule also establishes the EVS-TAP as a restricted sub-program of the G–CNMI VWP.
DHS notes that the program is being established based on recommendations pursuant to consultations between the United States and the CNMI under Section 902 of the Covenant to establish the CNMI in Political Union with the United States of America.
“Once implemented, the CNMI EVS-TAP will allow pre-screened nationals of the People’s Republic of China to travel to the CNMI without a visa under specified conditions,” DHS stated in its order.
The CNMI EVS-TAP was first proposed in 2019 and aims to enhance security measures while ensuring the orderly entry of PRC nationals for tourism purposes.
The proposed EVS-TAP program involves electronic screening, a maximum 14-day stay, and additional security measures for PROC nationals.
According to memo issued by the U.S Customs and Border Protection last Sept. 18, beginning on Sept. 30, 2024, through Nov. 28, 2024, persons intending to travel to Guam or the CNMI for business or pleasure under the G-CNMI visa waiver program had the option to submit a paper form I-736 or electronically apply for a G-CNMI automation and electronic travel authorization in advance of travel and receive an approved ETA prior to embarking on a carrier for travel to Guam or the CNMI.
On Oct. 1, 2024, the 60-day transition period begun and eligible travelers under the G-CNMI VWP will have the choice to complete the G-CNMI ETA in lieu of the paper Form I-736.
During the transition period, a traveler will continue to be able to present a completed and signed paper Form I-736 upon arrival to Guam or the CNMI from foreign locations.
By the end of the transition period, the paper form will become obsolete and only electronic forms will be accepted which will have to filed days prior to departure and will be subject to approval.
