US suspends visa-free travel for Chinese visitors to Northern Mariana Islands over birth tourism concerns
By Aboki Forex —
The United States has suspended a special visa-free travel programme for Chinese nationals visiting the Northern Mariana Islands. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the move on October 27, 2026, and it takes effect on October 30. The move is part of President Donald Trump's administration's efforts to tighten immigration controls.
The suspension affects the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorisation Programme. The arrangement had allowed eligible Chinese visitors to enter the US Pacific territory without conventional visas.
Security and immigration concerns
A Federal Register notice cited concerns about immigration enforcement, national security and possible abuse by visitors seeking to give birth on American soil. More than 3,000 Chinese nationals reportedly entered the territory through the arrangement during the 2025 fiscal year.
US authorities also raised concerns about visitors potentially travelling illegally to neighbouring Guam and security risks linked to sensitive military installations.
Under the new restrictions, affected Chinese travellers must generally obtain appropriate US non-immigrant visas before visiting the Northern Mariana Islands. Visitors already admitted under the programme can complete their authorised stays. The decision is not a blanket travel ban on Chinese citizens.
Africa visa revocations and Nigeria warning
The suspension follows a June 10 announcement by the US State Department that investigations had uncovered alleged birth-tourism fraud networks across West and North Africa. Authorities disclosed that more than 100 visas were revoked in each region after investigations into suspected immigration fraud. The department did not publicly identify the countries involved.
Investigators reportedly uncovered schemes involving falsified documents and intermediaries accused of coaching applicants to misrepresent their travel intentions.
In July, the US Embassy in Nigeria warned that tourist visa applications could be rejected where officials determined that the primary purpose of travelling was to give birth in America.
The crackdown intensified on September 23 when Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced additional visa restrictions targeting individuals and organisations accused of facilitating commercial birth tourism. The measures cover intermediaries and network operators allegedly involved in visa fraud.
What it means for travellers
The African visa revocations and the Chinese travel-programme suspension involve different immigration arrangements. Both reflect Washington's expanding scrutiny of birth-related travel. Affected travellers could face additional hurdles, especially those seeking entry through previously available immigration exemptions.
Separate H-1B update
The United States has begun processing and approving H-1B visa petitions submitted without President Donald Trump's $100,000 fee, following court rulings that blocked the government from enforcing the requirement. Immigration law firm Meltzer Hellrung confirmed that approvals are now coming through, although some petitions filed under the premium processing track have remained unresolved beyond the standard 15-business-day turnaround period.
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