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  4. Visa Waiver Program
  5. Visa Waiver and Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Comparison

Visa Waiver Program and Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP under INA § 217) and the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program operate in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)

  • Nonimmigrant visitors may be able to apply for admission to Guam or the CNMI under one or both programs, depending on the nonimmigrant visitors’ nationality or citizenship.
  • The permitted length of stay will depend on whether the nonimmigrant visitors are admitted under the VWP (INA § 217) or under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (INA § 212(l)).
    • VWP:  admission not to exceed 90 days
    • Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program:  admission not to exceed 45 days
  • Nonimmigrant visitors who are not eligible for admission under either the VWP or the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
  • Nonimmigrant visitors to the CNMI no longer will be able to enter using the CNMI Visitor Entry Permit.

Visa Waiver Program (INA § 217):

  • 36 participating countries/geographic areas
  • Admission not to exceed 90 days
  • Admission to the United States, including the 50 states
  • ESTA electronic travel authorization required
  • Requires completed and signed Form I-94W

Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (INA § 212(l)):

  • 12 participating countries/geographic areas
  • Admission not to exceed 45 days
  • Admission only to Guam and/or the CNMI
  • No electronic travel authorization currently required
  • Requires completed and signed Form I-736
  • Requires a completed Form I-94
Last Updated: 06/01/2023
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