Saipan (CNMI) entry: ETA & customs form
Saipan, Tinian and Rota (CNMI) use the same Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program as Guam. Koreans need a G-CNMI ETA (up to 45 days) or an ESTA (up to 90 days) before boarding. On arrival, CNMI requires a customs declaration submitted online through the CNMI government's 'Travel Marianas' platform (linked from the CNMI Department of Finance), which issues a QR code.
Travel authorisation · G-CNMI ETA (Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver electronic travel authorization)Customs declaration · CNMI Customs Declaration (Travel Marianas)
ConditionalTravel authorisation
G-CNMI ETA (Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver electronic travel authorization)
- Who
- Citizens of G-CNMI VWP countries, including South Korea, visiting the CNMI and/or Guam for 45 days or less without a US visa. Not needed with a valid ESTA or US visa.
- When
- At least 5 days before travel (DHS recommendation).
- Fee
- Free · The Federal Register rule says no fee is required 'at this time'; the official site's FAQ still contains fee text (US$4 + US$17). Confirm the amount shown at payment.
- Validity
- Up to 2 years or until the passport expires; each stay up to 45 days in Guam/CNMI only.
- Processing
- Usually within 5 days; check the status on the official site.
Steps
- Choose G-CNMI ETA (45 days) or ESTA (90 days).
- Open g-cnmi-eta.cbp.dhs.gov.
- Fill in passport, travel and eligibility details.
- Submit and save the application number.
- Check that the status is 'Authorization Approved' before flying.
Have ready
- Machine-readable passport
- Return/onward ticket
- Flight on a signatory carrier
- Email address
Watch out
- The paper I-736 no longer exists; without an approved ETA, ESTA or visa you cannot board.
- You cannot continue to Hawaii or the US mainland on a G-CNMI ETA.
- Use only the official .cbp.dhs.gov site.
RequiredCustoms declaration
CNMI Customs Declaration (Travel Marianas)
- Who
- Visitors entering the CNMI (Saipan, Tinian, Rota), including Korean travellers.
- When
- Before arrival; complete it online and keep the QR code ready.
- Fee
- Free
Steps
- Open 'Travel Marianas' from the CNMI Department of Finance website (finance.gov.mp).
- Create your trip and fill in the customs declaration.
- Complete the Marianas Visitors Authority survey if prompted.
- Submit and keep the QR code shown for the trip.
- Show the QR code to the customs officer at the airport.
Have ready
- Passport
- Flight details
- Accommodation in the CNMI
Watch out
- It is separate from the G-CNMI ETA/ESTA; you need both.
- Reach it through the CNMI government link (finance.gov.mp) to avoid look-alike sites.
Get an eSIM · Northern Mariana Islands
FAQ
Is a Guam G-CNMI ETA valid for Saipan too?
Yes. The same G-CNMI ETA covers Guam and the CNMI; the 45-day limit applies to the combined visit.
I have an ESTA. Do I also need a G-CNMI ETA?
No. A valid ESTA or US visa replaces it, and ESTA allows up to 90 days.
Is there still a paper arrival card for Saipan?
The immigration form (I-736) was replaced by the online G-CNMI ETA, and the customs declaration is done online with a QR code.