Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
A foreign national or alien entering the US is generally required to present a passport and valid visa issued by a US Consular Official, unless they are a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or are a lawful permanent resident of the US or a citizen of Canada. The VWP allows foreign nationals from certain countries to be admitted to the US under limited conditions and for a limited time without obtaining a visa. The foreign national must arrive on an approved carrier (if coming by air or sea), stay no more than 90 days (for pleasure, medical purposes, and/or business), and be able to prove they are not inadmissible. The foreign national is still required to have a passport. To obtain a list of VWP-eligible countries and VWP passport requirements, please visit https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program. Note: all travelers transiting the US are subject to US customs and/or immigration laws.
US Embassy/Consulate
N/A
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
1-670
Local Emergency Phone
911
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Northern Mariana Islands: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical marine; moderated by northeast trade winds, little seasonal temperature variation; dry season December to June, rainy season July to October
Currency (Code)
US dollar is used
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
110 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
Philippine languages, Chamorro, English, other Pacific island languages, Chinese, other Asian languages
Major Religions
Christian (Roman Catholic majority, although traditional beliefs and taboos may still be found)
Time Difference
UTC+10 (15 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested for non-US citizens.
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Saipan Grotto Cave; Managaha Island; American Memorial Park; Saipan Battlefields; Mount Tapochao; Suicide Cliff; Bird Island
Major Sports
Baseball, basketball, mixed martial arts, ultimate (flying disc)
Cultural Practices
Respect is an important aspect of the culture here. It is important to greet elders when you meet them. A greeting can be by a handshake, a nod, a bow, or a kiss on the hand. Being a largely Christian island, it is important to dress modestly, especially around elderly people.
Tipping Guidelines
A tip of 10-18% is common in restaurants. Tip taxi drivers about 10% of the fare. Bellboys usually get about $2 (USD) per luggage item.
Souvenirs
Traditional sarongs, shell jewelry, wishing dolls, coconut- and wood-carved crafts, crab shell crafts
Traditional Cuisine
Kelaguen — chicken, meat, or raw seafood marinated in lemon juice, salt, and hot peppers topped with coconut and scallions; the chicken or meat is grilled while the seafood is prepared raw and “cooked” for only a few hours in lemon juice
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Saturday, September 30, 2023