The Marianas Visitors Authority is supporting efforts to include the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, aiming to tap into the country’s growing middle-class travel market.
Under the visa waiver program, nationals from Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom may enter Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa for up to 45 days for business or tourism.
Noting the surge in Filipino travelers, MVA Managing Director Jamika Taijeron said, “We do see a potential for attracting some airlines from the Philippines, as well as trying to grow the Philippine market here on the islands.”
According to Taijeron, Gov. David Apatang recently signed a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security backing the inclusion, and Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds’ office confirmed the proposal is under congressional review.
“We definitely encourage it,” Taijeron added
