Oceania
Northern Mariana Islands
Saipan, Tinian and Rota under US rule: WWII battle sites, the Grotto dive site and quiet beaches. English is widely spoken, but tourism has shrunk, flights are few and you'll need a car.
- CurrencyUSDDollarDetails
- English4/5Widely spoken
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledSaipan's tap water is often salty and not recommended for drinking; use bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityUS law applies, including marriage equality.Details
- DrivingOn the rightVisitors can drive on a valid foreign licence for short stays; carry an IDP if yours isn't in English.
Where to go in Northern Mariana Islands
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SaipanIsland | 4/5 | $3,000–4,400 | Jan–May | 17/100 |
When to visit Northern Mariana Islands
December–June is the dry season with steady trade winds. July–November is wetter and humid, with typhoon risk.
Good to know
Entry
- US entry rules apply: an ESTA or US visa, or the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver for 12 eligible nationalities with an online G-CNMI ETA.
- The Guam-CNMI waiver covers stays of 45 days or less and doesn't allow onward travel to Hawaii or the US mainland.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drinking age is 21; carry ID
- Cannabis is legal locally for adults but federally illegal; never fly with it
- Removing WWII relics from battle sites is illegal
Etiquette
- Greet people with 'Håfa adai' (Chamorro) or 'Tirow' (Carolinian)
- Treat WWII memorials and suicide cliffs as solemn sites
- Remove shoes when entering homes
Tipping
US-style: 15–20% in restaurants, plus tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff.
Sources
- US CBP: Guam-CNMI ETA
- Marianas Visitors Authority
- Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.