- Local time
- 01:32
- Currency
- US Dollar (USD)
- Capital
- Saipan
- Calling code
- +1670
- Drive on the
- right
Overview
The Northern Mariana Islands are a US commonwealth in Micronesia: diving on reefs and Second World War wrecks around Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Most visitors fly in from Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is a US territory just north of Guam. Life and tourism centre on Saipan, home of the capital; Tinian, across a narrow channel, has a strong legacy of Second World War remains and draws gamblers, and Rota, further south, has small villages. The northern chain is volcanic and uninhabited.
The main draw is the sea: coral reefs and the wrecks and tanks left on the seabed by the fierce fighting of the Second World War. On land there are bunkers and memorials from the Battle of Saipan and the ancient latte stones of the Chamorro. The islands are fairly expensive. The dry season runs from December to June, and the typhoon season runs from late August to January, with most typhoons from August to November.
- Wreck and reef diving: Ships and even tanks on the seabed, plus coral reefs.
- Saipan: The main island, with hotels, restaurants and war memorials.
- Tinian: Second World War remains and latte stones.
- Rota: Small villages and latte stones, south of Tinian.
Places to visit
Beyond the cities
- Saipan (island): Home to the capital and by far the most popular destination.
- Tinian (island): South of Saipan across a narrow channel, with many wartime remains.
- Rota (island): South of Tinian, with numerous small villages.
Regions
- Saipan: Home to the capital and the most popular destination.
- Tinian: A strong legacy of Second World War remains.
- Rota: Numerous small villages.
- Northern Islands Municipality: A chain of uninhabited volcanic islands north of Saipan.
Things to do
See
- War in the Pacific sites: Bunkers managed by the US National Park Service.
- Northern Saipan memorials Saipan: Memorials at the cliffs where Japanese soldiers and civilians jumped to their deaths rather than be captured.
- Latte stones Tinian and Rota: Stone pillars that once supported Chamorro houses.
Do
- Scuba diving and snorkelling: The top activity: reefs and wartime wrecks.
Holidays and events
- 1 January 2026 · New Year's Day
- 19 January 2026 · Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- 16 February 2026 · Presidents' Day
- 24 March 2026 · Commonwealth Covenant Day
- 3 April 2026 · Good Friday
- 25 May 2026 · Memorial Day
- 19 June 2026 · Juneteenth
- 4 July 2026 · Independence Day
- 7 September 2026 · Labour Day
- 12 October 2026 · Commonwealth Cultural Day
- 4 November 2026 · Citizenship Day
- 11 November 2026 · Veterans Day
- 26 November 2026 · Thanksgiving
- 8 December 2026 · Constitution Day
- 25 December 2026 · Christmas Day
Getting around
| Main airports | SPN |
|---|
Cape Air (United Express) links Saipan with Guam several times a day and with Rota four times a week; Freedom Airlines flies to Guam via Rota and more often to Tinian. Other islands with airstrips can only be reached by expensive charter. Travel to Guam involves a full immigration check, and all departing passengers pass TSA security.
Flying to Northern Mariana Islands? PartnerCompare fares and find the cheapest datesSearch flightsWhere to stay
- Large package hotels: Most of Saipan's options; rack rates are high but discounts are common outside Japanese holidays.
- Motels: Few and cheap.
There are no hostels, and camping is not recommended for security reasons. Choice is even more limited on Tinian and Rota.
Eat and drink
Dishes to try
- Chamorro food: Served in specialist restaurants, sometimes in touristy versions.
| Tipping | Tips of 10 to 15% are expected. |
|---|
American and Japanese food is everywhere, along with Filipino, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Italian and Mexican restaurants; the hotels have good but expensive restaurants. Stores on Saipan sell good, cheap wine.
Entry requirements and visas
| Passport | Entry | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Freedom of movement | US citizens enter with proof of citizenship, such as a passport. | |
| United Kingdom | Visa free | 45 days | 45 days under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, or the US Visa Waiver Program with an ESTA. |
| Australia | Visa free | 45 days | 45 days under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, or the US Visa Waiver Program with an ESTA. |
Other nationalities: check the official source below.
Immigration is run by the US federal government: anyone allowed into the rest of the US, with the Visa Waiver Program or a US visa, can enter. The Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program also allows 45 days without a visa for some nationalities arriving on scheduled flights with an onward ticket. The islands are a separate customs area, so everyone, including US citizens, passes CNMI customs. Rules depend on your passport and can change: check the official US links before you book.
Money and payments
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
|---|---|
| Cards | Widespread |
The islands use only the US dollar (USD). Major credit cards are accepted in most shops and restaurants, and there are ATMs on Saipan and at the Bank of Guam branches on Tinian and Rota. Prices are fairly high: allow at least US$100 a day.
Health
| Recommended vaccines | Routine vaccines, including measles (MMR), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, only for some travellers: ask a travel clinic |
|---|---|
| Malaria | None |
| Tap water | Varies |
The authorities say tap water is drinkable, but it tastes bad and most people do not drink it. Saipan's public hospital is overstretched; private clinics are good but expensive, and healthcare on the other islands is scarce.
This is general information, not medical advice: check with a travel health professional before you go.
Safety
Violent crime against tourists is very rare, but cars are broken into in Saipan's tourist areas and some hotel rooms have been burgled: do not leave valuables lying around, especially at night. Typhoons are most likely from August to November, and there are active volcanoes on Pagan and Agrihan in the north.
Customs and etiquette
Respect for elders, ancestors and departed family members is central to Chamorro culture: always show respect to the older people in the room.
Language
| Official languages | English, Chamorro |
|---|---|
| English | Widespread |
Quick reference
Country facts
| Capital | Saipan |
|---|---|
| Population | 43,541 (2025) |
| Area | 457 km² |
| Time zone | Pacific/Saipan (UTC+10) |
| Calling code | +1670 |
| Driving side | right |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for the Northern Mariana Islands?
Entry follows US rules: visitors under the Visa Waiver Program or with a US visa can come, and some nationalities, including UK and Australian citizens, can use the 45-day Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. Check the official US links before you book.
Do I need to tip?
Yes, tips of 10 to 15% are expected.
Can I drink the tap water?
The authorities say it is drinkable, but it tastes bad and most people drink bottled water.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season runs from December to June; the typhoon season runs from late August to January, with most typhoons from August to November.
From the original Tourist4Tourist guide, written by travellers. Not yet checked against current sources.
National festivals and holidays
- Flame Tree Festival – A nice time to Saipan is in May during the Flame Tree Festival. The Flame Trees are in bloom along beach road and there are many fiestas to attend.
Sources This guide was last checked on · 8 sources
- Wikivoyage: Northern Mariana Islands · Overview, Places to visit, Things to do, Getting around, Where to stay, Eat and drink, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Safety, Customs and etiquette, Language, Frequently asked questions
- Nager.Date: public holidays in Northern Mariana Islands, 2026 · Holidays and events
- Wikidata · Money and payments, Country facts
- ISO 4217 (SIX), published 2026-09-17 · Money and payments
- CDC Travelers' Health: Northern Mariana Islands · Health
- World Bank, SP.POP.TOTL · Country facts
- World Bank, AG.LND.TOTL.K2 · Country facts
- IANA Time Zone Database, zone.tab · Country facts
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