Northern Mariana Islands

General Information
	Area: 457 sq km (176.5 sq miles). Population: 79,000 (1999) Population density: 172.9 per sq km (1999). Capital: Saipan. Population: 47,786 (1995). Geography: Located to the south of Japan and to the north of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands comprise 14 islands, the main ones being Saipan, Tinian and Rota. The group is compact, consisting of a single chain 736km (460 miles) long. The islands have high volcanic cones. Government: Self-governing US Commonwealth Territory (incorporated). Gained internal autonomy in 1986. Head of State: President George W Bush since 2000. Head of Government: Governor Pedro P Tenorio since 2000. Language: English, Chamorro and Carolinian are the official languages. Japanese is widely spoken. Religion: Mostly Roman Catholic. Time: GMT + 10. Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 670. Outgoing international code: 00. There are payphones in Saipan and most hotels; restaurants and other public facilities have telephones which visitors can use. Fax: A service is available. Internet/E-mail: Main ISPs include Saipan Data Com (website: www.saipan.com/datacom), MTC, and IT & E. Availability and reliability is limited. Telegram: Telegrams can be sent from Micronesia Telecommunications, PO Box 306, Saipan. Opening hours: 0800-1700. Postal: There are post offices on the three main islands, as well as private postal companies in Saipan. US postal rates apply. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1600 and Sat 0900-1200. Press: The English-language newspapers are the Saipan Tribune and the Marianas Variety News.
Travel
	AIR: Airlines serving the Northern Mariana Islands include Asiana Airlines, Continental Micronesia, Japan Airlines and Northwest Airlines. International airport: Saipan (SPN), situated 3 miles (5 km) south of Chalan Kanoa. Taxis are available to the town (journey time - 15 minutes) and tour buses may meet some flights. Airport facilities include bureau de change, refreshments and car rental (Budget and Hertz). There are smaller airports at Tinian (TIQ) and Rota (ROP). Departure tax: None. SEA: The international port of the Northern Mariana Islands is Saipan. The following lines sail there: Nauru Pacific Line, Royal Shipping Co (PO Box 238, Saipan), Daiwa Navigation Co, Oceania Line Inc, P&O, Saipan Shipping Co and Tiger Line. ROAD: There are good roads in and around major island centres. Bus: There is a public bus service to major shopping facilities from hotels. Taxi: Available in all main centres. Car hire: Self-drive cars are available in towns. Documentation: International Driving Permit or national licence accepted.
Entry
	Passport Visa Return Ticket Required Australian  Yes  1 Yes British  Yes  1  Yes Canadian  Yes  1  Yes Japanese  Yes  1  Yes Other EU  Yes  1  Yes USA  No  No  No
	PASSPORTS: Valid passports are required by all except nationals of the USA with proof of citizenship. VISAS: 1. Not required for touristic visits of less than 30 days; Entry Permits are issued on arrival. For longer stays, advance permission is required. Temporary residence: Apply to Department of Labor and Immigration. Types of visa and cost: Various Validity: Various Working days required: By post: applications are dealt with on receipt. In person: 10-15 minutes. Note: Nationals of the following countries must apply for a visa in advance: Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China (PR), Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Estonia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Hungary, India, Iran Iraq, Korea (DPR), Latvia, Libya, Lithuania, Mongolia, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). All visitors require proof of adequate funds, return or onward tickets and a visa to next destination if not going home.

N. Marianas Menu | Pacific Menu | Worldwide Destinations | SYP Main Menu

© 1997-2003