The Northern Mariana Islands are a US commonwealth of 14 islands in the north-western Pacific, a 45-minute flight north of Guam according to the local government. Most people live on Saipan, the seat of government, while Tinian and Rota are smaller and quieter. The islands are not covered by Roam Like at Home, so a European SIM roams here on its operator's own terms, and they also sit outside every regional data plan.
Key facts for the Northern Mariana Islands
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: varies by plan
- Emergency numbers: 911 for every emergency service
- Embassies: none; British help comes from the British Consulate General in Los Angeles
Entry: US law with a Pacific option
The islands follow US immigration law, so most visitors need an ESTA or a US visa. Nationals of 12 countries and territories, among them the UK, Australia, Japan and South Korea, can instead use the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, which covers stays of up to 45 days on these islands and Guam, provided they hold an approved G-CNMI ETA before boarding; EU passports are not on that list. A separate scheme lets citizens of the People's Republic of China visit the Northern Marianas, but not Guam, for up to 14 days. Canada also reminds travellers that the passport must be valid for the whole stay.
A territory that needs its own plan
No regional plan includes the Northern Marianas: not Oceania, not World, and not the Guam plans either. Buy a plan made for the islands, and if your route also takes you to Guam, add a Guam or Oceania plan for that leg. Install both before you fly, so you only need to switch lines when you land.
Typhoons, volcanoes and Rota's recovery
Canada says the rainy, or monsoon, season runs from July to November, and that typhoons strike typically from June to December, especially from July to November, when even small storms can quickly turn into major ones. In July 2026 Super Typhoon Bavi caused widespread damage on Rota, affecting homes and essential services, and Canada reports that repairs are still under way, so check with your accommodation before booking a stay there. Further north, Anatahan, Pagan and Agrihan have active volcanoes; their activity produces ash and can cause earthquakes and tidal waves, so keep an eye on regional forecasts.
The sea and the war
Coastal waters can be dangerous even for strong swimmers, with powerful currents and frequent rip currents, so never swim after hours or outside marked areas, dive with a well-established company, and skip water activities after drinking. On Saipan, the American Memorial Park honours the American servicemen and the Chamorro and Carolinian civilians killed in the 1944 battles on Saipan, Tinian and the Philippine Sea, and its visitor centre explains the island's role in the war.
Getting around Saipan, Tinian and Rota
Roads are in very good condition on all three main islands, though some outside the towns are poor, and traffic keeps to the right. There is no public bus network, but private shuttle buses link the main towns on Saipan, and taxis are widely available on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Canada says its citizens can drive on their own licence for 30 days before needing a local one, and recommends an International Driving Permit. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs, and women travelling alone may face harassment.
Healthcare and money
Healthcare is generally good but limited: one hospital serves the whole territory, on Saipan, medical evacuation can be very expensive, and some facilities want immediate cash payment, so travel with insurance that covers evacuation. Penalties for drug offences are severe. The currency is the US dollar, and cash machines are available on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM for the Northern Mariana Islands, installed before departure, connects when you land on Saipan, on 4G, with the network depending on the plan. Keep your usual SIM for bank texts, with data roaming switched off, and remember that a side trip to Guam needs a separate plan.
Consular protection: who to call in the Northern Mariana Islands
- In an emergency, call 911; the same number reaches the police, ambulances and the fire service.
- There are no embassies on the islands, which are US territory: consular help for British nationals is handled by the British Consulate General in Los Angeles, and for Canadians by Canada's Consulate General in San Francisco.
- Use the Telcomia app to find the consulate responsible for the Northern Marianas for your nationality, and keep its details offline.
- If your EU country has no representation for the islands, the embassy or consulate of any other EU country must help you on the same terms as its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- Chamorro, Carolinian and English are the official languages, and English is the common language between communities.
Questions travellers ask about the Northern Mariana Islands
Will my EU SIM work in the Northern Mariana Islands?
Only on roaming, at whatever your operator charges, since the Northern Marianas are outside Roam Like at Home.
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors need an ESTA or a US visa. Nationals of the 12 Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program countries and territories, such as the UK, can use a G-CNMI ETA instead, for up to 45 days.
Which network will a Telcomia eSIM connect to?
It depends on the plan, on 4G.
Will my Guam or Oceania plan work in Saipan?
No. The Northern Mariana Islands are not part of any regional plan, so they need a plan of their own.
The short version
Sort out your ESTA, visa or G-CNMI ETA before you fly, buy a dedicated plan for the islands plus another for Guam if needed, check typhoon forecasts and Rota's situation, swim only in marked areas, carry insurance for evacuation, and save 911.
See plans for Northern Mariana Islands →
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