[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 23, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
Clarification of Countries and Geographic Areas Eligible for
Participation in the Guam-Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Visa Waiver Program
 
AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, DHS.
 
ACTION: Interim final rule; solicitation of comments.
 
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SUMMARY: This interim final rule amends Department of Homeland Security
regulations to clarify that individuals holding British National
(Overseas) (BN(O)) passports as a result of their connection to the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong) are eligible for
participation in the Guam-Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
(CNMI) Visa Waiver Program. The Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program allows
certain nonimmigrant aliens to enter Guam and/or the CNMI as
nonimmigrant visitors for business or pleasure without a visa for a
period of authorized stay not to exceed forty-five days. This interim
final rule provides that beginning May 23, 2011, individuals holding
BN(O) passports as a result of their connection to Hong Kong and
traveling to Guam and/or the CNMI under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver
Program on such BN(O) passport must present it and a Hong Kong
identification card.
 
DATES: Effective Date: The effective date of the rule is May 23, 2011.
    Comment Date: Comments must be received by May 23, 2011.