Moylan Joins King-hinds in Introducing Marianas Tourism Advancement Act to Add Philippines to Visa Program

September 15, 2026 Press Release (Hagåtña, Guam) — Congressman Moylan joined Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI) in introducing the Marianas Tourism Advancement Act of 2026, legislation that would add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. Under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program, eligible foreign nationals may travel to Guam and the CNMI for business or tourism for up to 45 days without obtaining a traditional U.S. visa. The program does not authorize onward travel to other parts of the United States. The Marianas Tourism Advancement Act would expand eligibility to include the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia while maintaining federal security and admissibility requirements. For Guam, the proposal would provide greater access to several major visitor markets in the region while creating opportunities to strengthen air service, support local businesses, and diversify an island economy that continues to depend heavily on tourism. “Expanding the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program is about creating new opportunities for Guam’s economy and strengthening our connections throughout the Pacific. The Philippines, in particular, shares deep family, cultural, and economic ties with our island, and making travel easier has the potential to bring more visitors, support our businesses, and strengthen regional air service. I’m proud to join Congresswoman King-Hinds as an original cosponsor of this legislation and to continue moving this effort forward responsibly while maintaining the safeguards necessary to protect our borders and national security,” said Congressman Moylan. The measure would also change the process for suspending a country from the program. Before most suspensions could take effect, the Department of Homeland Security would be required to make a written determination based on specific concerns, consult with federal officials and the Governors of Guam and the CNMI, consider alternative safeguards, and assess the potential economic and fiscal effects on the islands. The bill preserves DHS authority to act immediately in the event of an imminent and substantial threat to national security or public safety. “The Philippines has a special relationship with the Marianas, and there is tremendous opportunity to strengthen that relationship through greater travel and tourism,” said Congresswoman King-Hinds. “Including the Philippines in the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program would make it easier for families to stay connected, create new opportunities for our tourism industry, support air service, and deepen the ties between our islands. Tourism is the lifeblood of our islands, and rebuilding it requires us to look throughout the region for opportunities to reconnect the Marianas with our neighbors. This legislation gives us additional tools to grow our visitor economy while maintaining the safeguards necessary to protect our islands and our nation.” The legislation builds on the work of the Guam-CNMI-Philippines Working Group, an effort that has brought together officials and stakeholders from Guam, the CNMI, the Philippines, and the federal government to advance the case for including the Philippines in the Visa Waiver Program. Guam Senate Majority Leader Jesse Lujan has helped lead the Working Group’s efforts, including discussions surrounding tourism, regional air service, traveler vetting, data sharing, and security safeguards. “This legislation shows what can happen when Guam, the CNMI, the Philippines, and our federal partners work together toward a common goal. I thank Congresswoman King-Hinds for carrying this effort forward in Congress. Adding the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program would strengthen tourism, deepen regional ties, and create new economic opportunities for our island,” said Senator Lujan. Moylan emphasized that the legislation reflects a broader regional effort built through collaboration among federal, territorial, and industry partners. “I commend Delegate King-Hinds for her leadership in spearheading this bill in the House,” Moylan added. “This is a truly regional effort. Alongside local leadership like Guam Senate Majority Leader Jesse Lujan and our industry partners at the Guam Visitors Bureau, we are presenting a united Marianas front to Washington. I look forward to working closely with Rep. King-Hinds and leadership in the Department of Homeland Security to advance this vital measure through Congress.” ###