No you do not. Saipan is part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which is a US commonwealth. As such, it is considered part of the United States for immigration purposes. Therefore, you do not need a visa or any special entry permit to come here. For US citizens and permanent resident (green card holders), travel to Saipan is the same as traveling from one state to another.

In fact, you could potentially travel from the US mainland to Saipan without need of a passport! For example, a journey with flights to Hawaii, then to Guam and then to Saipan is technically a domestic journey since those interim destinations are all US possessions. However, I do strongly suggest that anyone considering relocating have a valid passport before embarking across continents and seas to get here! Check out this video: https://www.saipanliving.com/videos/#visa

As of early 2026, only United, Jeju and T'way airlines serve Saipan. Philippine Airlines is scheduled to launch service in March 2026. Hong Kong Airlines offers charter flights (through Century Travel/travel agents) from China. Here is the current arrival schedule:

Shipping is not cost-effective. Check out these videos for more!

Yes, Amazon and many online retails do ship to Saipan! HOWEVER, there are many vendors who have no idea we exist and their shipping policies and shopping cart reflect this. My best advice is to contact vendors directly and ask if they are aware that Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands is a US territory; on the USPS system (in postal zone 8 along with Hawaii and Guam) and that domestic rates apply. Request that they send your item via Regular Priority Mail (Not USPS Ground or International Mail) before ordering. That will save you some heartache and headaches! Check out these videos for more!

Yes, with some restrictions.

It's possible to find a one-bedroom for under 500! On some parts of the island you can even find entire homes for that price! We do have a full range available from rooms in homes to luxury apartments in gated communities. Check out these videos for more!

I believe so. Check out the Surprisingly Cheap & Surprisingly Expensive video for my actual expenses in 2026. Check out these videos for more!

Others may have different experiences, but mine has been overwhelmingly positive. Check out the Bias video for more

Every few years we will likely get hit by a big typhoon, but we survive and life goes on! No major earthquakes, though. Check out these videos for all the fun we have during typhoons!

The crime rate is low. The best advice is not to make yourself a target. I speak about it a bit in this section on the videos page!

Good question! Check out my Origin Story!