Starting in November 2016, Chinese nationals holding a 10-year tourism or business visitor visa (B1/B2, B1 or B2) will required to register with an online system, the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS). Chinese nationals (including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau traveling on a Chinese passport) will not be able to enter the United States in B status without previously completing the EVUS registration. The EVUS registration is part of a recent accord with China that allows for the reciprocal issuance of 10-year visas.
The EVUS registration will request an individual’s name, birth date, passport and other biographical and employment information. The EVUS registration will be valid for two years and will require payment of a small fee. Chinese travelers will have to update their EVUS registration before traveling to the United States and if they obtain a new passport.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)?
EVUS is the online system used by nationals of China holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visa periodically to update basic biographic information to facilitate their travel to the United States. In addition to a valid visa, such travelers will be required to complete an EVUS enrollment to be admitted into the United States.
How do travelers use EVUS?
As of now, there is nothing Chinese travelers need to do. Beginning in November 2016, Chinese travelers will need to go online and update their information in order to comply with EVUS requirements.
As the system is developed and the launch date gets closer, the U.S. Government will ensure that information about the EVUS process is readily available. More information will be provided regarding how to make entry into the United States as easy as possible.
Can someone else update information in EVUS on a traveler’s behalf?
Yes, a friend, relative, travel industry professional, or another third party may submit the required information to EVUS on a traveler’s behalf. A third party may also pay related fees on behalf of the traveler. However, the traveler is responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of all information submitted on his or her behalf.
Will EVUS enrollment be required for admittance into the United States?
Starting in November 2016, yes. The Governments of the United States and China entered into an agreement on a reciprocal basis, to issue visitor visas with 10-year validity. The arrangement recognized that travelers would be required to periodically complete an online form updating their biographical information. Completing this form will help facilitate the admission of Chinese travelers into the United States.
Do other countries have this requirement?
This requirement is new. The U.S. Government expects that this requirement may be applied to additional countries in the future.
When will this new requirement take effect?
Travelers holding 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas will begin using the system in November 2016. Before that date, travelers holding 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas may travel to the United States without any further action. All other travelers with valid visas may travel to the United States as they do normally, regardless of the date.
Will this affect current visa holders, new applicants, or both?
Both. Applicants who are holding valid 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas issued before November 2016 will have to enroll in EVUS to use their visas any time after the launch of the program. Applicants who receive 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas from November 2016 onwards will have to enroll before their initial trip to the United States. Enrollment for all applicants will remain valid for two years or until the traveler’s visa or passport expire, whichever comes first. The visa holders will then have to update their information before traveling to the U.S. again.
I just received a 10-year B1/B2 visa a few months ago. Will I need to obtain a new visa after I enroll in EVUS?
No, your visa remains valid. However, you will be unable to travel to the United States after November 2016 unless you have also enrolled in EVUS. Enrollment in EVUS is separate from the visa application process.
What is a B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa? How can I find out what visa type I have?
B category visas are visas for general business and tourist travel to the United States. Your Visa Class, or category, appears in the upper right-hand portion of your visa.
Where will travelers be able to find more information about EVUS?
The most up to date information will be found on www.cbp.gov/EVUS. Please monitor this website for the most current information.
Is there a fee to update information in the EVUS System?
There will be a nominal fee to enroll with EVUS. The fee will be used to cover the cost of running the system. Fee information will be available before EVUS enrollment begins.
Who will need to comply with EVUS requirements?
All nationals of The People’s Republic of China holding valid 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas who travel to the United States on a passport issued by the People’s Republic of China must comply with EVUS requirements beginning in November 2016.
How will this affect travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau?
Anyone from these regions traveling on a Peoples Republic of China passport with a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa will be required to enroll in EVUS. Travelers using other travel documents, including Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan passports may continue to travel to the U.S. as they currently do.
How will this affect travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau?
Anyone from these regions traveling on a Peoples Republic of China passport with a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa will be required to enroll in EVUS. Travelers using other travel documents, including Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan passports may continue to travel to the U.S. as they currently do.
What information does a traveler need to comply with EVUS?
Each EVUS enrollment must contain the visa holder’s name, birth date, and passport information as well as other biographical and employment information.
Will the EVUS website be translated?
Yes, the website will be available in both English and Mandarin Chinese. However, all 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa holders must answer the EVUS questions in English.
How often does the traveler have to update information in EVUS?
An information update is referred to as an enrollment. Enrollments generally last for two years or when the traveler’s visa or passport expires, whichever comes first. Chinese holders of 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas will need to update their information before they intend to travel to the United States (if a two-year enrollment has expired), or when they get a new passport.
Will the website be secure and private?
Yes. The website is operated by the U.S. government and employs technology to prevent unauthorized access to the information entered and viewed. Information submitted by travelers through the EVUS website is subject to the same strict controls that have been established for similar traveler screening programs as governed by U.S. laws and regulations.
What happens if a traveler doesn’t comply with EVUS requirements?
Travelers who carry a valid 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visa in a People’s Republic of China passport, but who have not complied with EVUS requirements may be delayed in their travel plans.
Are current visas still valid?
Yes, current B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas are still valid for travel to the United States. Travelers do not need to complete an online EVUS form before November 2016. EVUS registration is a separate process than applying for a visa.
Do I need to complete a form or pay an additional fee today in order to travel to the United States?
No. Travelers do not need to complete an online EVUS form or pay a related fee before November 2016.
