According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website: Starting from November 1, 2016, Chinese citizens holding a ten-year valid B1 or B2 visa must complete the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) registration in addition to having a valid visa before they can be permitted to enter the United States; otherwise, their travel plans may be delayed.
What is "EVUS"?
The Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) refers to the online system for periodically updating the personal information of Chinese citizens holding a ten-year valid B1/B2, B1, or B2 visa.
Who is required to register for "EVUS"?
Starting from November 2016, travelers holding a Chinese passport and a ten-year valid B1/B2, B1, or B2 visa must complete EVUS registration before entering the United States.
B visas are for business or tourism:
1. Business/Personal Visits (B1/B2)
2. Business/Conferences (B1)
3. Tourism/Medical Treatment (B2)
Your visa category is displayed in the upper right corner of the visa:
This regulation also applies to Chinese citizens residing outside of China (including the United States). However, travelers using passports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region, and Taiwan are not subject to EVUS restrictions.
When is it necessary to update the "EVUS" registration?
1. Travel before November 2016 does not require EVUS registration; travel after this date must complete EVUS registration.
2. EVUS registration is valid for two years; if traveling again within two years, no update is needed; travel after two years requires a new update.
3. Regardless of whether the visa or EVUS information is still valid, if the passport changes (e.g., a new passport is issued due to expiration), the EVUS must be updated.
4. It is recommended that each applicant log in to the EVUS website (www.cbp.gov/evus) before traveling to check if an update is needed.
How to register for "EVUS"?
1. Travelers must log in to the EVUS website to fill out the form. The information required for updates includes: name, date of birth, passport information, personal information, and any changes in employment information.
2. Logging in to EVUS for information updates takes approximately 3-5 minutes per person.
3. The website is available in both Chinese and English, but applicants must fill out the information in English.
4. Friends, relatives, travel industry professionals, or other third parties can submit information on behalf of the applicant.
5. Each update incurs a service fee of $15 (approximately 100 RMB), which can be paid online.
6. After applying, a confirmation letter can be printed as quickly as one minute, but may take up to a day; therefore, in principle, it can be done one day before traveling to the U.S., or even registered online before checking in at the airport, but it is still recommended to do it as early as possible! Use it along with your passport when traveling.
7. The EVUS approval rate is around 99.9%, but there is still a possibility of denial.
Is the information safe or private after registration?
Yes. The EVUS website is operated by the U.S. government and uses relevant technology to prevent unauthorized access to information. All information registered through EVUS is strictly regulated by U.S. law, just as U.S. law governs other similar review systems.
Is the current visa still valid?
Yes. EVUS is not a visa; holders of Chinese passports still need to obtain a business or travel visa to enter the United States as required. Those who have already obtained a B1/B2, B1, or B2 visa remain valid for travel to the United States. EVUS registration and visa application are different processes.
Is the EVUS program only for China?
Although the current EVUS system is a visa update system open to Chinese passport holders, since the terrorist attacks in France on November 13, 2015, the United States has strengthened its scrutiny of incoming tourists. Additionally, since last year, international tourists entering without a visa are also required to apply in advance through the ESTA system before entering the United States. In the future, the U.S. government may also apply the EVUS program to other countries, as this is a new requirement for foreign tourists to protect domestic security.
U.S. consulate staff have repeatedly emphasized: Although the probability of not going through EVUS is very low, and entry does not require carrying the EVUS confirmation letter, it is still advisable to wait until the system indicates that the update is complete before traveling to avoid delays in travel plans to the United States.
