Starting on November 29, 2016, mainland Chinese nationals carrying 10-year B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visas in their passports must enroll in the electronic visa update system (EVUS) in order to travel to the United States. EVUS is an online system that collects biographic data to facilitate travel to the United States. A third party (i.e. friend, relative, travel industry professional, etc.) may submit the required information to EVUS on the traveler’s behalf. However, the B1/B2 visa holder is responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of the information. Registration will consist of answering a series of biographical questions about work history, education, and travel history. Photographs and fingerprints are not required. EVUS enrollment is valid for a period of two years or until the traveler’s passport expires (whichever date is earlier).
Applicants who are issued a B-1/B-2 visa after November 29, 2016 will have to enroll in EVUS prior to their trips to the United States. Travelers using other travel documents, such as Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwanese passports, are not subject to this requirement.