Originally published March 29, 2016
In November 2016, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will implement the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS), an online system requiring Chinese nationals travelling on a People’s Republic of China passport with a 10-year B visitor visa to update their basic biographic information. All travelers will be required to complete an EVUS enrollment and update their information prior to traveling to the United States. Enrollment will remain valid for two years or until the traveler’s visa or passport expires.
Though travelers may allow a friend, relative, travel industry professional, or third party to submit the required information to EVUS on their behalf, the traveler is ultimately responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of all information submitted. Therefore, travelers should be mindful to confirm the accuracy of any information submitted on their behalf or risk visa denials or even charges of misrepresentation.
Enrollment will require a nominal fee (payable by a third party). The EVUS website will be available in both English and Chinese, although all EVUS questions must be answered in English.
The EVUS system is a byproduct of the agreement between the United States and China to issue visitor visas with 10-year validity on a reciprocal basis. While this requirement will initially apply only to China, DHS expects that it may be applied to additional countries in the future. For further general information see the CBP website, and for specific questions contact us at SGG.