Beginning November 29, 2016, Chinese passport holders with 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visas are required to enroll in EVUS when traveling to the United States by air or sea carrier or entering by a land port of entry. If you do not have a valid EVUS enrollment, you will not be able be to travel.
What is EVUS?
EVUS is the online system used by Chinese passports holders with 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visas to update basic biographic information to facilitate their travel to the United States. EVUS enrollments are valid for two years or until the traveler obtains a new passport or visa, whichever comes first. The latest EVUS information is available at CBP.gov/EVUS
How do I enroll?
Travelers can submit an EVUS enrollment at any time and will typically receive a response from the system within minutes after submitting their information; however, some responses may take up to 72 hours. CBP encourages travelers to enroll in EVUS when they begin planning their trip to the United States to avoid delays. To enroll, go to www.EVUS.gov. While CBP will not require EVUS enrollment until November 29, 2016, the EVUS website is open for early enrollments.
Who will need to comply with EVUS requirements and when will this new requirement take place?
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 on or after November 29, 2016. Before that date, those 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. Nationals of the People’s Republic of China who are holding valid 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas issued before November 29, 2016 will have to enroll in EVUS to use their visas if traveling to the United States on or after November 29, 2016. Those who receive 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 visas from November 29, 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 United States again.
