CBP Launches the Electronic Visa Update System for Early Enrollments

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the launch of the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) website for early enrollments. All individuals with a People’s Republic of China issued passport bearing a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visa will be required to have a valid EVUS enrollment when traveling to the United States beginning on November 29. EVUS is the online system used by nationals of the People’s Republic of China holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visa 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.

CBP will not collect a fee for an EVUS enrollment at this time, but anticipates that an EVUS enrollment fee will eventually be implemented. Until the fee is implemented, travelers can complete their EVUS enrollment without charge.  

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.   

Beginning November 29, nationals of the People’s Republic of China holding 10-year visas will not be able to travel to the United States without a valid EVUS enrollment. For travelers taking more than one flight to reach the United States, the EVUS enrollment will be verified when they check-in for their first flight. Nationals of the People’s Republic of China who hold a 10-year visa and are seeking to enter the U.S. through a land or sea port of entry must also have a valid EVUS enrollment. Until November 29, travelers may continue to travel to the United States without an enrollment.

CBP operates an EVUS call center with Mandarin-speaking operators that travelers can call or email if they are experiencing technical difficulties or have questions about their enrollment.  Travelers can contact the call center at 1-202-325-0180or via email at evus@cbp.dhs.gov. The call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but will be closed on U.S. federal holidays.

The EVUS process is similar to the process that travelers from 38 other countries must follow before traveling to the United States.  If Chinese travelers do not update their information at least every two years, or upon obtaining a new passport after EVUS becomes effective, they will not be able to use their 10-year visas.

The latest EVUS information is available at CBP.gov/EVUS.