People who have more than one citizenship may also hold multiple passports. This raises a number of questions about taking a trip abroad. How does traveling with two passports work? Should dual citizens bring both passports? Which one should be shown at border control? Can you enter a country with one passport, but use the
Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)
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▾US EVUS Enrollment Information
The Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS), introduced in 2016, is an electronic travel authorization that determines the eligibility of Chinese nationals who hold a valid 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa to travel to the United States for purposes of business or leisure.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection implemented the US visa EVUS in order to allow citizens from China to update the details of their U.S visitor visa and travel to the United States.
The EVUS enrollment allows the holder to travel to the United States under the terms of their B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, which usually allows the traveler to stay in the U.S. approximately 6 months or less.
The EVUS visa authorization is valid for 2 years from the date of approval and allows the holder to travel to the United States multiple times during its validity.
Eligible Chinese citizens are able to apply through the simple EVUS online application. It is necessary to fill in the EVUS form with personal and passport information, and answer some security-related questions, in order to complete the EVUS USA enrollment.
Those who first need to apply for a visa for the United States should contact their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for further information.
Highlights
Multiple entry visa authorization
Required for Chinese citizens who hold B1 or B2 visa
Valid for 2 years from approval
Permits travel for business or leisure
What is Necessary?
People’s Republic of China Passport valid for 6 months minimum
Current email address
Valid credit/debit card to pay the EVUS fee
B1 or B2 US visa with 10-year validity
US Visa EVUS Requirements
In order to submit an EVUS enrollment, it is first necessary to meet the EVUS visa requirements. Chinese citizens must have a valid 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 U.S. visa in order to apply for EVUS.
Those who are required to enroll must meet the following EVUS application requirements:
- Chinese passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the period of the planned stay in the United States
- A valid 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 U.S. visa
- A valid email address at which to receive updates and notifications.
Upon arrival in the United States with an approved EVUS, travelers are required to present the same passport as that used to complete the application, as the EVUS enrollment is electronically linked to this travel document.
If the holder changes their passport during the period of EVUS validity, it is necessary to submit a new application.
EVUS holders are allowed to remain in the United States past the period of validity of EVUS as long as they enter before the expiration date.
Citizens from China with a visa other than the B-class type are not required to submit an EVUS application in order to travel to the United States.
Countries Eligible for United States
Citizens from the countries listed below are eligible to apply online to enter United States
Countries Eligible for United States
- China
Application Steps
STEP 1
Complete online applicationSTEP 2
Confirm PaymentSTEP 3
Receive approved VisaCovid Update for United States
Last update: 21/07/2021
Travelers arriving from most countries are allowed to enter the US, including those with an approved US ESTA. REQUIREMENTS: All passengers aged 2 years and older must have a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 3 days before traveling. This also applies to those transiting through the US. Passengers with a positive COVID-19 test result issued at most 3 months before departure and a letter issued by a health authority stating that they have been cleared for travel are exempt. International passengers must also complete an online disclosure and attestation form prior to their trip. Short-term visitors who are currently restricted from entry can still apply for the ESTA in preparation for when they do travel, since it is valid for 2 years. All foreign nationals who have traveled to the following countries within the past 14 days are not currently permitted entry, although this is likely to change soon: Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, South Africa, the UK, or any country in the European Schengen Area (apart from overseas territories not in Europe). For more information, please check the US visa policy.
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▾FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
United States Visa FAQ
What is the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)?
The Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) is an electronic travel authorization that determines the eligibility of Chinese nationals who hold a valid 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa to travel to the United States for purposes of business or leisure.
Who is required to apply for EVUS?
Only Chinese citizens with a valid 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa can apply for an EVUS, unlike other electronic travel authorizations available for multiple eligible countries.
Chinese citizens traveling with any other class of visa that is not B1, B2, or B1/B2 with a 10 year validity are not required to apply for an EVUS.
What is the difference between EVUS and a Visa?
EVUS only grants the holder permission to travel to the United States, allowing them to board an aircraft to the U.S. However, in order to be able to apply for EVUS and enter the country, Chinese citizens are first required to obtain a 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa prior to travel.
How much does EVUS cost?
The EVUS does not have a price, as it is free of charge to submit an EVUS application.
How long can a Chinese citizen stay in the US?
The EVUS allows multiple entries during its validity. It permits the holder to travel to the United States under the terms of their visa, which generally allows the traveler to stay in the US approximately six (6) months or less.
How long will my EVUS update be valid for?
The validity of the EVUS lasts for two (2) years from the date of approval.
What are the restrictions of the US visa EVUS?
An approved EVUS enrollment is valid for two (2) years from the date of issue and allows the holder to travel to the United States multiple times during its validity until the associated passport or visa expires, whichever comes first. This means that as long as the EVUS is successfully approved, it is not necessary to enroll again during its period of validity.
Receiving an approved EVUS enrollment does not mean that the holder may stay in the United States for two years. EVUS approval only allows the holder to travel to the U.S. under the terms of their visitor visa, which generally allows the traveler to stay in the U.S. for 6 months or less at a time.
If the holder of an EVUS gets a new passport or changes their name, gender, or country of citizenship, they will be required to enroll again in EVUS. This is also required if one of the answers to any of the EVUS questions changes.
It is only necessary for the EVUS to be valid at the time of arrival in the United States. If the EVUS expires after the traveler is admitted to the U.S., it will not affect their departure.
What do I need to make an application?
To apply for EVUS, applicants need the following:
- Chinese passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the period of the planned stay in the United States
- A valid 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 U.S. visa
- A valid email address at which to receive updates and notifications.
What is B1 B2 foil number?
The B1 B2 foil number is a red number that is printed on the bottom right-hand side of newer U.S. visa documents. It is necessary to provide the 8-digit foil number of the traveler’s valid B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa when completing the EVUS application.
How to apply for an EVUS US visa?
Eligible citizens are able to apply for the EVUS by completing a simple online application form. It is necessary to fill in personal and passport information, provide visa details and answer some security-related questions to receive an approved EVUS visa email.
How long does it take to process my EVUS?
The standard processing time for the EVUS is 24 hours, although in some cases it may take up to 72 hours for the EVUS to be approved.
When should I apply for an EVUS?
Eligible travelers should apply for an EVUS as soon as they have scheduled the date or have estimated dates for their trip to the United States.
What is the EVUS enrollment number?
The EVUS enrollment number is the number that the applicant receives after completing the EVUS enrollment form, and can be used to track the status of the EVUS application.
Do I need to apply for an EVUS if I already have a B1/B2?
Yes, it is necessary for all Chinese citizens who already have a valid 10-year B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa to apply for an EVUS in order to travel to the United States.
When does EVUS expire?
The EVUS expires two (2) years after the date of issue. EVUS holders are able to remain in the United States past the validity as long as they enter before the EVUS expiration date.
Do I need to renew my EVUS if my passport has changed?
Yes, it is necessary to renew an EVUS if the holder changes their passport during the period of EVUS validity. The EVUS enrollment is electronically linked to the passport used to complete the application.
Do I need to apply for EVUS if I already have a Visa?
It is necessary for all Chinese citizens with a valid 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visa to obtain an EVUS in order to travel to the United States. Chinese citizens traveling with any other class of US visa are not required to apply for an EVUS.
How to renew EVUS?
To renew the EVUS it is necessary to submit a new application at least 72 hours before returning to the United States.
Is it possible to extend my EVUS?
EVUS holders are allowed multiple trips over a period of two (2) years or until the traveler’s passport or visa expires, whichever comes first. If the EVUS expires while the holder is in the United States, it will not affect the traveler’s departure. Those who wish to return to the United States after their EVUS has expired are required to submit a new application.
How do I check my EVUS?
Applicants are able to check the EVUS Status directly on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. It is necessary to enter the applicant’s enrollment number to check the EVUS visa status.
What can I do if I make a mistake in my application?
It is essential to double check that all the information provided on the EVUS form is correct before submitting an application, as even small mistakes can result in the rejection of the EVUS application.
When should I renew EVUS?
Citizens from China which want to return to the United States, must proceed to renew their EVUS, once the electronic travel authorization has expired. The renewal process usually only takes about 20 minutes, although it is important to remember that applications must be filled 72 hours prior to departures to be sure that it will be correctly processed. Remember to apply at least 72-hours before your departure to ensure your application is processed correctly.
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