U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on Tuesday the launch of the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS), an electronic program designed to enhance border security as per the bilateral arrangement with China to issue 10-year validity tourist and business visas.
According to the arrangement, as of November, citizens of the People’s Republic of China holding visas, including 10-year B1/B2, B1 and B2 visas, will be required to complete an online form to update certain biographic information. Prospective travelers to the U.S. must complete the document before embarking.
EVUS registration is valid for two years or until the traveler receives a new passport, whichever occurs first.
A nominal fee will be charged when EVUS enrollment begins and will be charged again upon subsequent updates. Updates will generally be valid for two years and will help to facilitate easier access by Chinese nationals to the United States.
“More than 2.7 million nationals of the People’s Republic of China are part of the 10-year visa program, a milestone in diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China,” CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske said. “The Electronic Visa Update System will enable CBP to enhance the security of the program while facilitating legitimate travel.”
Information that must be updated as part of EVUS are: name, address, date of birth, passport number, and other basic biographic information which would expedite entry into the United States. Visa holder are not required to take action until November 2016.”