EVUS is an automated online visa update system that is implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Control Protection as an added security measure to determine the admissibility of 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visa holders to the United States. All citizens and nationals of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) who hold these visa types are required to enroll for EVUS before traveling to the U.S. for temporary business or leisure. This also includes citizens from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan traveling with PRC’s passport. What are the countries that need the Electronic US Visa?
Other countries such as Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina among others will soon be EVUS countries as they will be required to start using this lately implemented travel update system. This new-fangled visa update system entered into force from November 29, 2016. All eligible B1 or B2 visa applicants are required to enroll for EVUS, even if their visa information has not changed, before traveling to the U.S.
All eligible candidates who intend travel to the U.S. are recommended to enroll for EVUS at least 72 hrs before their departure to avoid any feasible impediments to their journey. A valid EVUS visa update will enable the traveler to tour to the U.S. manifold times over a duration of two consecutive years until their passport or Visa expires, whichever comes first. This will call for a re-application and update of their biographical information before traveling again to the United States.
In the event EVUS expires after admission to the United States, this shall not affect the applicant departure since the EVUS enrolment must only be valid at the time of arrival. This though does not exempt applicants who have a valid visa in an expired passport as they are mandated to apply for a new passport before registering for EVUS.
EVUS enrolment implies a supposed charge meant to cover the cost of running the system. Information regarding the implementation of this nominal fee can be found on CBP website. There are scenarios where a traveler may be subject to re-enrollment save the issue of expiry period of two years. These include if;
• The applicant obtains a new 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2visa
• The candidate gets a new passport
When it comes to EVUS enrollment, there is no discrepancy between a standard EVUS application and EVUS for children. It’s mandatory for holders of 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 and minors to have a valid individual passport, apply for EVUS and must enroll in the online update system before their departure to the USA.