EVUS Requirements to Travel to the United States

Conditions when travelling with an EVUS

Apply for an EVUS

Citizens of China are required to register with EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System), which grants permission to board an aircraft bound for the United States. It’s crucial to understand the US EVUS requirements to enroll online.

Read on to learn about the documents and information you need to ensure you can register with EVUS and successfully enter the United States.

Do I Need a US Visa to Enroll with EVUS?

Yes. Before submitting an EVUS application, Chinese citizens first need to obtain a US B1/B2 tourist visa. This involves applying in person at a US Embassy or Consulate.

Requirements to get a US visa

To apply for a US visa, you need to :

  • Complete and submit a DS-160 non-immigrant visa application online
  • Upload a digital image of the applicant
  • Make an appointment at your nearest US embassy or consulate
  • Bring the required supporting documents to the visa interview and supply biometric data

US visa application requirements

We advise you to bring some of the following supporting documents to prove ties to your home country and convince the interviewer you are not a US overstay risk:

  • Certificate of employment
  • Payslips
  • Bank account details
  • Property titles

During the interview process, you should keep answers direct and to-the-point and answer as truthfully and clearly as possible. It is important to tell the interviewing consul if you don’t understand a question, want it to be rephrased differently, or need an interpreter.

The consul will normally inform you of their decision at the end of the interview. If they choose not to approve your visa, you will be issued a letter explaining why. If the visa has been approved, the interviewing consul will help you arrange the delivery of the visa.

Completing the DS-160 application form

You can find the DS-160 form online on the Consular Electronic Application Center website.

Make sure to accurately and completely answer all questions to avoid any delays. Should you have any errors on your form, you will have to correct your application and reschedule your visa interview.

The DS-160 form must be electronically signed by clicking the “Sign Application” button at the end of the form. Failure to sign the DS-160 form may result in the termination of your application.

EVUS Passport Requirements

Another crucial requirement to enroll with EVUS is the need to have a passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the day of arrival in the United States.

Do I need a biometric passport to enroll with EVUS?

Yes, the EVUS application requires you to have a biometric passport, also known as an E-passport.

Unlike traditional passports, biometric passports are able to store far more complex information about the passport holder’s fingerprints, face, or even iris.

This is collected before the passport is issued and considered biometric information. This is possible because biometric passports contain a microchip.

Each time that the EVUS holder enters the U.S. they will be interviewed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official. They also need to present their passport. This passport must be a biometric Chinese passport.

If you intend to apply for EVUS and you do not have a biometric passport, you will need to apply for one first.

biometric passport

When should I enroll with EVUS if my passport has expired?

If your passport has expired or is approaching its expiration date, we advise you not to apply for EVUS until you receive the new passport.

If you had previously applied for EVUS and your passport is no longer valid, you need to apply for a new EVUS Visa update before entering the United States.

Information required to travel with an EVUS

During your EVUS registration, you must provide your personal details and document information.

This includes the foil number from your B1/B2 visa. This is the red number that appears below the expiration date of the visa.

To complete the EVUS update, you also need to enter the following information:

  • Your name as it appears on your passport without the title (Mr/Mrs/Dr etc)
  • Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)
  • Passport number (which must match the details on your B1/B2 visa)
  • B1/B2 issue and expiry dates
  • Point of contact in the U.S
  • Employment details.

As part of the process, applicants must also answer a series of questions. All information is private and secure.

You also need to supply:

  • A current email address
  • A credit or debit card to pay the EVUS registration fee

Before completing the EVUS enrollment, you should read each section of the form carefully and revise all the information they enter. It is important to avoid providing any incorrect or inaccurate information, as this will result in the application being rejected.

US entry Requirements and conditions

After receiving your approved EVUS authorization, it’s a good idea to read up on what to expect at the U.S. border so you can adequately prepare for your trip.

In addition to remembering to bring the correct passport and visa/EVUS documents, the following tips will help you successfully gain entry to the United States:

  • Be ready to show you have sufficient funds for the trip and do not intend to work. This will be assessed during a short interview at immigration.
  • Provide an invitation letter from a U.S. company or conference registration (business travelers only).
  • Avoid carrying items suggesting plans to immigrate, like employment documents, excessive luggage, or pets.
  • Provide the street address of your first night's stay. For hotels, include reservation details. For private residences, ensure the hosts are aware of your arrival, as immigration officials may phone to check. It’s also a good idea to save any messages in which your hosts have mentioned inviting you to stay.
  • Fill out a customs declaration upon arrival. If over 18, complete an individual form. Declare if carrying more than $10,000 in cash or equivalent.
  • Do not bring prohibited goods such as meat, raw fruits/vegetables, or goods from sanctioned countries (Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Myanmar).

These guidelines will help ensure a smooth entry process into the United States.