China visa application requirements for South Africans

[Updated on 27 July 2018]

China is definitely one of the top business and tourist destinations for South Africans. There are so many landmarks, such as the incredible Great Wall of China and the amazing Forbidden City in Beijing. Discover more in this ancient, yet modern, destination. One of the frustrations is knowing what to do when applying for a China visa as a South African. So, here’s a bit of help on the how, what, where and when to apply for your tourist visa.

china visa great wall of china

Visa requirements

If you’re applying for a tourist visa to China, you’ll need the following documents:

  • Completed China Visa Application Form
  • A recently taken 48mm x 33mm passport photo (full face, front view, bare head, and against a light background, make sure to tell the photographer the size you need)
  • Valid passport with at least two fully-blank pages, valid for at least six months from the date of application
  • Photocopy of the information page and extension page (if applicable) of the passport
  • 3 Months bank statements showing sufficient and continuous flow of funds
  • Hotel reservations for the entire duration of Chinese trip
  • Confirmed, return flight tickets (or cruise booking if entering by sea)

Additional documents for business travellers:

Qualified invitation letter from business partner or company sponsoring visit in China. This must be stamped and signed (the business should know the documents they need to provide). The letter should state:

  1. Your information (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number)
  2. Details of planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relationship between applicant and host, details of any financial support to be provided during your stay in China)
  3. Information about the host (name, telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative)
  4. The person issuing the invitation letter is also to submit a photocopy of his/her Chinese ID (both sides of ID card)
  5. If purchasing goods, the letter should also include planned items of purchase, with the quantity and value of the items as well.

When to apply

china visa when to apply

The China visa takes four days to be processed at the visa application service centres. It would be wise, though, to allow for up to seven days. If you need a visa within seven days, the application centres do allow express and rush applications. Take note, though, this service is at the discretion of the centres and comes at an increased cost.

Visa costs

china visa costs new

Visa type Regular Express Rush
Single entry (3 months) R800 R1,300 R1,600
Double entry (3 months) R900 R1,400 R1,700
Multiple entry (6 months) R1,100 R1,600 R1,900
Multiple entry (1 year) R1,300 R1,800 R2,100

Take note that these prices exclude tax.

As a tourist, you’d most likely opt for the single-entry China visa. This visa will entitle you to stay in the country for up to three months.

When applying at an application service centre, finish off your application by paying the visa fee (by card only). After paying you will receive a pick-up form (a receipt). You should bring this form when collecting your visa and passport.

Make sure to confirm that your information on the pick-up form is correct before you leave the centre.

*Note that prices are subject to change

Where to apply

china visa where to apply

You can apply for your China visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC). They are in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

Johannesburg

Address: 14th Floor, Sandton City Office Tower, Corner Rivonia Rd & 5th St, Sandton
Phone: 011 505 9300
Email: johannesburgcenter@visaforchina.org
Hours: Mon-Fri, 09:00 – 16:00
Submission of applications: Mon-Fri, 09:00 – 15:00
Payment and collection: Mon-Fri, 09:00 – 16:00

Parking is available at the Sandton City Hall.

Cape Town

Address: 20th Floor, 1 Thibault Square, Long St, Cape Town
Phone: 087 808 5507
Email: capetown@visaforchina.org
Hours: Mon-Fri, 09:00 – 12:30

Parking is available at Thibault Square.

Durban

Address: 45 Zenith Drv, Umhlanga, Durban
Phone: 011 505 9300 / 087 802 0460
Email: durban@visaforchina.org
Hours: Mon-Fri, 09:00 – 12:30

Parking is available at the CVASC.

Please note that the Chinese Visa Application Centres are closed on public holidays.

 

Travelstart can also assist you in your China visa application. Get a free quote and assessment!

Where to print photos and forms

china visa beautiful sights

Johannesburg

PostNET

Address: Shop L38B Ground Floor, Entrance 7 Cnr 5th & Rivonia Rd Sandton City, Sandhurst, Sandton
Phone: 011 783 6810
Hours: Mon-Fri, 07:00 – 20:00

Sat, Sun & public holidays, 09:00 – 18:00

Cape Town

PostNET

Address: Shop 8 No, 2 Long St, Cape Town City Centre
Phone: 021 418 1630
Hours: Mon-Tues & Thurs-Fri, 08:00 – 16:30

Wed, 08:30 – 16:30

Sat, 08:30 – 12:00

Durban

Copy Katz

Address: Shop G058, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Palm Blvd, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga
Phone: 031 566 1743
Hours: Mon-Sat, 09:00 – 19:00

Sun, 09:00 – 18:00

To sum it all up

  1. Get all your required documents together.
  2. Have them printed.
  3. Have your passport photo taken.
  4. Make an appointment with your nearest CVASC.
  5. Submit your photo and documents.
  6. Pay the visa fee.
  7. Collect your pick-up form.
  8. When notified, return to collect your visa and passport.

Booking flights for your trip

china visa explore

Now that you know how to get a China visa, start planning your next holiday! We offer a flight comparison and online booking service to help you find cheap flights to China. You can book your trip from the comfort of your home or office. Your booking confirmation will be emailed to you within 48 hours.

Subscribe to our newsletter and take a look at our latest flight specials to China and other exotic places!

Have you previously applied for a China visa? Let us know in the comments!

All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice from the original source. Travelstart is not affiliated to immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of information from this website.

Our Readers Comments

  1. hI, I WILL BE GOING TO CHINA TO WORK. I WANT TO KNOW IF THEY NEED TO APPLY FOR A VISA FOR ME OR DO I ONLY NEED TO APPLY FOR A VISA?

    • Hi there,

      You will need to apply for your visa. Please contact the Embassy direct, they will advise what all documents you will need to submit, as well as the cost and the correct procedures to follow when applying.

  2. Can I apply even though I have a diploma instead of a degree?

    • HI Emily,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      For any visa queries please contact the Embassy or official visa handling agency direct. They will be able to assist.

  3. Hi

    I am hoping to leave to China in January to work there. Can my medical be done in a private hospital? I tried calling the Chinese embassies in South Africa but they dont answer. Kindly advise.

    • Hi there,

      For this you would need to contact the Embassy direct for the most up to date information.

      If they are not answering, I would suggest you go into the Embassy direct or contact the official visa handling agency who should be able to assist.

  4. Hi
    Please assist ,we got to China on a study tour ; we work for Govenment in KZN we have Offical Passports, do we require Visa to enter China and India..

    • HI there,

      Thanks for contacting us.

      You welcome to read our blog “China visa application requirements for South Africans”

      Here we provide information on visa applications. However to get the most up to date information please contact the Embassy direct as visa rules and regulations could change at anytime.

      For an Indian visa, please contact the Indian consulate or official visa handling agency. They will be able to provide you with the most up to date information on the correct procedures to follow, what documents are required and the cost.

  5. Good day,

    I am completing and applying for visa for my boss. I would like to find out if I can submit all the required documents except the flight ticket and accommodation vouchers as they are stated on the invitation letter by the organizers of the conference.

    I only have the following documents:

    Visa application form
    Invitation letter to attend the conference
    Passport
    Photos
    Authorization letter to travel by Employer only

    Also, please advise if I can submit all this documents in Sandton or Pretoria as I am based in Pretoria.

    Your prompt response will be highly appreciated.

    Thanks

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for contacting us.

      You welcome to read through our blog we posted: “China visa application requirements for South Africans”

      Here we provide all the relevant information. However we do recommend you contact the Embassy direct for the most up to date information and visa requirements can change at anytime.

      The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China (Pretoria)
      Telephone No : (012) 431 6500, ext.6537 (visa) 6531, 6532 (consular)
      Hotline : (012) 431 6537 (2:00pm-4:00pm Mon-Fri)

      or

      Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China (Johannesburg)
      Telephone No : (011) 883 2186 ext 7562

      or

      Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China (Cape Town)
      Telephone No : (021) 674 0592 / 0594

      or

      Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China (Durban)
      Telephone No
      (031) 563 4534
      (031) 563 4986 (visa)

      Or the official visa agency

      Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC)
      Telephone No (Jnb) : 011 505 9300
      Telephone No (Dur) : 087 802 0460 or 011 505 9300
      Telephone No.(Cpt) : 087 808 5507

    • Hi William,

      For this you will need to contact The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in (Pretoria)

      They will be able to assist and answer your query. Their contact details are below:

      Telephone No : (012) 431 6500, ext.6537 (visa) 6531, 6532 (consular)
      Hotline : (012) 431 6537 (2:00pm-4:00pm Mon-Fri)
      Fax No : (012) 430 7620
      Street Address : 225 Athlone Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0083 (Visa section)
      Postal Address : P. O Box 95764 Waterkloof, Pretoria, 0145
      Email Address : visa@chinese-embassy.org.za / reception@chinese-embassy.org.za
      nflssf@163.com
      Web Address : http://www.chinese-embassy.org.za

  6. Hello. Do I have to book an immediate return flight when I enter China on a business visa?

    • Hi Stephan,

      Thanks for contacting us.

      I’m afraid we do not specialise in visa’s related queries for business travel.

      However looking at the requirements for a tourist visa it does stipulate the following and I would think the same applied for business travel.

      “Details of the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, places(s) to be visited, accommodation arrangements etc.”

      I recommend you contact the Embassy direct as they grant the visa’s and would be able to advise what documents they require when receiving visa applications.

      The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China (Pretoria)
      Telephone No : (012) 431 6500, ext.6537 (visa) 6531, 6532 (consular)
      Hotline : (012) 431 6537 (2:00pm-4:00pm Mon-Fri)

  7. Hello

    I tried to apply for a tourist visa to China for three months today and was told (by an employee of the Chinese Visa Application Centre in Sandton City) that I can only get a tourist visa for 30 days.
    Did I apply for the incorrect visa? Have regulations changed?

    I would like to stay for three months as a tourist. Is there a way to renew a visa in China or will I need to go to a country like Hong Kong to get a new visa?

    If you have any suggestions they are more than welcome.

    Thanks
    Nick

    • Hi Nick,

      If this is the information provided by the Embassy then that would be the most up to date information.

      They are the ones granting the visa’s and the visa official will decide should a visa be granted and the length of stay and if it would be multiple entry or not.

      I would suggest contacting the Embassy again and speak to one of the officials. They will advise if you would be able to renew your visa or not and if so the correct procedures to follow, what documents would be required and the cost.

    • Update on this comment.

      I emailed the Visa Application Centre and was informed that the standard Single Entry Visa is valid for three months but is only valid for only 30 days in country. In other words you cannot stay in China for longer than 30 days even if the visa is valid for three months.

      If you want a visa that is double or multiple entry you will need to motivate why is is necessary before it will be granted and provide supporting documents in the form of hotel bookings and flights etc.

      It does not seem to be posable to get another visa in China unless you have permanent residency there.
      It does seems to be possible to get another visa in Hong Kong (from some Googling), but it is not guaranteed, easy or cheap.

      I hope this helps future travelers.
      Nick

  8. I would like to know if its possible to send someone to do a visa application on my behalf and if possible what are the requirements, what can she bring for the application to be successful!

    • Hi Nozipho,

      To my knowledge you would need to apply in person.

      Documents needed when applying for a tourist visa is:

      One fully completed Visa Application Form with one recently- taken colour photo (bare head, full face, front view – 48mmx33mm) against a light background attached.

      Original passport valid for six months and at least 4 blank pages. A photocopy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate are also required.

      Photocopy of the information page and extension page (if applicable) of the passport.

      Documents showing the itinerary including round-trip air ticket booking and proof of a hotel reservation, etc or ​an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China and a cover letter from the applicants’s company. The invitation letter should contain:

      Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.)

      Details of the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, places(s) to be visited, accommodation arrangements etc.)

      Information on the inviting party (incl name of organisation or person concerned, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter. An issuer of invitation letter who is an individual in China should also provide a photocopy of his/her Chinese ID (both sides of ID Card).

      For applicant under 18 years old: the following supplementary documents are required:
      The original and photocopy of the unabridged birth certificate of the applicant, or the affidavit from the parents indicating kinship issued by local police station.

      Photocopy of the parents’ passport or ID cards.

      Notarized Parental letter of Consent of the Affidavit from non-accompanying parents authorizing the travel. This letter or affidavit should contain the dates of travel and the parents contact information.

      Updated 3 months bank statement is required

      Please contact the Embassy direct for the most on what documents are required and correct procedures to follow and the cost. As this information could have changed at anytime.

      The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China (Pretoria)
      Telephone No : (012) 431 6500, ext.6537 (visa) 6531, 6532 (consular)

      or

      Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China (Cape Town)
      Telephone No : (021) 674 0592 / 0594

  9. Hi, I would like to know more about the multiple entry visa,my mum went to China 2017 November till 30th December and she applied for a multiple entry visa.
    Can she use this visa again 2018 around the same time?

    • Hi Adele,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      You will need to see the amount of days given by the Embassy on the multiple entry visa.

      Please contact them direct, they will have her information on record as they granted the visa and will be able to advise accordingly.

      The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China (Pretoria)
      Telephone No : (012) 431 6500, ext.6537 (visa) 6531, 6532 (consular)
      Hotline : (012) 431 6537 (2:00pm-4:00pm Mon-Fri)

      Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China (Johannesburg)
      Telephone No : (011) 883 2186 ext 7562

      Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China (Cape Town)
      Telephone No : (021) 674 0592 / 0594

      Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China (Durban)
      Telephone No (031) 563 4534
      (031) 563 4986 (visa)

      Or official visa handling agency:

      Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC)
      Telephone No (Jnb) : 087 808 6180 or 011 505 9300
      Telephone No (Dur) : 087 802 0460 or 011 505 9300
      Telephone No.(Cpt) : 087 808 5507

  10. Hello,
    I’m in the process of getting the documents that I need for my Z visa. Everything is in order except for the fact that they have to select where I am applying for my visa in the Chinese Service system and the only options are Johannesburg and Cape Town, being from Durban I would naturally apply at the embassy in Durban.
    Now do I have to apply in either Cape Town or Johannesburg OR can I still apply in Durban?
    If I can apply in Durban which one must my employer select?

    • Hi Lavanya,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      All ordinary passport holders wishing to visit mainland China are requested to apply for visas at The Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. http://www.visaforchina.org

      This information could have changed so we do recommened you contact the Embassy or official handling agency direct for the most up to date information.

      Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China (Durban)
      Telephone No
      (031) 563 4534
      (031) 563 4986 (visa)

      Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC)
      Telephone No (Dur) : 087 802 0460 or 011 505 9300

  11. Hi, I am a South African leaving in the US. I want to travel to China, how do I apply for VISA?

    • HI Charles,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      If you are living in the the US and planning on travelling to China on a South African passport, you need to contact the nearest Chinese Embassy.

      They will be able to advise on what documents would be required at the time of applying for the visa, correct procedures to follow as well as the cost.

  12. I’m going to China on the 25th ofJune and my visa is valid until 27 June 2018 basically it say enter before 27 July 2018 and I will land on the 26th of June everything is booked knowing I’m safe is it okay to use it?

    • Hi there,

      You visa needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay. So you will need to be out of China by 27th June.

      Please contact the Embassy direct as they will be able to give you the most up to date information.

  13. Hi all

    Im wondering if someone can help me out. I am from south Africa. I am currently awaiting my Z-visa for china as I am moving to work in China (teaching). This has taken over 3 months now and thus Im still waiting. My dilemma is- my family booked a trip to visit me in China in the anticipation that I was supposed to be over there a little while ago. If my Z-visa does not arrive in the next couple days, Is it possible to apply for a tourist visa in order to go over to china to travel/ vacation with my family? while still awaiting the Z-visa. I understand that I might/ probably will have to come back to SA to get my Z-visa and go back to China for work, if so be. i don’t mind doing that.

    Long story short- will I be compromising my Z-visa application if I apply for a tourist Visa at the same time? and is this even possible :/

    Pleaseeeee help!! Thankyou 🙂

    • Hi Tash,

      Sorry to hear that you still waiting on our Z-visa. It would be best to contact Embassy direct. As they are the ones granting the visa’s they will be able to advise if it is possible to apply for a tourist visa while still waiting on a Z-visa.

      Best of luck and I hope you manage to get your visa in time.

  14. Hello
    My employer is applying for a work visa for me in China. He says when the visa has been finalised in China, I would need to pick it up from my country of residence (South Africa). Please what documents must i present at the Johannesburg office to collect the visa for me and my family members?

    • Hi Miriam,

      I’ve checked on Travelinfo and unable to find info on what documents are all required when collecting your passport/visa.

      Please contact the Chinese Embassy direct and they will be able to advise accordingly.

      The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China (Pretoria)
      Telephone No : (012) 431 6500, ext.6537 (visa) 6531, 6532 (consular)
      Hotline : (012) 431 6537 (2:00pm-4:00pm Mon-Fri)
      Fax No : (012) 430 7620
      Street Address : 225 Athlone Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0083 (Visa section)
      Postal Address : P. O Box 95764 Waterkloof, Pretoria, 0145
      Email Address : visa@chinese-embassy.org.za / reception@chinese-embassy.org.za
      nflssf@163.com
      Web Address : http://www.chinese-embassy.org.za

      Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China (Johannesburg)
      Telephone No : (011) 883 2186 ext 7562
      Fax No : (011) 883 5274
      Street Address : 25 Cleveland Road, Sandhurst, Sandton
      Postal Address : P.O. Box 413186, Craighall, 2024
      Email Address : chinaconsul_jb_za@mfa.gov.cn
      Web Address : http://johannesburg.china-consulate.org

  15. Hi There,

    I am from South Africa and currently in Shenzhen. I am in the process of extending my current tourist visa, but would like to know, once my tourist visa runs out, can I go to Hong Kong and apply for another tourist visa, as I would like to come back and travel more. Where can I go to find out the costs and if I, as a South African, would be able to apply for another tourist visa. The agencies here charge a fortune and I would prefer to do this on my own as it is just a tourist visa and not any other type of visa. Any help with this would be appreciated!

    Thanks in advance! 🙂

    • Hi Carrey,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      I’m afraid we do not specialise in this area and suggest you contact the official visa handling agency of China or the Embassy direct.

      They will be able to point you in the right direction and answer any visa queries you have.

  16. Hi, I have a criminal record and worried if I will be able to get a Chinese visa when applying. Thanks for your time.

    • Hi there,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      As we are not the ones granting the visa’s we are not able to advise.

      For this you will need to contact the Embassy direct they will be able to advise accordingly.

  17. Hi there,

    A family member is currently serving a 3 year suspended sentence will she be disqualified when applying for a Visa to enter China?
    She is in possession of a valid South African passport.

    • Hi Pierre,

      I’m afraid we are not able to advise on this.

      This is up to the Embassy’s discretion as they are granting the visa’s.

  18. Hi

    I will be dropping my Sister in Beijing for work.
    She has all her documents sorted.
    What will I require has this is my First time out of South Africa.
    Who will I require to go for my Visas.

    Regards,
    Keegan

    • Hi Keegan,

      Thanks for getting in touch.

      Please contact the Embassy direct with regards to work visa’s.

      They specilise in this area and will be able to provide you with the most up to date info.

      The Embassy of The People’s Republic of China (Pretoria)
      Telephone No : (012) 431 6500, ext.6537 (visa) 6531, 6532 (consular)
      Hotline : (012) 431 6537 (2:00pm-4:00pm Mon-Fri)
      Fax No : (012) 430 7620
      Street Address : 225 Athlone Street, Arcadia, Pretoria 0083 (Visa section)
      Postal Address : P. O Box 95764 Waterkloof, Pretoria, 0145
      Email Address : visa@chinese-embassy.org.za / reception@chinese-embassy.org.za
      nflssf@163.com
      Web Address : http://www.chinese-embassy.org.za

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