China Visa Application

South African passport holders need a visa to enter China. Fortunately, here’s some help on how, what, where and when to apply for your tourist visa. You can apply for a China visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC) in South Africa. Processing times vary. Standard applications are generally processed within a few working days once accepted, while express services may be available at an additional cost.

Competition duration
Please note this process is applicable to South African passport holders.

China Visa Requirements

• Completed Chinese Visa Application Form

• Original passport, valid for 6 months with 4 blank pages

• A recently taken 48 x 33mm passport photo (full face, front view, bare head, and against a light background)

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

• 3 Months bank statements showing sufficient and continuous flow of funds

• Hotel reservations for the entire duration of your Chinese trip

• Confirmed, return flight tickets (or cruise booking if entering by sea)

• Original and photocopy of unabridged birth certificate of the applicant, or the affidavit from the parents indicating kinship issued by a local police station

• Photocopy of the parents’ passports or ID cards

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

China Visa Costs

Visa Type Total Fee pp (tax excl.) Visa Fee charged by Embassy/Consulate (tax excl.) CVASC Service Fee (tax incl.)
Single-entry visa – Regular ZAR1 105 ZAR300 ZAR805
Single-entry visa – Express ZAR1 773 ZAR600 ZAR1 173
Double-entry visa – Regular ZAR1 180 ZAR375 ZAR805
Double-entry visa – Express ZAR1 998 ZAR825 ZAR1 173

Visa fees are tax-exempt and collected on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General. Application service fees are charged by the Centre.

The total amount payable by an applicant is the visa fee plus the CVASC service fee.

Fees for applicants from third countries may differ from those shown in this schedule. The final payment is subject to the actual amount confirmed by the Visa Centre.

Due to the high volume of applications, please confirm with the Embassy whether Rush or Express visa applications are available.

Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban centres:
The centres accept debit cards, credit cards and account transfers. American Express and Diners Club cards are not accepted. Account details will only be issued once the application has been lodged.

Important information
Prices are subject to change. Travelstart cannot be held responsible for any price increases.

China Visa Requirements

• Completed Chinese Visa Application Form

• Original passport, valid for 6 months with 4 blank pages

• A recently taken 48 x 33mm passport photo (full face, front view, bare head, and against a light background)

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

• 3 Months bank statements showing sufficient and continuous flow of funds

• Hotel reservations for the entire duration of your Chinese trip

• Confirmed, return flight tickets (or cruise booking if entering by sea)

• Original and photocopy of unabridged birth certificate of the applicant, or the affidavit from the parents indicating kinship issued by a local police station

• Photocopy of the parents’ passports or ID cards

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

Application Centres

Address: 20th Floor, 1 Thibault Square, Long Street, Cape Town

Telephone: 087 808 5507

Email: capetown@visaforchina.org

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 12:30

Address: 14th Floor, Sandton City Office Tower, Corner Rivonia Road & 5th Street, Sandton

Telephone: 011 505 9300

Email: johannesburgcenter@visaforchina.org

Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00 – 16:00

Address: 45 Zenith Drive, Umhlanga, Durban

Telephone: 011 505 9300 / 087 802 0460

Email: durban@visaforchina.org

Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 12:30

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

Additional Information

Please note that the application centres are closed on the following days:

• January: 1

• February: 4, 5, 6

• March: 21

• April: 5, 19, 22, 27

• May: 1

• June: 7, 16, 17

• August: 9

• September: 13, 24, 30

• October: 1, 2

• December: 16, 25, 26

So, whether you intend to visit Beijing, Shanghai, Macau or Guangzhou, there’ll be plenty for you to discover! With this guide on the China visa application process, you’ll soon be on your way.

Need assistance with your visa? Get a free assessment and quote from our expert partners at Visa Box!

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