Guide to Your China Visa Application Process

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.

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

China Visa Requirements

For both single and double-entry visas:

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)

Minors (under 18):

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 fees

The applicable visa fee and application service fee depend on the entry type and processing option selected.

Visa type	Total fee per person Tax excluded	Visa fee charged by the Embassy/Consulate Tax excluded	CVASC service fee Tax included
Single-entry visa – Regular	ZAR 1 105	ZAR 300	ZAR 805
Single-entry visa – Express	ZAR 1 773	ZAR 600	ZAR 1 173
Double-entry visa – Regular	ZAR 1 180	ZAR 375	ZAR 805
Double-entry visa – Express	ZAR 1 998	ZAR 825	ZAR 1 173

Total payable amount = Visa fee + CVASC service fee

Important fee information

Visa fees are tax-exempt and collected on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and Consulate General.
Application service fees are charged by the Visa Centre.
Fees for applicants from third countries may differ from those shown above. Final payment is subject to the amount confirmed by the Visa Centre.
The applicable fee must be paid on the day of collection.

Express applications: Due to high application volumes, please confirm with the Embassy or Visa Centre whether Rush or Express processing is available before applying.

JNB · CPT · DUR

Accepted payment methods

The Visa Centres accept debit cards, credit cards and account transfers.

Not accepted: American Express and Diners Club cards.

Account details will only be provided when the application is lodged.

Please note that prices are subject to exchange rates and may change without notice

Application Centres

Cape Town

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

Johannesburg

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

Durban

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.

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