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 time may take up to 7 working days.

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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

Single-entry (3 months) : R856
Double-entry (3 months) : R2203

Important notice: Payments can only be made by debit or credit card at the CVASC. Cash deposits must be made prior to your collection date. Prices include service fees, but exclude tax. No refunds are given for denied or withdrawn visa applications. You can make express applications, but these come at an additional cost (up to R800 more than the regular fee). Contact one of the CVASCs for more information.

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

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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