China visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting China

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Chinese Visa.

  • A South African passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (48 x 33mm) taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Copy of return flight ticket
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.

China Visa for South Africans

Facts about China

China, officially the People's Republic of China is a country in East Asia and the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.404 billion in 2017. Covering approximately 9,600,000 square kilometres, it is the third or fourth-largest country by total area.  China’s political system was based on hereditary Monarchies or dynasties beginning with the semi-mythical Xia dynasty in 21st Century BCE.


China as a whole was ravaged by feudal warlordism with Japan during World War II. The Chinese civil war resulted in a division of territory in 1949 when the communist party of China led by Mao Zedong established the people’s republic of China on mainland China. Also the Kuomintang led nationalist government retreated to the Island of Taiwan where it governed until 1996 when Taiwan changed to democracy.


China’s economy has been one of the world’s fastest-growing with its annual growth rates consistently above 6 per cent. According to the World bank China’s GDP grew from $150 billion in 1978 to $12.24 trillion in 2017. In 2018, its GDP increased to $13.5 trillion (90 trillion yuan). Since 2010, China has been the country with the world’s second-largest economy by nominal GDP and the largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity in 2014.


China is also the world’s largest exporter and second-largest importer of goods and also the home to some of the world’s largest tech giants such as Huawei, Baidu, Tencent and Alibaba as it is the world’s most technologically advanced nation. Since 2019, China has the highest number of rich people in the world.


Types of China Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 4 - 7 days 90 days
Business visa 2 - 15 days 30 - 60 days
Student visa 2 - 15 days 6 months
Work visa 2 - 15 days 30 days

General Requirements for China Visa

  • A South African passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date and must have 2 blank pages for visa stamp.
  • Duly completed and signed visa application form.
  • If the applicant is a minor, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form.
  • Passport-size photographs (48 x 33mm) taken in white background.
  • Travel document.
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Copy of return flight ticket
  • Proof of financial support
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
China Tourist visa China Business visa China Student visa China Work visa

China Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Business visa (M visa) is issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
  • China M and F visa could be confusing to foreign visitors:
    • M  visa - business and trade
    • F visa - non-commercial visits
  • In 2013, the original F visa got divided into two categories: the M and F visa.
  • The M visa is for business and trade, while the F visa now applies to noncommercial travels.
  • The F visa is issued to foreigners who are invited to conduct a lecture, an investigation, scientific and cultural exchanges, study tours and other non-business activities in China.
  • Normally the duration of stay for the F visa is 30 days, which means you can stay for up to 30 days from the date of entry.
  • In case that you need a longer time, make it clear during your application, stating the exact reason you will be needing more time. If your reason is valid enough, your request will be granted and you will get more time.
  • The validity period of the China M visa is three months (90 days) in most cases for South Africans.
  • Just like the tourist visa, the M visa can be issued for single-entry, double-entry or multiple-entry.
  • The allowed duration of stay for double and multiple entry visas is usually 30 days at a time. This can be longer depending on visa applicants' personal circumstances.
  •  Original and photocopy of business registration certificate and tax clearance are required during the visa application.
  • You are also required to provide an invitation letter issued by a registered Chinese company or organization (for example, a trade fair).
  • The invitation letter should include the following information:
    • All personal information of the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)
    • Everything about the planned trip (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) of visit, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity, financial source for expenditures)
    • All details of the inviting entity (name, contact number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative of the entity, etc)
  • The China business visa can be extended to up to 120 days, but this process can take time. You are advised to start your extension request in time.
  • It is illegal to work in China with the business visa. If you want to legally work in China, you need a work visa.

Visa fees
  • Fees for the China business visa is the same as that of tourist visas. The applicant’s nationality and number of entries make all the difference.
Visa Type
Standard Service
Express
Rush
3-month Single Entry
R 800
1,300
1,600
6-month Double Entry
R 900
1,400
1,700
6-month Multi-Entry
R 1,100
1,600
1,900
12-month Multi-Entry
R 1,300
1,800
2,100
  • Generally China multiple-entry business visa cost more. In countries where there are CVASCs (Chinese Visa Application Service Centers), you need to pay both the visa fee and the service fee to the center.
  • It is possible to extend the M visa, but this must be done at least seven days before the original visa expires.
  • Usually it costs about R 350 for a single extension.

China Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Holding a work visa is the only way to legally work in China.
  • The first step to securing a China work visa (Z visa) is obtaining an employment permit.
  • This permit, otherwise called the employment license, is issued by the Chinese government through any of its diplomatic missions abroad.
  • The Z visa is usually issued for one entry with duration of stay of 000 — which means to be determined by the embassy.
  • A holder of the Z visa should enter China within 90 days after visa is issued and must register at a local public security bureau within 30 days of arrival.
  • The China residence permit will be issued at the bureau to replace the Z visa.
  • Unlike the Z visa, the residence permit allows multiple entries into China for one year.
  • In order to apply for the China Z visa, please take note of the following:
    • You must submit your original passport, plus a photocopy of the name page. Visas can only be stamped on your original passport.
    • The passport should have at least 12 months validity left and at least 2 blank visa pages for visa stamping. If this is not the case, you must renew your passport first before starting your application.
    • If you have a valid China visa in another passport, you will need to submit that passport together with the new passport when applying for a new visa.
    • South Africans are required to apply for this visa in person.
    • All fields are mandatory when filling the application form. If a section doesn't apply, please type in "None" or "N/A'. Incomplete forms will be rejected.
    • Check for omission and errors before you print the form. Changes or correction is not allowed on the printed form. You must print a new form in case of any change or correction.
    • Do not use staple for your documents. Paper clip is fine.
    • The passport-type photograph must be recent, full face and frontal, taken against a white background. The dimension is 33mm wide and 48mm tall.
    • Use paper clip to attach the photo face-down (avoid scratching) to the form. Do not staple or glue the photo.
  • Foreigners that work in China has been divided into 3 classes:
    • Class A (high level talents)
    • Class B (professional personnel)
    • Class C (foreigners who are nontechnical or service workers hired on a temporary/seasonal basis).
  • Not all jobs can get you a work visa. For instance, posts at small, private English schools often can’t.
  • If you are caught working with the wrong visa, you risk paying a fine that ranges between 5,000 and 20,000 Chinese Yuan, and may even end up in prison (from five to fifteen days).

China Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The study visa is issued to those who have been admitted by a Chinese college.
  • The China student visa is of two categories:
    • X1 - more than 6 months
    • X2 - less than 6 moths
  • X1 is issued to foreign students who come to China for study for more than 6 months.
  • X2 is issued to those who come to China with same purpose but for a period of less than 6 months.
  • X2 visa is issued for single-entry only. X1 visa can be issued for multiple entry with validity up to 5 years.
  • You are required to provide the JW201 (or JW202) form issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education (only necessary for the X1 Visa) and the notice of admission from your school.
  • Your school should obtain these documents and send them to you.
  • The JW201 / JW202 is the form you'll need to take to your nearest Chinese consulate or embassy to apply for your Chinese student visa (X visa).
  • JW201 is for those studying in China on a full scholarship or partial scholarship while JW202 is for those studying in China by self support or partial scholarship.
  • The Chinese Ministry of Education decides which one to issue.
  • You may also be required to provide a medical certificate, depending on the duration of your stay.
  • If you want to study in China for less than 180 days, you’ll have to apply for an X2 Visa.
  • However, if you want to stay longer, you’ll need an X1 Visa.
  • Those who intend to go to China for research, lecture, scientific, cultural exchange and study tour can apply for the Non-Commerce Visa (F) which is normally issued for single or double entry only.

China Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Chinese tourist visa (L visa) is issued to those who intend to visit China for tourism or leisure.
  • The Chinese tourist visa is categorized into three (3), based on the number of entries allowed:
    • Single Entry — allows one entry (30 - 60 days)
    • Double Entry — allows two entries (30 - 60 days)
    • Multiple Entry — allows multiple entries (6 months - 1 year for south Africans)
  • In summary, the single-entry visa allows you to enter China once, the double-entry twice, while the multiple-entry visa allows you to leave and re-enter China multiple times during its validity.
  • The duration of stay (each visit) normally is 30-60 days for the single and double entry visas.
  • The validity of the multiple entry tourist visa is usually between 6 months to a year, depending on what the embassy decides. Sometimes, the double entry visa can also be issued for up to 6 months at a higher cost. 
  • Citizens of Canada, Argentina, and the US can even get up to 10 years of multiple entry visa.
  • Note that despite the visa lasting for up to 1 year, this doesn’t mean that you can remain in China for one straight year. It is left for the embassy to decide how many days you get for each entry.
  • Since July 2013, visa applicants are required to provide a copy of their return plane ticket for China and a copy of a Chinese hotel booking for the whole duration of their stay.
  • This documents MUST contain the full names of all the people that are applying for the visa.
  • If you intend to stay at your friend or relative’s house, you won’t need to book a hotel. However, your friend/relative will have to send an invitation letter to you.
  • The most common tourist visa option available to South Africans is the Single Entry Tourist Visa (that is, you can’t leave China and then enter again with the same visa) which has a validity of between 30 days.
  • The Double Entry Tourist Visa (2 entries, 30 days each), is also common.
  • Each time you enter China on any of these visa types, you can stay for a period between 30 to 60 days (the length of each visit is decided by the Chinese consulate issuing the visa).
  • Overstaying your visa is an offense.
  • Be ready to leave China before your visa expires or face a penalty or even a ban.

China Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

SIngle Entry (3 months) Visa

Double Entry (3 months) Visa

Multiple Entry (6 months) Visa

Multiple Entry (1 year) Visa

220.00 (CNY)

220.00 (CNY)

787.00 (CNY)

787.00 (CNY)

(CNY)

Business visa

(USD)

Student visa

(USD)

Work visa

(USD)

China Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Johannesburg

14th Floor, Sandton City Office Tower, Corner Rivonia Rd & 5th St, Sandton

+27 11 505 9300

Cape Town

20th Floor, 1 Thibault Square, Long St, Cape Town

chineseembassysa@gmail.com

+27 87 808 5507

Durban

45 Zenith Drv, Umhlanga, Durban

chineseembassysa@gmail.com

+27 11 505 9300

Pretoria

972 Pretorius St, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa

www.chinese-embassy.org.za

chineseembassysa@gmail.com

+27 12 431 6500

Johannesburg

25 Cleveland Rd, Sandhurst, Sandton, South Africa

chineseembassysa@gmail.com

Phone: +27 11 883 2186

Cape Town

25 Rhodes Ave, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa

http://capetown.chineseconsulate.org/eng/

chineseembassysa@gmail.com

+27 21 674 0592

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply for a Chinese visa?

The most appropriate time to apply for a Chinese visa is 30 – 60 days before your date of departure.

Is it difficult to get a China visa?
It is considerably easier to procure a China visa in some places than in others. For South Africans, the easiest China visa to get is the single entry tourist visa, which has a validity of between 30 to 60 days.
How many days does it take to get a Chinese visa?
If you have all the necessary documents and hold a passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages, it should take between two (if you apply for the express service) to four days to get a Chinese visa.
Is it safe to visit China?
While there are, as with any other country, precautions one should take when traveling to and around China, it is generally a safe and breathtaking country to visit.
What is the best time of year to visit China?

Like the April and May months, September and October is another excellent time to visit China. Places like Xinjiang, which are normally blazing hot in the summer and still a bit too cold in spring, are in perfect season. Same goes for Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and all of the other major tourist cities.

What is the weather mostly like in China?
The Chinese climate varies from region to region since the country is massive! In the northeast the summers are hot and dry and the winters are freezing cold. The north and central regions have frequent bouts of rain coupled with hot summers and cold winters.