Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of South Africa

1. Visa Types for South African Citizens

 

  • Tourist Visa (L Visa):
    • Validity: Typically 90 days (single/multiple entries).
    • Stay Duration: Up to 30 days (extendable in some cases).
    • Requirements:
      • Passport valid for ≥6 months with 2 blank pages.
      • Two recent passport-sized photos (white background).
      • Hotel reservation or invitation letter.
      • Round-trip flight itinerary.
      • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements).
      • For employed applicants: Employer’s leave letter, 6-month bank statements, income tax returns.
      • For students: School enrollment letter and no-objection certificate.
  • Business Visa (M Visa):
    • Requires a Chinese invitation letter from a registered company/organization.
  • Work Visa (Z Visa):
    • Must obtain a work permit and invitation letter before applying.
  • Study Visa (X1/X2):
    • X1 for long-term study (JW201/JW202 form + admission letter).
    • X2 for short-term study (enrollment certificate).
  • Transit Visa:
    • Required if staying in China for more than 24 hours.
    • Valid for up to 72 hours with confirmed onward tickets.

2. Visa-Free Policies

 

  • Diplomatic/Government Passports:
    • South African citizens holding diplomatic, Official business, or official business passports enjoy 30-day visa-free entry for tourism or business.
  • Group Tourists:
    • Groups of ≥2 tourists organized by a Chinese travel agency may enter select ports (e.g., Shanghai, Guangzhou) visa-free for 15 days.
  • Transit Visa Exemption:
    • 24-hour transit: No visa needed if staying ≤24 hours.
    • 72-hour transit: Allowed in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou with confirmed onward tickets.

3. Application Process

 

  1. Online Application:
  2. Document Submission:
    • Submit documents to the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in South Africa or a visa center (e.g., VFS Global).
    • Include invitation letters (for business/study) or travel agency confirmation (for group tours).
  3. Fingerprint Collection: Required for applicants aged 14–70.
  4. Processing Time: 4–6 weeks; expedited services available for an extra fee.

4. Required Documents

 

  • Tourist Visa:
    • Passport, photos, hotel booking, flight itinerary, bank statements.
  • Business Visa:
    • Above + Chinese invitation letter, company business license.
  • Work/Study Visas:
    • Additional permits (e.g., work permit, JW201 form).
  • Transit Visa:
    • Valid onward ticket and proof of purpose.

5. Fees

 

  • Tourist Visa: Approximately USD 120 (single entry).
  • Business VisaUSD 145 (single entry).
  • Transit Visas: Free if eligible.

6. Key Notes

 

  • Entry Requirements:
    • Passport must have ≥6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
    • Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required for entry into China.
    • COVID-19: No testing/vaccination mandates (as of 2025).
  • Customs:
    • Declare cash over USD 5,000 or equivalent.
    • Prohibited items: Drugs, weapons, wildlife products.
  • Local Regulations:
    • Register with immigration within 72 hours of arrival.
    • Ensure all visas/work permits are valid before departure.
  • Policy Updates: Verify via the Chinese Consular Service (http://cs.mfa.gov.cn).

 

Chinese Embassy in South Africa:

 

 

Note: Always confirm visa requirements directly with the embassy before travel, as policies may change.