Embassy
Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Pretoria
Pretoria
927 Pretorius Street
China visa requirements for South African citizens
South African citizens need a visa for China, from its embassy or consulate.
Passport
ZAF
South Africa
Going to
CHN
China
Visa needed
A visa for people visiting mainland China for tourism.
- Visa
- Required
- Last updated
- 11 November 2026
Special rules for South African citizens in China
- 24-hour visa-free transit through any international airports of China, allows domestic travel through different airports.
- 5-day Shenzhen Visa on Arrival available at the Shenzhen border if travelling from Hong Kong or Macao.
- Travelling to Guangzhou would be in violation of the conditions.
What to do
Find China's embassy or consulate that covers where you live.
Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
Book an appointment early; processing can take several weeks.
Get your China visa sorted
A visa expert checks the rules and helps you apply. No payment now.
Ways into China
Get a tourist visa unless your passport allows visa-free entry.
eVisaShanghai electronic port visaAn online port visa for invited travellers who meet the entry rules.
- Stay
- 30 days
- Valid for
- 15 days
- Fee
- Pay after approval
- Entries
- Single
How to apply
- Fill in the form and sign the declaration.
- Send passport scans, photos and papers to your host.
- Ask your host to submit the online application.
- Ask your host to pay and download approval.
- Carry your passport and approval when travelling.
Documents required
- Application form
- Signed declaration
- Full passport scan, including blank pages
- Recent digital colour photo
- Host's application letter
- Proof of visit purpose
- This route needs an invitation; it is not a general tourist eVisa.
- The 15-day entry window starts on the day the visa is made.
Visa on arrivalUrgent port visaA visa for urgent trips when you cannot get a visa abroad in time.
How to apply
- Contact officials at your planned entry port before travel.
- Seek approval before travelling.
- Provide your passport and proof of the urgent need.
- Apply at the agreed port when you arrive.
Documents required
- Valid passport or accepted travel document
- Proof of urgent need
- Business invitation, if needed
- Written reason for urgency, if needed
- Advance acceptance notice, if provided
- Port officials decide approval; an acceptance notice is not a visa.
- Tour groups need advance applications by their Chinese travel agency.
Visa requiredL tourist visaA visa for people visiting mainland China for tourism.
How to apply
- Fill in your embassy's online form.
- Wait for the online review.
- Submit your passport and the other papers requested.
- Pay and collect your passport as told.
Documents required
- Passport
- Application form
- Photo, if requested
- Proof of residence, if requested
- Past Chinese documents, if needed
- Trip details or invitation, if requested
- 2 blank pages
- Check your visa for your stay, entry deadline and number of entries.
- Fees, wait times and required papers depend on where you apply.
Sources (30)Last updated 11 November 2026
- National Immigration Administration: transit policies, 20 August 2026
- National Immigration Administration: transit policies in Chinese
- National Immigration Administration: unilateral exemption countries
- Foreign ministry consular service: mutual visa exemption list
- National Immigration Administration: mutual exemption FAQ
- National Immigration Administration: regional exemptions, 20 August 2026
- National Immigration Administration: regional exemptions in Chinese
- National Immigration Administration: Xishuangbanna group exemption
- National Immigration Administration: port visa FAQ
- Foreign ministry: China Online Visa Application System; JavaScript required
- Embassy in the United States: visa application requirements and procedures
- Embassy in the United States: reduced visa fees through 2026
- Embassy in the United States: visa-free entry FAQ
- Embassy in the United Kingdom: mainland visa classes and visa terminology
- Embassy in the United Kingdom: reduced visa fees through 2026
- Embassy in the United Kingdom: fingerprint exemption through 2026
- Embassy in India: visa application notice updated 22 October 2026
- Embassy in India: consular fee schedule
- Consulate in Barcelona: visa-free FAQ updated 21 May 2026
- Embassy in Russia: unilateral exemption extended through 2027
- Embassy in the Bahamas: visa requirements, updated April 2026
- Embassy in Papua New Guinea: Q1 and Q2 visas
- Embassy in Pakistan: visa application instructions
- Embassy in Iran: visa requirements including medical S2
- Shanghai Public Security Bureau: electronic port visa portal
- Shanghai Public Security Bureau: individual port visa application
- Shanghai government: electronic port visa service guide
- Shanghai government: individual port visa service guide
- Shanghai government: current 240-hour transit scheme
- Sanya government: Guilin group exemption
Embassies for this trip
Book an appointment before you go.
Consulate general
Consulate General of China, Cape Town
Cape Town
Consulate general
Consulate General of China, Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Coming from South Africa
- Plugs A IAdapter needed
- MoneyCNY ¥
- Time+6h
- DrivingOn the rightLook left first
- LanguageChinese
- Emergency110 police120 ambulance
Planning your China trip
- Forbidden City, BeijingA major historic palace attraction. Tickets must be reserved online in advance and are linked to your identity document.
- GuilinKnown for its striking limestone landscapes, which have inspired painters and poets.
- HuangshanIts granite peaks have inspired Chinese art and poetry for generations.
- JiuzhaigouThe source highlights its breathtaking natural scenery.
Scams to watch for in China
- Fake antiquesA seller presents a modern item as an antique. Most supposed antiques offered to visitors are fakes, even when they look convincing.
- Pyramid and Ponzi investment schemesCriminals draw people into dishonest investment schemes. These schemes are described as widespread in Chengdu. Operators may become violent if they think they will be exposed.
- Unofficial taxi and queue-jumping toutsA tout approaches you before you reach the official taxi stand. They offer a fixed fare or a way to skip the queue. The fare can be much higher than a metered ride.
About China
China is an East Asian state, third in the world by land area, bordering fourteen countries.
- Capital
- Beijing
- Money
- Chinese yuan (¥)
- Languages
- Chinese
- Time zone
- UTC+08:00
- Cars drive on the
- right side
- Calling code
- +86
Other Africa passports
Going to China
Easier trips nearby
Places close to China with simpler entry for you.
Questions
Are there special rules for South African citizens visiting China?
Can South African citizens visit any city in China?
No. Visas are limited to: Visa holders must stay within the Shenzhen City and surrounds, not travel to other cities and leave at the end of the 5 day permission..
Do south african citizens need a visa for China?
South African citizens need a visa for China, from its embassy or consulate.
Where do I apply for a China visa?
At China's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Book an appointment early, as it can take several weeks.
Does a US, UK or Schengen visa help south african citizens enter China?
We have no record of China relaxing its rules for south african citizens who hold another country's visa. Check with the embassy before you rely on one.
Do chinese citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Chinese citizens need an eTA, a short online form, before flying to South Africa.
Do other Africa passports get easier entry to China?
Mauritius and Seychelles can enter without applying before they travel.
Which countries near China are easier for south african citizens?
Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Georgia Kazakhstan, and 3 more let south african citizens in without applying before travel.
What should I carry to China?
Find China's embassy or consulate that covers where you live. Prepare the application form, photos, bank statements and travel bookings.
What money is used in China?
Chinese yuan (¥). Carry some cash for arrival, especially if a visa fee is paid at the border.
What language do people speak in China?
Chinese.
How strong is the South Africa passport?
It ranks #51 and reaches 91 destinations without applying ahead.
Reviewed by @snuck