As of 20 October 2026, South Africa’s visa rules have changed a lot in six months: the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is live with a R500 processing fee, the “apply 60 days early” rule for in-country renewals has been waived, and medical reports are no longer required. This roundup lists the changes that matter most to Chinese nationals and flags advice that is now out of date. Note: Home Affairs issued no new visa directive in the past seven days (13–20 October), so this week’s update is a policy roundup.
1. The ETA: Chinese passport holders can apply online
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber launched the ETA at O.R. Tambo International Airport on 12 August 2026. It had been piloted during South Africa’s G20 Presidency for travellers from China, India, Indonesia and Mexico. Key points from the minister’s speech:
- If approved, the ETA is issued within 24 hours and can be stored in your phone’s digital wallet.
- It is first available at four airports: O.R. Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town International, King Shaka (Durban) and Lanseria, with land and sea ports to follow.
- The ETA will progressively become compulsory for short visits from countries that need a port-of-entry visa.
On fees, Government Gazette 55209 (GN R.7834, 17 August 2026) sets an ETA electronic processing fee of R500 and a port-of-entry or visitor’s visa fee of R425. Chinese citizens need a visa, so according to the Home Affairs draft notice and press reports the ETA route costs about R925 in total (as of October 2026). On 29 July the Chinese Embassy reminded citizens to obtain a South African visa or ETA before travelling and to ignore claims that South Africa is “visa-free” or that you can “sort out the visa after landing”. Step-by-step instructions: South Africa ETA guide.
2. In-country renewals: the 60-day rule is waived
On 2 October 2026 the minister signed Immigration Directive 13 of 2026, a blanket waiver of the rule that extension and change-of-status applications must be lodged at least 60 days before the current visa expires. It covers all future applications, applications still pending, and appeals pending only because the application was not lodged 60 days in advance.
There is one firm condition: you must apply while your current visa is still valid. Otherwise section 32(1) of the Immigration Act applies and you may be treated as an illegal foreigner. The Chinese Embassy’s 29 July notice still says to apply “at least 60 days in advance”. Directive 13 has overtaken that, but applying early is still wise because VFS appointments and missing documents take time. See Renewing or changing your visa inside South Africa.
3. No more medical reports
Immigration Directive 10 of 2026, published in Government Gazette 55016 on 17 July 2026, waives the medical report for temporary visa and permanent residence applications, both new and pending. An earlier circulated version limited the waiver to applications made inside South Africa; the gazetted version applies. That means one less clinic visit if you are applying for a work visa or permanent residence.
4. Pending applications: protected until 30 June 2027
Immigration Directive 7 of 2026, signed on 30 March 2026, runs until 30 June 2027. It only protects long-term visa, waiver and appeal applications lodged through VFS in South Africa and still pending on 30 March 2026. Covered applicants may stay on their existing visa conditions (including work) and travel in and out on their VFS receipt without being declared undesirable. Two caveats:
- Permanent residence applications and short-term visitor’s visa extensions are not covered.
- Chinese passport holders still need a port-of-entry visa (or ETA) to come back in.
Applications lodged after 30 March 2026 are not covered, and Home Affairs has not announced a further extension.
5. Official processing times and the Trusted Employer Scheme
Home Affairs Immigration Circular 08 of 2026, dated 27 June 2026, sets target processing times for applications lodged in South Africa between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027. As summarised by law firm Webber Wentzel:
| Category | Target |
|---|---|
| Critical skills and general work visas | 4 weeks |
| Business visa | 8 weeks |
| Visitor’s visa (s11(1)), study visa | 60 working days |
| Spousal/life-partner visitor’s visa (s11(6)), relative’s visa | 120 working days |
| Permanent residence (worker, business) | 8 months |
| Visa waivers | 120 working days |
| Appeals (s8(4) / s8(6)) | 180 / 240 working days |
These are targets, not guarantees. Separately, on 20 July Home Affairs opened Phase II of the Trusted Employer Scheme to strategic infrastructure projects, companies setting up regional or global headquarters in South Africa and qualifying financial-sector entities. Expressions of interest closed on 4 September 2026; Chinese companies in South Africa should watch for the next round.
6. Don’t forget the SARS traveller declaration
The Chinese Embassy reminded travellers on 6 July that since 1 July 2026 everyone entering or leaving South Africa must declare online through the South African Revenue Service (SARS) traveller system within 24 hours before departure. It is not a visa, but missing it can slow you down at the border. Embassy and consulate contacts: Chinese Embassy and consulates in South Africa. More visa types: Visa section.
FAQ
As a Chinese tourist, do I still have to apply at a visa centre?
Not necessarily. The ETA is open to Chinese travellers online and is issued within 24 hours if approved. Home Affairs says it will progressively become compulsory for visa-required countries, but there is no official date for ending the traditional visa route, so check the Home Affairs ETA site and embassy notices before you travel.
My visa expires next month. Is it too late to renew?
Under Directive 13 you no longer need to apply 60 days ahead; you only need to apply before your visa expires. VFS appointments can be booked up, so book now and keep your submission receipt.
Can I work if I entered on an ETA?
No. The Chinese Embassy states clearly that holders of accompanying, visitor’s, business visas or an ETA may not take up employment; violations can lead to deportation and an entry ban.
Does the Directive 7 concession apply to me?
Only if you lodged a long-term visa, waiver or appeal application through VFS inside South Africa before 30 March 2026 and it is still pending. Permanent residence and short-term visitor’s visa extensions are excluded.
Sources
- South African Government: Minister Schreiber at the launch of the ETA (12 August 2026)
- Government Gazette 55209, GN R.7834: First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees (17 August 2026)
- Government Gazette 55016: Immigration Directive 10 of 2026 (medical report waiver)
- SAnews: Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II (21 July 2026)
- Chinese Embassy in South Africa: reminder on visa rules and lawful employment (29 July 2026)
- Chinese Embassy in South Africa: traveller declaration reminder (6 July 2026)
- Immigration Directive 7 of 2026 (signed 30 March 2026)
- EY: South Africa waives 60-day filing rule (Directive 13)
- IBN: Directive 13 of 2026 explained (with signed text)
- Webber Wentzel: Home Affairs 2026/27 processing times
- BusinessTech: R500 ETA fee officially introduced (17 August 2026)