Chinese citizens visiting South Africa for tourism or to see family need either an online Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a traditional visitor (tourist) visa from a South African visa application centre in China. As of October 2026 the government visa fee is R425 plus the centre’s service fee. Short-stay visas usually take 5–10 working days and allow stays of up to 90 days per visit, with no work allowed.
Choose your route: ETA or visa centre
The ETA is fully online and fast, but it currently only works if you land at designated international airports: OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town, King Shaka (Durban) and Lanseria. A traditional visa from a visa centre is the better choice if:
- you plan to enter overland from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana or another neighbour;
- your ETA was refused or the system could not process it;
- you are travelling with children or have a complicated case and want documents checked in person;
- you want to stay longer than 90 days, which needs a longer visitor visa and takes more time.
Where to apply in China: 11 visa centres
The South African Embassy in Beijing says there are 11 visa application centres in mainland China. They are run by VFS Global and split by consular district:
| District (deciding office) | Visa centre cities |
|---|---|
| South African Embassy, Beijing | Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Shenyang, Wuhan, Xi’an |
| South African Consulate-General, Shanghai | Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan |
Opening hours and whether you need an appointment are announced on the VFS website. The two districts use slightly different checklists, and Shanghai is stricter on some points.
Fees and timing
- Government fee: the fee regulations in force from 17 August 2026 set the visitor visa fee at R425 (roughly RMB 170). The VFS China page currently lists a visa fee of RMB 172 and a service fee of RMB 343 (tax included). You pay whatever applies on the day you submit.
- Processing: short-stay tourism, family and business visit visas are usually ready 5–10 working days (at least 5) after the day following submission. Visitor visas for more than three months take about eight weeks. Courier time is extra.
- Collection: bring the original payment receipt and your original ID.
Document checklist (tourism and family visits)
- Completed and signed DHA-84 visitor visa application form;
- Original Chinese passport valid for at least 30 days after you leave South Africa, with at least one blank page;
- Photo: 35mm × 45mm, colour, white background, head and shoulders filling 70–80% of the frame;
- Return flight booking, itinerary and hotel booking;
- Proof of funds, such as recent bank statements;
- Personal information consent letter (template from the visa centre);
- Family or friend visits: an invitation letter from South Africa. If the host is a South African citizen or permanent resident the letter must be certified, and if they provide accommodation or money, add their ID and proof of funds;
- Children under 18 travelling alone or with one parent: parental consent letter; a notarial certificate of the birth certificate with English translation is recommended;
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate if your trip passes through a yellow fever area.
Tip: print everything single-sided and attach English translations of Chinese documents. The Shanghai district asks for South African documents such as bank statements to be certified by a South African police station or Commissioner of Oaths within the last three months.
Group tours: the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme
In October 2024 Home Affairs launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS), aimed mainly at large tour groups from China and India. Approved operators get less red tape and faster group visa processing, and are held liable if their tourists break the law. If you book a tour, ask whether the operator is part of the scheme.
After you arrive
Your visa is limited to its stated purpose: a tourist visa does not allow you to work or run a shop. If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension early. The Chinese Embassy advises usually at least 60 days ahead, though current South African rules apply. Overstaying can lead to an entry ban. For a self-drive safari see our Kruger guide, and for staying safe see the South Africa safety guide.
FAQ
Can I get a tourist visa on arrival at the airport?
No. Home Affairs states that South Africa does not issue visas at ports of entry, and the Chinese Embassy calls “visa on arrival” claims misleading.
Do I need a letter from my employer?
The official general checklist does not list one, but it helps show you will return home. Employees can add an employer letter, students a school certificate, retirees a copy of their retirement certificate.
Can I reapply after a refusal?
Yes. Read the refusal reasons, fix the gaps and reapply, or try the ETA. You can also appeal through the Home Affairs procedure.
Do I use a tourist visa for trade fairs or business meetings?
Short business trips use the “business visit” category of the visitor visa, with different documents. See South Africa business visas, and other visa types in the visa section.
Sources
- DHA: Types of visas – visitor’s visa requirements
- Government Gazette No. 55209, GN R.7834: First Amendment of the Regulations on Fees (17 Aug 2026)
- South African Embassy in Beijing (DIRCO)
- SAnews: Trusted Tour Operator Scheme to boost tourism from China, India (29 Oct 2024)
- VFS Global: South Africa visa information in China (中文)
- VFS Global: South Africa visa information in China (English)
- 中国驻南非使馆提醒中方人员及机构遵守签证法规、合法用工（光明网，2026年7月30日）