China
South Africa
South Africa visa for Chinese citizens
Entry requirement
Chinese citizens need a visa for South Africa, which they can apply for online as an e-Visa.
- Where to apply
- 2 missions
- Visa guide
- South Africa visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at dirco.gov.za
Which South Africa visa?
Visitor's visa (section 11 of the Immigration Act) and visa-exempt holiday visits
Key facts
- Fee
- ZAR 425
All visa types for South Africa
South Africa’s tourist visa costs ZAR 425 at the standard rate published by its authorities.
South African missions in China
- Embassy of South Africa in Beijing
5 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing
- Consulate General of South Africa in Shanghai
27th Floor, Room 2705/5, 222 Yan An Road East, Shanghai, 200002
All missions of South Africa in China
South Africa has 2 missions in China, with its embassy in Beijing. Consulates: Shanghai.
South African citizens travelling to China
South AfricaChina Visa required China visa for citizens of South Africa
Travel advice for South Africa
- US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- UK Foreign Office (FCDO) No advice against travel
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
Chinese citizens planning a trip to South Africa can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 26 May 2025), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not advise against travel to South Africa (updated 5 November 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for South Africa (updated 28 October 2026). Each ministry writes for its own citizens.
Good to know
How long Chinese citizens can stay in South Africa
How long Chinese citizens may stay in South Africa is set by the visa issued, and the visa type must match the purpose of the trip.
How Chinese citizens apply
The e-Visa for South Africa is applied for online on its official government portal; Chinese citizens carry the approval when they travel.
South Africa’s neighbours for Chinese citizens
Mozambique admits Chinese citizens visa-free. Eswatini and Lesotho require Chinese citizens to obtain a visa in advance.
South African citizens travelling to China
South African citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to China.
Frequently asked questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Chinese citizens need a visa for South Africa, which they can apply for online as an e-Visa.
Where is the South African embassy in China?
The South African embassy in China is in Beijing; there is also a consulate in Shanghai.
How much does the South Africa tourist visa cost?
South Africa’s official sources give a standard fee of ZAR 425 for the tourist visa.
Do South African citizens need a visa for China?
South African citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to China.
Can Chinese citizens enter South Africa visa-free?
No; Chinese citizens need an e-Visa for South Africa.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.