Experts in Short Term Visas to travel for Tourism or Business
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    Your Gateway to China: Hassle-Free Visa Solutions

    Unlock China: Expert Visa Assistance for South Africans

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    Chinese Visa from South Africa: Your Key to Seamless Travel

    Expert China Visa Assistance for South Africans

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    Free visa advice offered by a visa expert

    Unlock the gateway to China with expert assistance

    Let Our Experts Elevate Your Travel Experience!

Explore hassle-free solutions to obtain your Chinese visa from South Africa, whether it's for a holiday, visit or business

In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a Chinese Visa as a South African citizen, including visa requirements, necessary documents, visa fees and more.

Information About The Chinese Visa From South Africa

Need Visa

Do I Need A Visa For China?

A visa is required for South African passport holders visiting China for tourism and business purposes.

South African nationals aiming to travel to South Africa must obtain a Chinese visitor visa before making travel arrangements.

Criteria

What is the criteria for a Chinese Visa?

South African Citizens must meet the following criteria to get a Chinese Visa:

Possess a valid passport with at least one blank page
Intend to stay in China for a short period as stipulated on the visa
Visiting for purposes of tourism, family visits or business (not work)

Process

What is the process to get a Chinese Visa?

Determine the type of visa you need
Gather the necessary documents
Complete the application form
Attend the biometrics appointment

Process Time

How long does it take to process a Chinese Visa?

The processing time for a Chinese Visa from South Africa can vary depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant and the volume of applications being processed at the time.
The generally takes 5 days to process a short term visa for China.
The Government does not guarantee processing times, so be sure to submit your application as early as possible.

Fees

How much does a visa for China cost?

The visa application fee for a Chinese visa in South Africa cost R300.

Applicants also need to submit their biometric data at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center who charges R851.

Should you select to use the service of VisaRequest, the service fee is R900.

Find comprehensive China travel visa information here, covering everything you need to know about visa requirements, eligibility, and application procedures for your journey to China

How to apply for a Chinese Visa from South Africa

South African citizens interested in traveling to China must obtain a visa before departure. The Chinese visa application process can be complex, and requirements may vary depending on the purpose of your visit.

China has implemented fingerprinting requirements for South Africans which involves digitally scanning your fingerprints at Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASCs) or consulates.

The Chinese visa is typically valid for three months. If you apply for a visa too early, the visa may expire before your departure.

Should you require visa assistance for VisaRequest, a China visa expert will review all of your documents to certify your application is accurate, complete and ready for submission and contact you if there are any problems to ensure the application is submitted correctly.

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Learn all about the visa requirements for China and obtain the necessary documentation with ease

Passport Renewal

Types of Chinese Visas offered to South Africans

China offers tourist, business, family reunion, foster care, study or visiting relative visas.

The most popular short-term visa categories are:

  • Category L: If you’re planning to travel to China for tourism
  • Category F: If you’re invited to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities
  • Category M: If you’re invited to China for commercial and trade activities
  • Category S2: If you’re visiting relatives working or studying in China for less than 180 days

The following entries are offered:

  • Single entry (R1151)
  • Double entries (R1226)
  • Multiple entry 6 months (R1376)
  • Multiple entry 12 months (R1526)

Requirements for a visa for China from South Africa:

  • A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and two blank visa pages
  • A completed visa application form with a recent passport-style photo attached

Special Requirements for Business Visitors:
Business visitors must provide additional information including a signed cover letter with information about the purpose of their visit, places of interest, arrival and departure date. If invited by a host, include a letter of invitation indicating the purpose of the trip. As for those representing their organizations, their employer must issue them a letter spelling out all necessary details about their identity and mission. Include a letter of employment from your employer in South Africa stating the duration of leave granted, the date you commenced your employment and confirmation of your current position.

Additional requirements for each Visa Category:

  • Visa Category L (Tourism): Round-trip air ticket booking and a hotel reservation or invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or travel agency in China
  • Visa Category F (Activities): An official invitation PU letter issued by the relevant unit in mainland China and an invitation letter from the Chinese company in mainland China
  • Visa Category M (Commercial): An official invitation PU letter issued by the relevant unit in mainland China and an invitation letter from the Chinese company in mainland China
  • Visa Category S2 (Visit Family): An invitation letter and photocopy of the inviting party’s passport and residence permit in China, as well as a photocopy of proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) showing the relationship of a family member

VisaRequest understands the comprehensive China visa requirements, and our expert team will guide you through the necessary documents needed for your Chinese visa application, ensuring a seamless application process from South Africa.

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Minors under 18 traveling to China

As an independent applicant, the parent needs to fill out a separate visa application form for the child and it incurs the same amount of service fee. A child younger than 14 years old does not need to submit biometric data and therefore doesn’t need to visit the application centre.

The following needs to be submitted for applicants under the age of 18:

  • Original and photocopy of the unabridged birth certificate of the minor
  • Photocopy of the parent’s passports or ID cards
  • Notarized parental letter of consent or affidavit from non-accompanying parents authorizing the travel
  • On Page 4 (Part 4) of the application, both parents must sign Part 4 and print the name of the minor
  • On Page 4 (Part 5) of the application, one parent’s information must be filled in and that parent must sign Part 5

Contact the Chinese Embassy in South Africa for more information

ADDRESS
China in Pretoria

965 Church Street
Arcadia, 0083

CONTACT
China Embassy

Tel: 012 431 6500
Email: chinaconsul_ct_za@mfa.gov.cn
Website: http://za.china-embassy.gov.cn

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ADDRESS
China in Johannesburg

25 Cleveland
Sandhurst
Johannesburg

CONTACT
Consulate in Johannesburg

Tel: 011 883 2186
E-mail: chinaconsul_jb_za@mfa.gov.cn
Website: http://johannesburg.china-consulate.gov.cn

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THE PROCEDURE

Three Simple Steps To Get Your Visa For China

Complete the Application Form
Collect the required documents and pay the visa fee
Schedule and attend the biometric data capturing

The VisaRequest Visa Processing Service Offers Several Benefits

The VisaRequest expert will assist with the application and keep you informed about the status throughout the visa application process

A simplified application process
Review the application to avoid errors
Expert support from start to finish
Confirm when the visa is issued

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    Get Your Passport Renewed

    VisaRequest assist with the application or renewal of a South African Passport from the Department of Home Affairs.
    Simply forward a copy of your ID and we will schedule speedy appointments at your nearest bank or Home Affairs office.

    Schengen Visa Compliant

    Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance

    VisaRequest offer Trave Insurance at the best price, covering a wide range of incidents in most countries and underwritten by one of the biggest international insurance providers.
    The easy online facility offers a step-by-step quotation and purchase facility so you can be protected from unforeseen eventualities that can threaten your trip.

    Immigration Lawyers

    Get Legal Assistance

    VisaRequest is not a law firm, but is affiliated with a legal firm managed by registered attorneys with the right to appear in court.
    This partnership offers our clients legal services to assist with litigation and administrative appeals.

    Requirements

    Get Assistance With The Documents You Need?

    VisaRequest provide assistance with the documents you need from Home Affairs, DIRCO, SA Police or the Embassy to submit with an application.
    We apply for civic affairs documentation, get documents legalized and authenticated and police clearance.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Your questions answered about China Visa Applications in South Africa

    Tourist, Business, family reunion, foster care or visiting relatives with permanent residence, working or studying in China

    You'll need a valid passport ad completed application form together with a recent passport-style photo and documents to proof the purpose of your visit

    The biometric data is captured for first-time applicants at Chinese Visa Application Service Centers (CVASCs)

    The Chinese visa fee is R300 and R851 for the application center. Should you require assistance from VisaRequest, an additional R900 service fee is charged

    It normally takes 5 days for a Chinese travel visa to be issued in South Africa

    Visas are generally issued for three months and a visa becomes effective from the date of issuance. The visa automatically becomes invalid once its period of validity expires regardless of whether its entries are used up or not.

    A religious professional or media professional, even if not traveling for business, must submit both a personal statement indicating that you are not traveling on company business and will not be performing any media or religious related work.

    Validity is the period within which the visa holder is allowed to enter China while the number of entries refers to the number of times the visa holder is permitted to enter China and duration of stay refers to the longest period the visa holder is allowed to stay in China on each visit.

    Visas for China are strictly for Mainland China only and not for other semi-autonomous zones and regions. You should apply for separate visas for these regions.

    While travel insurance is not a requirement for obtaining a tourist visa, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance provide coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and other unexpected events during your stay in China.

    You may apply for an extension of the duration on your visa at a local public security authority in China before it expires, but it might not be automatically approved and overstaying violates the laws of China.

    Latest Notice For Visa Applications To Visit China

    China

    Processing days are now 7-9 working days after date of submission. Fingerprints are only mandatory for long term visas, short term visas do not require fingerprints

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