China is a vast, extraordinary destination for South Africans — Beijing's Forbidden City and Great Wall, Shanghai's futuristic skyline, Xi'an's Terracotta Army, Guilin's karst mountains, and Chengdu's panda sanctuaries. Visa requires in-person application at CVASC with complete hotel bookings and itinerary. Total cost ~ZAR 2,590. No yellow fever required for South Africans. Note the unusual 33×48mm passport photo spec.
Key Warnings
Complete hotel bookings for every night are required — China visa is rejected if your accommodation isn't pre-booked. If uncertain about exact hotels, book refundable options.
Chinese passport photo size is 33×48mm with a white background — different from the standard 35×45mm. Most South African photo shops can accommodate this but you must specify.
Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and most Western social media and apps are blocked in China. Download a VPN before departing South Africa — they cannot be downloaded once in China.
Insider Tips
China's high-speed rail network (HSR) is extraordinary — Beijing to Shanghai takes 4.5 hours at 350 km/h. Buy tickets on the 12306.cn app (Chinese credit card required) or via third-party platforms like Trip.com.
WeChat Pay and Alipay have expanded to accept international cards since 2024 — link your Visa or Mastercard before arriving for easier daily payments. Cash (CNY) is still widely accepted.
Beijing's summer (June–August) is hot and humid with pollution peaks. April–May and September–October offer the best weather and visibility. Guilin and Yangtze cruises are best April–October.
Step-by-Step Guide
Download and complete the visa form
Download Form V.2013 from visaforchina.cn. Fill in all fields carefully — errors cause rejection. Print and sign.
Get the right passport photo
Chinese visa photo: 33×48mm (white background). Have it taken at a photo shop that knows the Chinese spec — different from Schengen.
Book flights and all hotels in China
You must have confirmed return flights and hotel bookings for every night of your stay — no open-ended itineraries.
Prepare complete document set
Passport, form, photo, flights, hotels, itinerary, bank statements, employment letter.
Submit at CVASC Johannesburg or Cape Town
No appointment needed — walk-in during morning hours. Fingerprinting taken. Pay fee (~USD 140). Keep your receipt.
Collect visa after 4–7 working days
Collect from the same CVASC location. Check that all details on the visa (dates, entries) match your application.
Required Documents
Valid South African passport (6+ months validity, at least 2 blank pages)
Completed Chinese visa application form (Form V.2013), signed and dated
One recent passport photo (33×48mm, white background — Chinese specification differs from standard)
Confirmed round-trip flight itinerary
Hotel bookings covering ALL nights of your stay in China
Day-by-day travel itinerary in China
Bank statements (last 3 months)
Employment letter or proof of self-employment/business registration
Recommended (Optional)
Invitation letter from a Chinese host or company (if applicable)
Previous China visa history (helpful)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa for China?
Yes. South African passport holders require a Chinese visa (L-category tourist) applied for in person at the CVASC in Johannesburg or Cape Town. Cost is approximately USD 140 (~ZAR 2,590). You must have hotel bookings for every night and a detailed itinerary. No e-visa available for South Africans. No yellow fever certificate required.
What size passport photo do I need for a China visa?
China visa requires a 33×48mm passport photo (white background) — different from the standard 35×45mm used for Schengen and most other countries. Specify 'China visa size' when having your photo taken. Using the wrong size can cause your application to be rejected.
Can I use WhatsApp and Google in China?
No — Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Download a VPN before you leave South Africa (ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark work in China) — you cannot download VPN apps once inside China's internet firewall. WeChat is the main messaging app used in China.