Chinese citizens need an e-Visa for South Africa

As of 2026-09-22

Processing: Online; no published standard
Fee: ETA R500 processing + R425 visa fee
Max Stay: 90 days
Apply At: Electronic Travel Authorisation (online) or VFS Global →

Last updated: 2026-09-22 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

South Africa Visa Overview for Chinese Citizens

Chinese citizens can apply for an e-Visa to visit South Africa. Ordinary Chinese passports need authorisation (the Home Affairs Visa Exemption List (9 Dec 2025) exempts only diplomatic, official and service passports for 30 days) and pay the visa fee. Since the 12 August 2026 launch the ETA (R500 from 17 August 2026, plus R425) is the online route for arrivals at OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka (Durban) and Lanseria; tour groups use the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme. SARS online traveller declaration required before travel since 1 July 2026 (free). The e-Visa can be obtained online before travel.

The online application process requires a valid passport scan, a passport-size digital photo, and the applicable supporting documents. Chinese applicants apply through the ETA at eta.dha.gov.za, or a VFS Global centre in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan, Chongqing, Kunming, Shenyang, Wuhan or Xi'an. Once approved, the e-Visa is sent by email and should be printed for presentation at the border.

The e-Visa allows a stay of 90 days in South Africa.

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Available Visa Types for Chinese Citizens

Visa-Free Entry

Ordinary passports on the Home Affairs exemption list: 90 days per visit for the UK, US, EU, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and others; 90 days per year for Kenya, Ghana and Tanzania; 30 days for Poland, Korea, Thailand and Türkiye

None: SARS traveller declaration before arrivalFree

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and e-Visa

Online authorisation for visa-required nationals, mandatory so far for Indian, Chinese, Indonesian and Mexican passports arriving at OR Tambo, Cape Town, King Shaka (Durban) and Lanseria; e-Visa portal still live

Online; no published standardR500 processing + R425 visa fee (waived for India and Mexico)

Visitor's Visa

The port-of-entry visa for Nigerian, Pakistani, Philippine, Bangladeshi and other visa-required passports, lodged through VFS Global or the mission with form BI-84

Up to 60 working days (Home Affairs standard)R425 + VFS service charge; free for Indian, Egyptian and Mexican citizens

SARS Traveller Declaration

Online customs declaration required of every traveller entering or leaving South Africa since 1 July 2026, via the SARS portal, the SATMS app or a QR code

Instant confirmationFree

How to Apply

Visit the official South Africa e-Visa portal

Create an account and complete the online application with your passport and travel details

Upload required documents: passport scan, passport-size photo, and supporting documents

Pay the e-Visa fee of the applicable amount online

Wait for processing (typically a few business days)

Download and print the approved e-Visa

Present the printed e-Visa along with your passport at the South Africa border

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Rules for every traveller

Border documents, stay conditions and the mistakes that get travellers refused are the same whatever your passport. Read them in the South Africa visa guide.

Important Notes for Chinese Applicants

Chinese citizens apply through the ETA at eta.dha.gov.za, or a VFS Global centre in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan, Chongqing, Kunming, Shenyang, Wuhan or Xi'an
VFS China lists the holiday visitor's visa at CNY 172 plus a CNY 343 service fee; its Chengdu centre is temporarily closed.
Apply for the e-Visa before departure — it cannot be obtained at the border
Apply 8-12 weeks before travel, especially during Chinese New Year and Golden Week periods

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Chinese citizens need a visa for South Africa?

Chinese citizens can apply for an e-Visa online before traveling to South Africa. Apply through the official portal before departure.

How long can Chinese citizens stay in South Africa?

With an approved visa, Chinese citizens may stay in South Africa for 90 days. The exact duration is determined by the visa type and conditions.

Where do Chinese citizens apply for a South Africa visa?

Chinese citizens typically apply through the ETA at eta.dha.gov.za, or a VFS Global centre in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Jinan, Chongqing, Kunming, Shenyang, Wuhan or Xi'an. Book appointments early, especially during peak travel seasons.