South Africa entry requirements for China passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders need an eVisa to visit South Africa. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits, and you must apply online before traveling. Since 2026, the eVisa system has been fully operational for Chinese nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a South African eVisa at the Department of Home Affairs portal. Processing takes 5–10 business days, so apply at least 2 weeks before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and valid for 90 days from issue.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have 2 blank pages | Your Chinese passport needs at least 2 consecutive blank pages for entry stamps. Passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay — South Africa does not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines may enforce it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at OR Tambo and Cape Town routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from South Africa within the eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a signed letter from your host with their South African address and contact number. Immigration may ask for this during secondary checks. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement showing at least 3,000 ZAR per day of your stay, or carry a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration rarely checks this for eVisa holders, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Chinese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in South Africa. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly. Airlines check this at check-in.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in South Africa, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official South African eVisa website. Fill in your personal details, upload your passport scan, and pay the fee. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa. Print a copy and save a PDF on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and on arrival.
3
Prepare your documents for travel
Before you leave for the airport, gather: passport, eVisa printout, return ticket, hotel booking, and travel insurance. Keep them in your carry-on.
4
Arrive at a South African airport
At OR Tambo (Johannesburg), Cape Town, or King Shaka (Durban), follow signs to 'Foreign Passports'. Join the queue, hand over your passport and eVisa. The officer will stamp you in.
Download South Africa Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostZAR 1,350 (~USD 75)
Apply at South African embassy; requires itinerary and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 3 years
CostZAR 2,700 (~USD 150)
Ideal for frequent travellers; must show need for multiple entries.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stayUp to 3 years
ValidityVaries
CostZAR 4,000 (~USD 220)
For retirees or long-term visitors; requires proof of sufficient funds and medical cover.
retirement visa
Retirement Visa (Section 11(1)(b))
Up to 3 years, renewable
ZAR 4,000 (~USD 220) application fee
For retirees aged 55+ with sufficient funds (approx. ZAR 12,000/month). Requires medical cover and no intention to work.
work visa
Critical Skills Work Visa
Up to 5 years, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~USD 75) application fee
For professionals in critical skills occupations (e.g., engineering, IT). Requires job offer and qualifications assessment.
student visa
Study Visa
Duration of course, renewable
ZAR 1,350 (~USD 75) application fee
For full-time students at a registered South African institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Business Visa (Investor)
Up to 3 years, renewable
ZAR 4,000 (~USD 220) application fee
For investors with minimum capital of ZAR 5 million. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for Chinese passport holders applying online. | ZAR 1,350 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, if applying at embassy)Alternative to eVisa, processed at South African embassy. | ZAR 1,350 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | ZAR 2,700 (~USD 150) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | ZAR 500 (~USD 28) per day, max ZAR 10,000 (~USD 560) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete application documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Africa
Transit visa required
Chinese passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in South Africa, even if staying airside. Apply at South African embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours, provided they remain airside.
Transit hubsO.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) · Cape Town International Airport (CPT) · King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
Health & vaccines for South Africa
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in northeastern regions (e.g., Kruger National Park); prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverLow risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisLow risk
Risk in freshwater lakes and rivers; avoid swimming in untreated water.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces (especially Kruger area). Prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Pretoria
Department of Home Affairs (Head Office)
230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Pretoria
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
For visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Cape Town
Cape Town Regional Office
Bazalaki Street, Cape Town
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:30
Handles extensions and re-entry permits; arrive early.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalPretoria
Language11 official languages incl. Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid with IDP for tourist drives.
Money
CurrencySouth African Rand (ZAR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 16.27 ZAR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
M,NType M (large 3-pin) and N — US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe in Cape Town and major cities. Use bottled water in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Africa — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing usually takes 5-10 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe. There is no expedited option.
The eVisa fee is around $36 USD (approximately 260 CNY). You pay online by credit card during the application.
No. The eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, apply for a different visa type before traveling.
It's not a formal requirement, but immigration officers may ask. Have a bank statement or credit card ready to show you can support yourself.
You'll receive a rejection email with a reason. Common reasons include incorrect documents or insufficient passport validity. You can reapply after fixing the issue.
No. Chinese passport holders need an eVisa even for transit if you plan to leave the airport. For airside transit only (staying in the international zone), check with your airline — some allow visa-free transit for up to 24 hours.
No mandatory vaccinations for direct travel from China. If you've recently visited a yellow fever endemic country, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.