Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for China?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to China
Nationals not covered by a visa exemption agreement must apply for a Chinese visa before travel. Applications can be submitted at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad, or via the online application portal at cova.mfa.gov.cn. Visas are issued for specific purposes including tourism, business, study, and work.
Last checked 5 months ago (18 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Great Wall of China
The short answer
South African citizens need a visa arranged in advance to enter China. A visa has to be obtained before travelling to China. This covers tourist and short business visits only, not work, study or residence, and a border officer makes the final decision on entry in every case. Entry rules change without notice, so the requirement is read again from the official source on a schedule and the date above is the last time that happened. The official source for this corridor is linked on this page and should be checked before booking. Where the destination government and the traveller's own government disagree, the destination government decides, because it is the one that writes the rule. Requirements can also differ by the route taken, the purpose of the trip and the length of stay, so read the official page for the exact case rather than the general one. This was last checked on 18 April 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting China
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter China
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Complete the online form, then submit your documents in person or by courier. The form alone does not finish the application on this route.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 18 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Practical Info
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Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering China
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to China. This was last checked on 18 April 2026.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
China uses CNY. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 18 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →