China

China visa

for South Africans

China is a country of vast opportunity, whether you’re interested in business, teaching, studying, or exploring its rich cultural heritage. As one of the world’s largest economies and a growing hub for global trade, education, and technology, China is becoming an increasingly popular destination for South African travellers and professionals.

At Visaline.co.za, we help South Africans secure the right Chinese visa and manage all the paperwork, including tricky processes like document legalisation and authentication.

Types of China visas for South African citizens

China offers a wide range of visa types depending on the purpose and duration of your visit. Below are the most common options available:

Short-term China visas

Tourist visa (L visa): For holidays, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family. Usually valid for 30–60 days, with single, double, or multiple entries.
Business visa (M visa): For short business trips or trade-related visits. Requires an invitation letter from a Chinese company.
Transit visa (G visa): For travellers transiting through China to a third destination. May be waived for certain airports for stays under 144 hours.
Family visit visa (Q2 visa): For short visits to family members who are Chinese citizens or foreign residents in China.

China visa application process for South Africans

The China visa application process can be strict and detail-oriented. Here’s what to expect:

Determine your visa category and gather supporting documents.
Complete the online visa form at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) website.
Book an appointment and submit your application in person at the CVASC in Pretoria, Johannesburg, or Cape Town.
Pay the visa fee and biometric processing fee.
Wait for processing (typically 4–7 working days, or longer for complex applications).
Collect your passport with the visa affixed.

All long-stay visas, such as work or student visas, require additional steps once inside China, including a residence permit application within 30 days of arrival.

Document legalisation for China

If you’re applying for a work, study, or family visa, you’ll need to legalise South African documents for use in China. This includes:

Academic qualifications
Marriage certificates
Birth certificates
Police clearance certificates

Legalisation involves a multi-step process:

Notarisation by a South African lawyer or notary public
Authentication by DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation)
Legalisation by the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria or a Chinese consulate

This process can take time, and errors may lead to rejections. At Visaline.co.za, we handle the full legalisation chain on your behalf.

How Visaline.co.za can help

We provide end-to-end support for South Africans applying for any China visa, including:

Advising on the correct visa type based on your travel or relocation goals
Checking your application documents and helping complete all required forms
Scheduling your appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Centre
Handling your document legalisation for long-term visas
Arranging police clearance certificates, translations, and medical exam guidance (where applicable)
Supporting students, professionals, and families relocating to China

We take care of the admin, so you can focus on planning your next big move.

Living in China as a South African

China offers an exciting and fast-paced lifestyle, especially in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. South Africans living in China benefit from:

Competitive salaries, especially for English teachers and skilled professionals
Affordable living costs in some regions
Strong international communities
Opportunities to learn Mandarin and experience a unique culture
Easy access to explore the rest of Asia

However, adapting to China’s legal system, digital platforms (like WeChat), and local customs can be challenging without the right preparation, another reason to let us help you get started on the right foot.

Start your China visa application with Visaline.co.za

Whether you’re going to China for business, work, study, or adventure, Visaline.co.za will help you get the right visa, complete the correct forms, and prepare every document with accuracy and care.