China → South Africa
China 
South AfricaSouth Africa visa requirements for China citizens (2026)
e-Visa required. Yes. China passport holders need an e-Visa for South Africa, issued online before travel. Typical processing: 3–10 business days.
- Total price
- From $75
- per traveler, all-in
- Estimated processing
- 3–10 business days
Visa and Trips is a private service, not a government agency. Price includes government fee and our service fee.
VTBy the Visa and Trips editorial teamLast updated
South Africa e-Visa requirements for China citizens
- Requirement
- e-Visa required
- Allowed stay
- Per visa terms
- Processing
- 3–10 business days
Typical estimate
Documents needed
- Scan of the passport data page (valid 6+ months)
- Recent passport-style digital photo, plain background
- Travel dates, entry point and accommodation details
- Return or onward ticket
How China citizens apply for the South Africa e-Visa
- Prepare a passport scan and a compliant photo.
- Apply online, with us or on the official portal, and pay the fee.
- Wait for approval (see processing time) and download the e-visa.
- Print a copy and travel with the passport used to apply.
Easier alternatives for China passport holders
Popular destinations with simpler entry for the China passport than South Africa, easiest first. Only rules we have verified against an official source are listed.
South Africa at a glance for travellers
- 93 of 198 passports can enter South Africa without a visa (visa-free, visa on arrival or an ETA).
- The China passport gets visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 73 destinations in our dataset.
Sources and last checked
| What | Official source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement & allowed stay | Open passport-index dataset (passportindex.org data, 17 Feb 2026) | 17 Feb 2026 |
| Fees, processing & entry formalities | South Africa ETA (DHA) | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Fees, processing & entry formalities | DIRCO: countries exempt from visas | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Official portal | South Africa Department of Home Affairs | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Independent official overview | UK FCDO, South Africa entry requirements | 22 Oct 2026 |
The Visa and Trips editorial team checks these sources every week. See our editorial and verification policy.
Frequently asked questions
Do China citizens need a visa for South Africa?
Yes. China passport holders need an e-Visa for South Africa, issued online before travel. Typical processing: 3–10 business days.
What documents do China passport holders need for South Africa?
Scan of the passport data page (valid 6+ months); Recent passport-style digital photo, plain background; Travel dates, entry point and accommodation details; Return or onward ticket.
How long does the South Africa e-Visa take for China passport holders?
3–10 business days (typical estimate). Apply well ahead of your trip. Rush processing is available with Visa and Trips.
How much does a South Africa e-Visa cost with Visa and Trips?
From $75 per traveler, all-in. One total that includes the government fee and our service fee; the exact total is confirmed after we check your details, before you pay.
How do I apply for the South Africa e-Visa with Visa and Trips?
Tap “Apply now”, enter your trip and passport details and upload your documents. A Visa and Trips specialist checks everything, files your application, emails you a confirmation with the estimated processing time and sends your e-Visa as soon as it is issued. You can follow your order on the tracking page.