Entry requirement · China passport

South Africa visa for Chinese citizens

Passport

China

Destination

South Africa

China passport holders need a visa for South Africa, and it can be applied for online as an e-Visa.

Answer e-Visa

Yes, an e-Visa is required

Entry requirement: e-Visa
Maximum stay: Set by the visa
Apply before travel: Yes
Last updated: February 2026

What China passport holders need to do

Apply on the destination's official e-Visa portal.
Upload a passport scan and a photo, then pay the fee online.
Save or print the approved e-Visa and present it at the border.

China is one of 32 passports in the “e-visa” group for South Africa. See the full South Africa visa requirements for every passport.

Easier alternatives in Africa for China passport holders

South Africa is one of 29 destinations in the “e-visa” group for the China passport, which ranks #48 worldwide with a mobility score of 83. Of 54 destinations in Africa, 28 need no visa arranged in advance; the easiest are listed below.

Destination	Requirement	Max stay
Angola	Visa-free	30 days
Benin	Visa-free	30 days
Malawi	Visa-free	30 days
Mauritius	Visa-free	90 days
Morocco	Visa-free	90 days
Mozambique	Visa-free	30 days
Seychelles	Visa-free	90 days
Tunisia	Visa-free	90 days
Zambia	Visa-free	90 days
Burundi	Visa on arrival	–
Cape Verde	Visa on arrival	–
Comoros	Visa on arrival	–

All visa-free countries for the China passport

Frequently asked questions

Do Chinese citizens need a visa for South Africa?

China passport holders need a visa for South Africa, and it can be applied for online as an e-Visa.

Can Chinese citizens apply for South Africa visa online?

Yes. China passport holders are eligible for an e-Visa to South Africa, so the application can be completed online without visiting an embassy.

Do South Africa citizens need a visa for China?

South Africa passport holders need to obtain a visa from an embassy, consulate or visa centre before travelling to China.

South Africa visa requirements for other passports

Data last updated February 2026. This page covers short visits such as tourism. Rules can change at short notice and differ for work, study or long stays. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of South Africa before you book.