Expert China Visa Facilitation Since 2016
China Visas 🇨🇳

China Visas Done Right.

Whether you're travelling to Beijing or Shanghai for tourism, business, study, work or family — we handle every type of Chinese visa for South Africans. Document checks, biometrics processing in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and real-time status updates throughout.

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China visa facilitation services — The Great Wall of China
JHB & CPT Biometrics Both cities, full coverage
6types China Visas Facilitated
99% Success Rate
10K+ Visas Processed
2016 Trusted Since
Requirements & Why Use Us

Specialists in China Visas. Backed by Local Expertise.

Chinese visa and entry rules change frequently — from documentation requirements to customs and quarantine regulations. We specialise in China visa applications across every category, with offices in Cape Town and Johannesburg supporting you through the full process.

China Visa Requirements

  • All visitors require a Chinese visaNo visa-free entry for South African passport holders.
  • Passport valid for 6+ monthsMust be valid for at least six months at the time of application.
  • Sponsor in China requiredFor business, work, study and family visas. Tourism visas may need an itinerary.
  • Rules change frequentlyEntry conditions, customs and quarantine rules can shift — we stay current so you don't have to.

Why South Africans Choose Us for China Visas

  • China Visa SpecialismFrom tourism to work visas — we specialise across every Chinese visa category.
  • Free Pre-Submission CheckWe catch errors before the consulate sees your application.
  • Pick-Up & DeliveryDoor-to-door collection and return of passports and documents.
  • Regular Status UpdatesReal-time tracking via WhatsApp from submission to collection.
  • Cape Town & Johannesburg OfficesBiometrics processed at a time that suits your schedule.
  • Full Document CoordinationIncluding police clearances, medicals, and attestations where required.
China Visa Types

Which China Visa Do You Need?

China uses a letter-coded visa system — each type designed for a specific purpose. We facilitate all six major categories: from short tourist trips through to long-term work and family visas.

Tourist Visa

For tourism, sightseeing, and short personal visits to China. The most common visa for South African leisure travellers.

Sightseeing Short visits

Business Visa

For commercial trade activities, business meetings, and conferences in China. Requires an invitation letter from your Chinese business partner.

Trade Conferences Meetings

Non-Commercial Visit Visa

For exchanges, cultural activities, lectures and other non-commercial visits. Often used by academics, journalists, and NGO professionals.

Cultural Exchange programs

Study Visa

X1 for long-term study (over 6 months), X2 for short-term study (under 6 months). For students enrolled at Chinese universities or institutions.

X1: Long-term X2: Short-term

Work Visa

For applicants who have secured employment in China. Requires a work permit from Chinese authorities — we handle the documentation chain end-to-end.

Includes coordination of:
  • Police clearance certificates
  • Medical examinations
  • Document attestation & legalisation

Family Visa

Q visa for visiting Chinese citizens or permanent residents. S visa for family of foreigners working or studying in China.

Q: Chinese sponsor S: Foreign sponsor
Not sure which visa code applies to you?

The Chinese visa system can be tricky — some travel purposes fit multiple categories. Talk to one of our China visa specialists and we'll recommend the right visa type for your specific trip.

Documentation & Process

Documents Required & How We Process It.

Every China visa application needs the same core documents plus category-specific extras. Here's what you'll need to gather — and our 4-step process for getting your visa stamped.

Documents You'll Need

Core Documents (All Applicants)
  • Original passport — valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages
  • Passport-sized photos — recent, colour, white background
  • Completed visa application form — signed with contact details
  • Copy of South African ID — both sides
Category-Specific Documents
  • Tourism (L): Flight bookings, hotel reservations, itinerary
  • Business (M): Invitation letter from Chinese business partner
  • Study (X1/X2): JW202 form & admission letter from Chinese institution
  • Work (Z): Work permit, employment contract, police clearance, medical
  • Family (Q/S): Invitation letter & relationship proof from sponsor
Requirements can change. Our consultants confirm the exact documents needed for your specific visa type and travel date.

Our 4-Step Process

  1. 01
    Initial Consultation

    We discuss your travel plans, identify the correct visa type (L, M, F, X1/X2, Z or Q/S), and confirm what you'll need.

  2. 02
    Document Preparation

    Submit passport, photos, invitation letter and supporting docs. We do a free pre-check before lodging.

  3. 03
    Biometrics

    Processed at our Cape Town or Johannesburg office at a time that suits you.

  4. 04
    Consulate & Collection

    We lodge at the Chinese Consulate and courier your visa back to your door once issued.

Ready to Apply

Start Your Visa Application Today.

Here's exactly what you'll need to get started — and how long each type of visa typically takes to process through One Visa World.

What You'll Need

  • Valid SA Passport Valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages.
  • Recent Passport Photo Plus a completed application form (we'll provide the right one).
  • Travel Itinerary Flights and hotel bookings — or a company invitation for business travel.
  • Supporting Documents Proof of funds and employment letter where applicable.

Specific countries may require additional documents — our consultants will guide you.

Processing Times

2–5 Business Days

Standard processing for tourism and leisure visas. Most South African travellers receive their approved visa within 2 to 5 business days.

99% Success Rate
10,000+ Visas Processed
2016 Trusted Since

Ready to begin? Our experts are standing by.

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China Visa FAQs

Your China Visa Questions, Answered.

The questions South Africans ask us most about Chinese visa applications. Can't find your answer? WhatsApp us and a specialist will help.

Do South Africans need a visa for China?

Yes. All South African passport holders need a visa to enter China. There is no visa-free entry or visa on arrival for South African citizens. Your passport must also be valid for at least six months at the time of application.

How much does a China visa cost from South Africa?

The cost depends on your visa type (tourist, business, work, study or family), the number of entries, and processing speed. Consulate fees are set by the Chinese Consulate and service fees vary. Contact us for a free quote based on your specific trip and we will give you the full breakdown with no hidden costs.

How long does a Chinese visa take in South Africa?

Standard processing at the Chinese Consulate takes around 4 to 7 working days after biometrics and document submission. Work visas take longer because of the extra documents involved, such as police clearances and medicals. We recommend applying at least 3 to 4 weeks before your travel date to allow for preparation.

Where can I apply for a Chinese visa in South Africa?

Chinese visa applications from South Africa go through the Chinese Consulate. One Visa World facilitates the full process with biometrics support in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, so you can complete your application from either city at a time that suits you.

What are the China visa requirements for South African citizens?

Core requirements are an original passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages, recent passport photos, a completed application form, and a copy of your South African ID. Depending on your visa type you may also need flight and hotel bookings, an invitation letter from a Chinese sponsor, or for work visas a work permit, police clearance and medical certificate.

Can One Visa World handle my whole China visa application?

Yes. We handle the process end to end: identifying the correct visa type, checking your documents for free before submission, arranging biometrics in Cape Town or Johannesburg, lodging at the Chinese Consulate, and couriering your stamped passport back to your door.

Still have a question about your China visa? Get a free consultation and answer within one business day.

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Let's Get Your Visa Sorted.

Tell us where you're going and we'll handle the rest. Our team responds within one business hour during office hours — or chat with us right now on WhatsApp.

Not limited to specific countries — we assist with visas for all destinations worldwide.

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