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🇨🇳CHINA
🇿🇦SOUTH AFRICACN-ZA

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit South Africa?

Yes, you need prior authorization — ETA (expanding for Chinese) or eVisa. Chinese ordinary passport holders require prior authorization to enter South Africa (no general visa-free access). The main modern options are the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — which has been rolling out in phases for Chinese citizens since late 2025 — or an eVisa / visitor visa applied via the official portals. Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) is also available for group tourism.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-26
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26
Visa type
ETA (preferred for eligible) or eVisa / Visitor Visa
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days (typical for visitor/ETA)
per entry
Entries
Multiple (depending on grant)
from issue date
Visa fee
Varies (ETA has a service fee + possible IVL equivalent)
consular fee only
Processing time
ETA: often fast/near-instant; eVisa: days to weeks
standard track
Validity
ETA usually 2–3 years; visas per grant
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Check ETA eligibility first
Visit eta.dha.gov.za. Chinese citizens became eligible in phases (starting with certain airports and expanding in 2026).
· digital first
/02
Apply for ETA or eVisa
For ETA: register on the official site, submit passport/photo/biometrics details and trip info. For eVisa: use ehome.dha.gov.za/epermit.
· official portals only
/03
Pay and receive authorization
Pay the applicable fee online. Receive digital ETA or eVisa approval (print or store on phone).
· biometrics often required
/04
Travel and present at port
Show passport + digital authorization at South African immigration. Officers make the final entry decision.
· OR Tambo, Cape Town, etc.
/05
For group travel
Consider operators under the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) for faster group processing.
· if applicable
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

6 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 6 complete
Chinese ordinary passport
Valid with sufficient validity beyond stay
Recent passport photo
Meeting strict digital requirements
Proof of sufficient funds
Bank statements or equivalent (NZD $1,000 per month guideline or similar)
Return/onward ticket
Required
Accommodation or invitation details
Hotel booking or host information
Yellow fever certificate (if applicable)
If coming from or transiting a risk area
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
ETA service feeVaries (check current on eta.dha.gov.za)Digital authorization
eVisa / Visitor Visa feeVariesDepending on type and duration
Trusted Tour Operator (group)Handled by operatorOften faster processing
Total estimate¥300 — ¥800+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

ETA
Often fast (minutes to hours for many)
Apply in advance via official portal.
eVisa
Several days to a few weeks
Use ehome.dha.gov.za portal.
TTOS group
Hours in many cases
Via approved Chinese tour operators.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Insufficient funds or ties to China
Must demonstrate you are a genuine visitor who will leave South Africa.
High
/02
Incomplete application or poor photo/biometrics
ETA and eVisa have strict digital requirements.
High
/03
Previous South African overstay or violations
Can lead to refusal or future bans.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-26
China to South Africa route verified
Confirmed ETA rollout for Chinese citizens (phased since 2025), eVisa options, TTOS for groups, and current requirements.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Is South Africa visa-free for Chinese ordinary passports?—
No. Prior authorization via ETA or eVisa is required for most travelers.
What is the ETA and how do I apply?+
Can I use a tour group for easier processing?+
Do I need a return ticket?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the China passport

🇨🇳⇄
Compare the China passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇨🇳◐
China visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇨🇳▤
China passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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