The Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) was opened in Johannesburg on March 18, 2015, and thereafter please proceed to the CVASC for ordinary Chinese visa application. Applicants holding diplomatic and service (official) passports or applying for Chinese diplomatic, courtesy, service visa and Hong Kong SAR or Macao SAR visa/entry permit, please submit applications directly to the Chinese Embassy or Consulates-General in South Africa.
For more information on visa requirements, please contact the CVASC through the channels as follows:
Add: 14th Floor, Sandton City Office Tower, Corner Rivonia Road & 5th Street, Sandton, 2196
What is the main purpose of your visit to China and which is the most appropriate visa category for your application?
Visa Categories
Description of Visa
Checklist of required documents
Issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships.
Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.
Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities.
Issued to those who intend to transit through China .
Issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China . The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
Issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist.
Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China . The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
I ssued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China .
Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China , or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.
"family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.
Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.
Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.
Issued to those who intend to work in China .
Here are the documents you shall prepare before submission of visa application:
1. Basic requirements
(1) One fully completed Visa Application Form with one recently- taken color photo (bare head, full face)against a light background attached.
(2) Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and more than 2 blank visa pages. A photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate are also required.
(3) Applicants other than South Africans must provide the original and photocopy of your permanent residence permit or other temporary residence permits valid for over 6 months beyond the date of your intended date of arriving in China .
(4) If you were a Chinese citizen and have obtained South African citizenship, when applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page. When applying for a Chinese visa with a renewed South African passport that does not contain any previous Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the previous Chinese visa page. (If the name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)
2. Supporting Documents Required
C Visa is issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members working for the above-mentioned ships.
A letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China .
D Visa is issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.
The original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanet Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China.
F-visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other non-business activities.
An Invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China . The letter should contain:
a. Information on the applicant ( full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.)
b. Information on the planned visit (purpose of the visit, places to be visited, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting party, financial source for expenditures, etc.)
c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
G Visa is issued to those who intend to transit through China .
An onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.
J1 Visa** is issued to journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China and the intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
Visa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete relevant formalities.
J2 Visa is issued to foreign journalists for short-term (less than 180 days) news coverage in China .
Visa Notification Letter by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.
Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete relevant formalities.
L Visa is issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist or to visit a Chinese friend or a foreigner who is working or studying in China .
(1) Documents showing the itinerary including round-trip air ticket booking and proof of a hotel reservation, etc.
(2) an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China . The invitation letter should contain:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.)
b. Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, places(s) to be visited, etc.)
c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)
d. Photocopy of the inviters' ID if he/she is a Chinese citizen or passport and residence permit if the inviting person is a foreigner.
M Visa is issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.
An invitation letter from a trade partner or a trade fair in China . The invitation letter should contain:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.)
b. Information on the planned visit (purpose of the visit, places to be visited, arrival and departure dates, relations between the applicant and the inviting party, financial source for expenditures,etc.)
c. Information on the inviting party (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative of the entity)
Q1 Visa** is issued to family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence for family reunion, or to those children who are going to China for foster care. This type of visa allows applicants to stay in China for more than 180 days.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren and parents-in law.
Supporting documents for family reunion purpose:
(1) An invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or a foreigner with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China . The letter should contain:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.)
b. Information on the visit (purpose of the visit, intended arrival date, place and duration of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, etc.)
c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of legal representative or the inviting individual, etc.)
(2) Photocopy of the ID of the Chinese individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.
(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship between the applicant and the inviting individual.
Supporting documents for foster care purpose:
a. Foster care Power of Attorney
b. Original and photocopy of the parents' passports, marriage certificate, birth certificate of the child or other notarized certification of kinship.
c. A letter of consent on foster care from the person in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of his/her ID.
d. In the case that one or both of the parent(s) of the child is Chinese citizen when the child was born, a photocopy of the parent(s)' permanent residence is required.
Q2 Visa is issued to relatives of Chinese citizens or foreigners with permanent residence in China . The duration of stay is no more than 180 days.
(1) An invitation letter by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China . The letter should include:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.)
b. Information on the visit (purpose of the visit, arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, etc.)
c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence of the inviting individual.
R Visa is issued to the high-level talents or those whose skills are urgently needed in China .
The certification issued by Chinese governmental department that confirms the applicant is with special skills urgently needed in China .
S1 Visa** is issued to those who intend to visit a non-Chinese citizen working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in–law, or to those for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.
An invitation letter from a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies, the letter should contain:
(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.)
a. Information on the visit (purpose of the visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)
b. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
(2) A Photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit.
(3) Original and photocopy of marriage certificate, birth certificate or other notarized and authenticated certification of kinship showing the relationship between applicant and the inviting individual.
S2 Visa is issued to those who intend to visit a non-Chinese citizen working or studying in China as his/her family members, but the intended duration of stay is no more than 180 days.
"Family members" refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandchildren and parents-in-law.
(1) An invitation letter by a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies, which contains:
a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.)
b. Information on the visit (purpose of the visit, arrival and departure dates, places to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)
c. Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)
(2) A Photocopy of the inviting individual's passport and residence permit
(3) Photocopy of marriage certificate, birth certificate or other notarized and authenticated certification of kinship showing the relationship between applicant and the inviting individual.
X1 Visa** is issued to those who are going to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.
a. Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China .
b. Original and photocopy of "Visa Application for Study in China " (Form JW201 or Form JW202)
X2 Visa is issued to those who study in China for a period less than 180 days.
Original and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school in China .
Z Visa** is issued to those who intend to work in China, including internship and cultural exchanges in which the applicant gets paid, no matter how long the duration of stay will be.
a. Foreigners Employment Permit of the People's Republic of China by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit or Confirmation Letter of Invitation by those Units.
b. Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit or Confirmation Letter of Invitation by those Units.
c. Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries (regions) by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit or Confirmation Letter of Invitation from duly authorized units.
d. An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs or Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Unit or Confirmation Letter of Invitation from foreign affairs offices of provincial governments of China .
e. Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
Service Visa is issued to official passport holders
(1) A note verbale including the applicant's name, passport number, title and position in the government and the purpose of the visit
(2) Invitation letter from China .
**We Kindly remind you that:
Holders of J1,Q1, S1,X1 and Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply for foreigners' residence permits from the exit/entry administrations of local police authority.
3.Special requirements for applicants under 18 years
When applying visa for a child under 18 years old, at least one of the parents should come to apply. Agent can submit applications only when the child and the parents' passport are handed in together for visa application. The child's application form should be signed by both of the parents. In case that one of the parent does not travel together, a letter of consent (affidavit) from that absent parent should be attached, along with his/her passport copy. Unabridged birth certificate of the child, or an affidavit from the parents is required as proof of filial relationship.
4. Special Reminder
(1) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter.
(2) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.
(3) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.
5. Important Notice:
(1) Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, applicants and sponsors may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.
(2) All documents provided by the applicant should be in English or Chinese, and will not be returned. Please prepare extra photocopies for your own use.
6. Payment
The Embassy does not accept cash payment. Applicants are kindly requested to:
1) Deposit fees to the Embassy's bank account.
2) Make payment through internet transfer.
7. Collection
Applicants are requested to provide the original pick-up slip as well as the proof of payment when come to collect your passport or other documents.
8. Collecting date
Normally it takes four working days to process a visa application. However, if applicants can provide proof that there is a necessity of rush service, the officials at the reception can evaluate the situation and make decisions whether you can be granted rush service or not. Pick-up date will be written on the pick-up form.
9. Disclaimer
The Guide serves as reference only. The Embassy is not responsible for any loss or damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with any information in this Guide. The Embassy reserves the right to omit, suspend or edit all information in this Guide at any time in its absolute discretion without giving any reason or prior notice. The Embassy has the right to refuse an application although all required documents have been provided.