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Visa requirements · updated Aug 2026

Do China citizens need a visa for South Africa?

e-Visa / ETA

China citizens need an e-Visa or ETA to enter South Africa — applied for online before departure.

VISAXSAug 2026
e-Visa / ETA
China → South Africa
e-Visaonline

Everything for your trip to South Africa

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China vs South Africa: passport comparison

China

43

visa-free countries

Global rank: #112 · mobility 97.5

South Africa

61

visa-free countries

Global rank: #97 · mobility 111.5
28

countries both China and South Africa can enter visa-free together

China + South Africa: passport compatibility

69%

of the world — where both passports have the same visa access

Where China and South Africa travel together — by entry type:

28 both visa-free
25 both visa on arrival
22 both e-visa / eTA
60 both need a visa
62 access differs

Where China and South Africa can travel visa-free together

Travelling as a pair with two different passports? Here is the full list of countries where BOTH of you can enter without a prior visa — plus where your access differs.

How the entry rule changed: China → South Africa

We keep our own archive of visa-rule snapshots and diff them against each other. Here is what changed over the observed period.

The China → South Africa rule itself held steady over the observed period. The context around it did move:

4rule changes for the China passport, 3 of them easing
July 2024 — June 2026our archive observation window

Comparison is built from our own dataset snapshots; the date marks when we recorded the change, not the official decision date. See all changes →

South Africa: good to know

Pretoria

Capital

South African Rand (ZAR)

Currency

South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2)

Time zone

+27

Calling code

C, D, M, N

Power plug

230V / 50Hz

Voltage

Left-hand

Driving side

Where else China goes visa-free

Check another route

Documents you'll usually need for South Africa

The usual basics for the trip. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy or consulate.

Valid passport

Valid at least 6 more months

Return / onward ticket

Proof you will leave the country

Proof of funds

Enough money for your stay

Accommodation

Hotel booking or an invitation

Travel insurance

Recommended, sometimes required

e-Visa / eTA

Applied for online before you fly

Frequently asked

Do China citizens need a visa for South Africa?
China citizens need an e-Visa or ETA to enter South Africa — applied for online before departure.
Which passport is stronger — China or South Africa?
The South Africa passport is stronger: 61 visa-free countries versus 43. Global rank: China #112, South Africa #97.
Where can China and South Africa citizens travel together visa-free?
Both passports get visa-free access to 28 of the same countries.
What documents do I need for South Africa?
Usually: a valid passport (6+ months), a return ticket, proof of funds and accommodation. Plus an e-Visa or eTA applied for online before you fly. Always confirm exact requirements with the embassy.
Can visa requirements change between China and South Africa?
Yes, visa rules change periodically. This data is current as of Aug 2026 — always confirm with the embassy before you travel.

China passport ranking

Where else the China passport can take you and how it ranks worldwide.

View the passport