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Visa Information
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General Info
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visas are required by South African passport holders. Foreign nationals visiting or living in China for more than 180 days will need a residence permit. Visitor or tourist visas will only be extended once, by a maximum of 30 days, from the permitted 30-day length of stay.

VISA INFORMATION

Basic Requirements

  • One fully completed visa application form.
  • One recent colour photo (2x2inch) (bare head, full face) against a light background to be attached to the application form.
  • 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.
  • MINORS: At least one parent is to apply in person and a certified unabridged birth certificate for the child is to be submitted.

The applicant born in China who applies for Chinese visa for the first time with his or her new foreign passport is required to submit his or her Chinese passport or old foreign passport.

Payment:

The Embassy of the People`s Republic of China will not accept cash payment for visa/ passport/ notarization/ authentication fees.

Applicants are kindly requested to:

  1. Deposit or bank transfer into our FNB account
  2. Pay through a speed point machine in our office at collection window
  3. Pay by cheque in our office at collection window (cheque payment are not recommended because the process of cashing may take long.)
  4. Payment should be made before the date of collection so that we can verify payment. Please note that payment on the date of collection may result in passport/visa release being declined.
  5. For collection, applicants are required to present the Pick-up Form and proof of payment.

The Embassy is entitled to request the applicant to provide other relevant documents or to reject the application in accordance with the Law and international practices.

Applicants are required to check the documents carefully. You will bear all the responsibilities if you do not complete the visa application form truthfully. FOR OTHER TYPES OF VISAS PLEASE CONTACT THE EMBASSY DIRECTLY OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE.

There are single entry (valid for 3 months) and double entry tourist visas. Multiple-entry tourist visa can only be permitted by the Embassy on applicant`s particular situation.

  • The latest 3 months bank-statements with adequate money.
  • Hotel reservation in China.
  • Round-trip ticket booking.

There are single entry (valid for 3 months) and double entry business visas. Multiple entry Business visa can only be permitted by the Embassy on applicant`s particular situation.

  • Qualified original invitation & guarantee letter with signature and stamp from the applicant`s sponsor and business partner in China. The letter should state clearly applicant`s name, position and passport number, applicant`s company name, address and telephone number, purpose of visit, duration of stay and specific itinerary in China.
  • Qualified original introduction letter with the full name, title, date & signature of the issuing person from applicant`s company. The letter should state clearly applicant`s name, present occupation and position in the company, purpose of the visit, intended duration of stay, city intended to visit, name and address of applicant`s business partner in China, items and quantity of goods planned to order and purchase.
  • Round-trip ticket booking.
  • Updated bank statement (for first-time goers only)

4-5 working days from the date of the application. You must present the Pick-Up Form and proof of payment when you collect your passport. Only with the consent of the Embassy can it be expedited but you are required to pay extra rush fees.

Please contact the Embassy for visa fees for other Nationals. Refunds not available if application is cancelled or refused.
All fees to be paid into the FNB account after first obtaining the reference number from the visa office of the Chinese Consulate General.

Single or double entry – 3 months from date of issue.
Double entries within 3-6 months.
PLEASE APPLY FOR VISA ONE MONTH PRIOR TO DEPARTURE.
NB: All regulations and costs subject to change without notice.

WEATHER

China enjoys four distinctive seasons owning to its humid continental climate, ranging from very warm during the summer: 28º C to 38º C (82º F to 93º F), to chilly and dry during the winter: -10º C to 10º C (14º F to 50º F).

The best time to travel is Spring (from April – June) and Autumn (from September – early November) .

GENERAL INFORMATION

Country: Republic of China
Capital City: Beijing
International Airports: – Beijing Capital International Airport
– Shanghai Pudong International Airport
– Xi’an Xianyang International Airport
Area: 9,600,000 km²
Population: 1.4 billion(2017)
Time Zone: GMT+8
Religion: China is a multi-religious country. Taoism, Buddhism, Islamism, Christianity and Catholicism have all found a following in this country. Freedom of religious belief is a government policy, and the Constitution protects all normal religious activities.
Language: Chinese is the universal language in China; it is also one of  the five working languages designated by the United Nations. Most of  the 55 ethnic minorities, however, have their own written and spoken languages.  English is not widely spoken or understood.
Currency: The Chinese Yuan, also known as renminbi, is used throughout mainland-china, while in Hong Kong and Macau, the Hong Kong dollar and Pataca are used respectively.
Exchange Rate: Please consult your local bank as exchange rates fluctuate.
Credit Card Payment Availability: VISA and MASTER are acceptable.
ATM Accessibility: Tourists can withdraw cash with VISA or Master credit card an ATM’s with VISA or MASTER logo.
Dialling Code: +86

TRAVEL TIPS

Electricity: 220V,10A
Water: It is not advisable to drink the water, bottled water is readily available.
Business Hours: China uses a five-day work week that spans from Monday to Friday.  The normal business hours are from 08:00 to 18:00, with two-hour break from 12:00 – 14:00. However, there are local variations in different sectors and cities.  Hospitals, post offices, banks and scenic sights are always open daily from 08:30-09:30 to 16:00-18:00, but the hospital clinics and its first-aid centre are usually open 24 hours. Hotels also offer the round-the-clock service to any lodger. Shops, department stores and supermarkets are open every day from 08:30-09:30 to 21:30, including public holidays. Restaurants and bars are always open from around 10:00 to late.
Banking Hours: Banking hours are from 09:00 – 17:00
Photography Restrictions: No photos of the military
Tipping: Tipping is not generally expected in mainland China. However it is always at your own discretion if you want to reward someone for excellent service. It will always be appreciated.
Vaccination Requirements: No Vaccinations Required
Dress Code Restrictions: No Dress Code Restrictions
Peculiar Customs to Observe: – Never stick your chopsticks in the rice
– It is not uncommon to see men with long fingernails
– Refusal is part of acceptance, they will always refuse 1st, 2nd and even 3rd offer of a gift
– Spitting is considered normal
– People may ask you to be part of a photo
– Face-kinis will be used to protect the face from sun tanning
– Avoid overt displays of emotions

FESTIVALS

  • The Spring Festival, which is also known as Chinese New Year
  • The Lantern Festival or the Yuanxiao Festival is a Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month
  • The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional holiday originating in China, and occurring on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month
  • The Mid-autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month
  • Qingming Festival – April
  • Labour Day – 1 May
  • Qixi Festival – August
  • Chongyang Festival – October

MAP

“Don’t listen to what they say, go see.”

– Chinese proverb