China tourist (L) visa from South Africa
The Chinese L visa covers tourism and family visits. South Africans apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre with a detailed day-by-day itinerary — the itinerary is the part most applicants get wrong.
Start my China visaFees and timelines are indicative and change with embassy policy and exchange rates — we confirm current figures in writing before you apply. Our service fee: From ZAR 950 per applicant.
Documents you'll need
- Passport valid 6+ months with two blank pages
- Completed COVA online form and printed confirmation
- Recent colour photograph to Chinese spec
- Full round-trip flight booking
- Hotel bookings for every night, or an invitation letter
- Day-by-day itinerary listing cities and dates
- Bank statements for three months
- Copy of your South African ID
Insider tips
- Multiple-entry visas are realistic once you have a previous Chinese visa.
- Some travellers qualify for 144-hour visa-free transit in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
- Book refundable hotels — you must produce bookings before approval.
- Allow extra time around Chinese New Year, when the centre closes.
How the application works
- 1Complete the COVA form
The online form must be printed, signed and submitted physically with the file.
- 2Build the itinerary
Chinese consulates expect a precise city-by-city plan; vague itineraries cause returns.
- 3Lodge at the centre
Submission and fingerprints at the visa application service centre.
- 4Collection
Passports are returned in 4 to 7 working days, or faster on the express service.
China visa FAQs
How long does a China visa take from South Africa?
Normally 4 to 7 working days from submission at the visa application service centre, with an express option available at extra cost.
Do I need a full itinerary?
Yes. A day-by-day itinerary with cities, dates and matching hotel bookings is one of the strictest parts of the Chinese application.
Can I transit China without a visa?
Certain routings qualify for 24, 72 or 144-hour visa-free transit through specific ports. We check your exact flights before you pay for a visa.
What does a China visa cost?
From roughly ZAR 950 for a single entry, plus service-centre and our handling fees.
Let us handle the paperwork
Document review, appointment booking and embassy follow-ups — plus flights, accommodation and transfers in the same quote.