How long must my passport be valid to enter China?

Valid for period of stay. Renew before you travel if you are close to that, because it is one of the most common reasons travellers are refused boarding.

Do I need to register before arriving in China?

Yes. China requires Arrival Card. This is separate from a visa and applies even to travellers who need no visa.

Is this official advice?

No. This is guidance based on data from Travel Buddy, last checked 2026-08-25. Entry rules change without notice and the final decision rests with border officials. Always confirm with the official government source before booking or flying.

Do South African citizens need a visa for China?

South African citizens need a visa for China, and the application starts online. Depending on your passport this may still involve biometrics, an in-person appointment and several weeks of processing, so apply early. Passport validity required: valid for period of stay. Separately from any visa, China requires Arrival Card before or on arrival.

🇿🇦 South Africa → 🇨🇳 China

Visa needed, apply online

The application starts online. Depending on your passport this may still involve biometrics, an appointment, and several weeks, so start early.

Maximum stay

Not specified

Passport validity

Valid for period of stay

Pre-registration

Arrival Card

What to do next

The part most visa checkers leave out: what actually needs doing before you fly.

Confirm with the official source

Rules change without notice, and only the immigration authority of China can tell you where you stand. Search for its official site before you travel.

What documents do I need?

Check your passport

Passport validity required: valid for period of stay. Renew first if you are close, because this is the most common reason travellers are turned away.

How long must it be valid?

Arrival Card required

Separate from any visa: China requires this registration before or on arrival. Do it even if you need no visa.

Register

Need a China visa?

Apply through our partner iVisa. Forms, fees and government submission are handled, with status updates until it is approved.

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Start an application

Other passports for China

The same destination on a different passport. Rules differ sharply by nationality, so check the one you will actually travel on.

All China entry rules by passport

This is guidance, not authorisation. Entry rules change without notice and the final decision always rests with border officials. Dual nationality, residence permits and travel for any purpose other than tourism can change the answer. Confirm with the official government source before you book or fly. trip1 is not a substitute for airline check-in or boarding compliance.

Source: Travel BuddyChecked: 25 Aug 2026200 passports · 211 destinations

Check a different pair

Another passport, or somewhere else entirely.

This is the pair you are reading. Change either side to check another.