In accordance with the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Entry and Exit of Aliens" and other relevant regulations, the aliens who apply for Chinese visas are required to fulfill the following procedures:

1. Basic requirements

a) One completed visa application form with one colored passport size photo attached.

b) A passport valid for more than six months with at least 2 blank visa pages.

c) For people who goes to China for the first time: the latest 3 months bank-statement.

2. A brief introduction to Chinese visas

a) Tourist visa (L- visa)

There are single-entry and double-entry tourist visas. Multiple-entry tourist visa can only be permitted by the Embassy on applicant's particular situation.

Requirements: Tourists must provide the hotel booking record and the return air tickets booking. Applicants who will visit relatives in China should present proof of kinship and the return air tickets booking. A letter of explanation if requesting a multiple-entry tourist visa.

b) Business visa (F-visa)

There are single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry business visas.

Requirements for single-entry or double-entry visa: hotel booking record, and the return air tickets booking, and the original visa notice addressed to the Embassy from authorized governmental departments or organizations or companies from China.

Requirements for multiple-entry visa: a visa notice from the authorized Chinese governmental departments or companies or organizations together with a letter of introduction from your company. Otherwise, a proof of being a regular visitor to China is needed, such as previous Chinese visas. Please note that the visa officials have the right to decide whether to issue multiple entry visas or not on actual conditions.

c) Resident visa (D-visa)

A permanent residence confirmation is required. The confirmation is from the exit and entry department of public security bureau of the municipal or county where you intend to reside.

d) Employment Visa (Z-visa)

An invitation letter or fax from the department of the Chinese Government, together with an employment certificate issued by the relevant department or certificate of foreign expert. If you are going to work more than 6 months, a "Physical Examination Record For Foreigner" filled out and signed by a doctor shall be submitted.

e) Study Visa (X-visa)

A visa application form for international students (JW-202) issued by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and a notification of admission from the receiving school. If you are going to study more than 6 months, a "Physical Examination Record For Foreigner" filled out and signed by a doctor shall be submitted.

f) Transit Visa (G-visa)

A valid visa of the destination country and a through air ticket are required.

g) Visas for Train Attendants, Air Crew Members and Seamen (C-visa)

The confirmation is required in accordance with the mutual agreement.

h) Journalist Visa (J-1-visa, J-2-visa)

A letter or fax from the competent department of the Chinese Government. If you are going to work in China as a journalist, a "Physical Examination for Foreigner" filled out and signed by a doctor shall be submitted.

i) Diplomatic Visa or Service Visa

You are required to submit a formal diplomatic note. If your are invited by the Chinese governmental department, an invitation letter is required.

3. Other requirements

The applicant born in China who apply 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.

4.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.

5. Applicants are required to check the documents carefully. You will bear all the responsibilities if you do not complete the visa application form truthfully.

6. Payment

Visa fee should be paid on collection of the visa. The Embassy of the People's Republic of China accepts cash payment only.

7. Visa fee

8. Collecting date

Normally the visa may be issued on the fourth working day from the date of the application. For example, if your application is accepted on Monday, you will get the visa on Friday. Applicants are urged to submit applications at least 7 days prior to departure for China to avoid delays. You must present the Pick-Up Form given by visa officials when you come to get your passport back. Although express and urgent visa are available, it does NOT necessarily mean you can be granted the express and urgent services. Only with the consent of the Embassy in viewing of actual situations can it be expedited but you are required to pay extra rush fees. Collecting on the next working day, pay R250 more. The second or the third working day, pay R170 more.