Canton Fair Invitation Letter — What It Is and How to Get One

What is a Canton Fair invitation letter?

A Canton Fair invitation letter is an official document confirming that you are invited to attend the Canton Fair as a registered buyer or business visitor. It is issued either by the China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC) — the official organiser — or by a recognised third-party service acting on behalf of exhibitors or the wider fair.

The letter typically includes your name, passport number, company name, the dates of the fair edition you are attending, and the issuing organisation's details and stamp. Some letters are issued in both Chinese and English.

An invitation letter is one of the supporting documents you submit with your China visa application. It significantly strengthens your application by demonstrating that you have a confirmed, verifiable purpose for visiting China.

Who needs a Canton Fair invitation letter?

Citizens of most countries applying for an M visa (business) need an invitation letter from a Chinese company or organisation as part of their visa application.

Citizens applying for an L visa (tourist) to attend the Canton Fair will also benefit from an invitation letter, as visa officers may question why a 'tourist' is visiting Guangzhou and it helps to have documentary support.

Citizens of countries with visa-free access to China for short stays typically do not need an invitation letter for entry, though some visa-free regimes require registration upon arrival.

Even if your country technically does not require an invitation letter, having one demonstrates professionalism and seriousness of purpose, which can speed up processing.

How to get an official invitation letter from the Canton Fair

The China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC) issues official invitation letters to pre-registered overseas buyers. To receive one, you must first register as a buyer on the Canton Fair's official website (cantonfair.net.cn). After registration and approval, you can request an official invitation letter through the buyer portal.

Official invitation letters from the CFTC carry the greatest weight with visa authorities and are free of charge. However, the registration process can be bureaucratic, and letters can take 1–3 weeks to arrive — plan ahead.

Alternatively, some Canton Fair exhibitors can issue invitation letters to buyers they have an established relationship with. If you have a supplier contact at the fair, ask them to issue you a letter on their company letterhead — this is a common and accepted practice.

Third-party invitation letter service — USD 85

For buyers who need an invitation letter quickly or are encountering difficulties with the official registration process, we offer a third-party Canton Fair invitation letter service at USD 85 per person.

Our invitation letter is issued by a registered Chinese trading company and includes all the standard information required by visa authorities: your name, passport number, dates of attendance, and the issuing company's official stamp and registration details.

The letter is delivered digitally (PDF) within 24–48 business hours and can be submitted directly with your visa application. Many buyers have successfully obtained China M and L visas using our invitation letter.

To request a letter, contact us at support@cantonfair.co with your full name as it appears in your passport, passport number and expiry date, nationality, company name, intended dates of travel, and which edition/phase(s) of the fair you plan to attend. Payment is by card or bank transfer.

Please note that an invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval — that decision rests solely with the relevant embassy or consulate. We provide a legitimate supporting document to strengthen your application.

Tips for a successful visa application with an invitation letter

Ensure all the details on the invitation letter exactly match your passport. Even a small discrepancy in name spelling or passport number can cause delays.

Submit the invitation letter alongside your return flight booking, hotel booking, and business registration documents. A complete application with all supporting documents is processed faster and more smoothly.

Apply well in advance — at least 3–4 weeks before your intended travel date. Do not leave the invitation letter until the last minute, as both obtaining the letter and processing the visa take time.

If your embassy requires a letter translated into the local language, contact us and we can provide a certified translation alongside the English/Chinese version.