Canton Fair Visa Guide — Requirements by Country 2025

Do you need a visa to attend the Canton Fair?

Most international visitors need a visa to enter mainland China. However, China has been expanding its visa-free and visa-on-arrival programmes significantly in recent years, so the first step is to check whether your country is included.

China currently offers 144-hour (6-day) and 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit for citizens of many countries, but these transit visas are only valid if you are transiting through specific Chinese cities (including Guangzhou) and have a confirmed onward ticket. They are generally not sufficient for attending the full three weeks of the Canton Fair.

For a multi-week sourcing trip, most buyers need a standard tourist or business visa (L or M visa) with a validity period that covers their stay.

Visa-free countries for China (2025)

As of 2024–2025, China has unilateral or bilateral visa-free arrangements with a growing number of countries for short stays (typically 15–30 days). Countries with visa-free entry to China for short stays include: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Belarus, Maldives, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Georgia, Serbia, Hungary, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, and several others.

This list is expanding rapidly — it is essential to check the current list at the Chinese embassy website for your country or the official China visa application service website, as new visa-free agreements are being added regularly.

Citizens of ASEAN countries, many European countries, and an increasing number of Latin American and African countries may qualify for short-stay visa-free entry. The permitted stay is typically 15 days (some up to 30 days) per entry, which may be sufficient for one phase of the Canton Fair but not the full three-week event.

Visa types for Canton Fair visitors

M Visa (Commercial/Business): The M visa is specifically designed for people travelling to China for commercial or trade activities, including attending trade fairs. This is the most appropriate visa type for Canton Fair buyers. An M visa typically allows single or multiple entries, and the duration of stay is set by the issuing consulate — request at least 30 days to cover the full fair period plus buffer.

L Visa (Tourist): An L visa (tourist visa) is commonly used by Canton Fair visitors from countries where an M visa application is more complicated. While technically a tourist visa, many buyers enter on an L visa without issue. However, if asked, you must be honest about your travel purpose — attending a trade fair as a buyer is a legitimate business activity.

F Visa (Exchange/Non-commercial): The F visa covers non-commercial exchanges, visits, inspections and study. Some buyers use this category, though the M visa is more appropriate for trade fair attendance.

Single vs. Multiple Entry: A double or multiple-entry visa is strongly recommended for Canton Fair buyers who may need to exit and re-enter China (for example to visit Hong Kong between phases). Always apply for a multiple-entry visa if possible.

Documents required for a China business visa

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with at least two blank pages.

Completed visa application form (available from your nearest Chinese embassy, consulate, or authorised visa application centre).

Recent passport-size photograph (white background, specific dimensions — check requirements).

Proof of onward travel: return or onward flight tickets.

Proof of accommodation: hotel booking confirmation in China.

Invitation letter: a letter from a Chinese entity inviting you to China for business purposes. This is often required for M visas and strongly recommended for tourist visa applications related to the Canton Fair. The Canton Fair Complex issues official invitation letters to registered buyers, or you can obtain one through a third-party service.

Business documents: a business registration document, company letterhead letter, or business card showing your role as a buyer, importer or trade professional.

Bank statements showing sufficient funds for the trip (some consulates require this).

Visa requirements by country — overview

United States: US citizens require a visa for mainland China. Apply for an M or L visa at a Chinese consulate or through a visa application service. Processing takes 4–7 business days standard, 2–3 days express. Fees vary by consulate.

United Kingdom: UK citizens require a visa. Apply at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in London, Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast. Standard processing 4 business days, express 2 days.

European Union: EU citizens' requirements vary. Many EU countries now qualify for visa-free short stays (see above). Check your specific country's current arrangement with China before applying.

Australia and New Zealand: Visas required. Apply at the Chinese consulate or authorised service centre. Processing 3–5 business days.

Canada: Visa required. Apply at the Chinese consulate or CVASC. Processing 4–7 business days.

India: Visa required. Apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate. Allow 7–10 business days.

Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman): Visa required for most nationalities. However, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and several Gulf states have active visa-free or visa-on-arrival agreements with China — verify current status.

Africa: Most African countries require a visa. Some countries have recently gained visa-free access — check current arrangements. Processing time varies by country.

Southeast Asia: Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and others — many now have visa-free or simplified arrangements. Check current status for your specific country.

Russia and CIS countries: Russia and many CIS states have visa-free or simplified entry arrangements with China. Verify current status.

Brazil and Latin America: Brazil has a bilateral visa-free arrangement with China. Many other Latin American countries require a visa — check current status.

How long does it take to get a China visa?

Standard processing time at most Chinese embassies and consulates is 4–5 business days. Express processing (typically double the fee) reduces this to 2–3 business days. Some consulates offer same-day processing for urgent cases.

Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for any delays or additional document requests. During the peak period before each Canton Fair (March for the spring edition, September for the autumn edition), visa centres experience higher volumes and processing may take longer.

Many countries now process China visas through dedicated Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASCs) rather than directly at the consulate. These centres typically accept applications by appointment and can handle express services.

Staying longer — multiple-entry and longer-stay visas

If you plan to attend the Canton Fair regularly, a multiple-entry visa valid for 2–5 years is the most practical option. These are available in most countries for repeat visitors with a proven travel history to China.

A 5-year multiple-entry visa with a 90-day stay per visit is increasingly available to visitors from many countries — ask your consulate specifically about this option.

For buyers who want to spend extended time in China visiting factories between fair phases, a 30-day or 60-day single-entry visa may be more appropriate than a short-stay multiple-entry visa.