The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is a flagship B2B event held twice a year in Guangzhou, in both spring and autumn. The 2025 autumn edition is set to host over 25,000 exhibitors, welcome more than 200,000 buyers and suppliers from 200 countries, and showcase millions of products across 1.2 million square meters of exhibition space. The fair is divided into three distinct phases, each focusing on a different industry sector.

If you’re planning to attend, you’ll need a business visa. In this guide, I will break down who’s eligible, the required documents, the step-by-step application process, and provide tips to make your trip seamless. Let’s get started.

For a detailed guide, read: What is the Canton Fair?

Before applying, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria and document requirements. Getting these right upfront keeps the process smooth and prevents avoidable delays.

What are the eligibility criteria for a China visa for the Canton fair?

Here’s a checklist of who’s eligible and what you need to apply for a China business (M) visa to attend the Canton Fair:

• Purpose fits: You’re attending a trade fair, sourcing, or holding supplier meetings; this falls under the M visa category.

• Invitation in hand: You will require a Canton Fair Invitation (E-invitation or paper). The invitation lists your name, nationality, and company, and is used for visa purposes. Applicants must be 18 years or older to request an invitation.

Atlys takes care of your invitation letter, so you don’t have to worry about getting it before the visa application. 

• Passport & photo meet specifications: A valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank pages, plus recent colour passport photos in accordance with Chinese specifications.

• Standard documents: Completed online visa form + confirmation page, and any supporting business docs the consulate asks for. For M visas, posts typically request the trade-fair invitation; some may also ask for the inviter’s business license/ID copy.

What are the visa requirements for a China visa to attend the Canton fair? 

Here is the list of Canton fair visa requirements you will need to submit to apply for a visa: 

1. Passport: Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity, at least 2 blank visa pages, a photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate.

2. Photograph: One passport photo, size 33x48mm in colour with a white background, is also required when submitting your application.

3. Proof of legal stay: Applicants from a third country must provide a valid Indian visa or a valid Residence Permit in India, along with a copy of it, and complete the additional application form. If the applicant from a third country is staying in India with a short-term visa, a note verbale from the Embassy or Consulate-General of their own country is required.
   

Other documents required for commercial activities: 

• Canton fair invitation letter: To apply for a business (M) visa, you will likely need to obtain and provide an invitation letter from the Canton Fair organisers or a company registered to exhibit at the fair.

• Applicant/Company Cover Letter: Provide an Applicant/Company Cover Letter on company letterhead stating the applicant’s full name, passport number, contact details, designation, and employer,  a brief company introduction and its relationship with the Chinese partner, visit details, and the inviter’s contact person’s name, title, and mobile number.

How to apply for a China visa for the Canton fair?

The Chinese business visa (M) for the Canton fair is a sticker visa, and you will need to apply for it at the China visa application centres available in your region or directly at the embassy/consulate. For an easy process you can also use Atlys and start the application. Follow the steps below: 

1. Start Application on Atlys: Begin your visa application process on the Atlys platform.

2. Upload Documents: You must upload images of your passport (front and back)and a passport-size photo.

3. Complete the Application: Review the application and add co-travellers if needed.

4. Pick-up by courier: Atlys will arrange for a courier service to collect your passport.

5. Submission to embassy: Atlys submits your application to the embassy or consulate, depending on the country's jurisdiction as indicated on your passport. 

6. Visa processing: You will be notified about its progress, or you can check directly by visiting the “My Profile” section.    

7. Passport Return: After your passport is stamped, your documents will be returned to your home address.

How can I track my Chinese visa application for the Canton fair? 

You can easily track your visa application progress though the official China Visa Application Service Centre website using your passport, pickup form/application number and full name. If you are applying through Atlys then you can track your progress by visiting the Atlys app or webiste "My Profile" section.

Here is a detailed guide to learn about Chinese visa tracking.

What is the processing time of a China business visa for the Canton fair?

The processing time is usually 4 working days (for example, apply on Monday and pick up on Thursday.) The processing time can take longer depending on the peak season.

How does your will look like?

Here is a sample of China M visa:

Additional tips 

Here are some additional tips to help you plan your Canton fair visit smoothly:

• Match your purpose to the M visa and keep your invitation letter (print + digital) handy for both visa and badge pickup.

• Use a company cover letter on letterhead (purpose, dates/cities, who pays costs, inviter details).

• If you need multiple entries, justify it in your cover letter (e.g., factory visits in different provinces or follow-up meetings).

• Apply 3-4 weeks before travel (earlier in peak months).

• Book refundable flights/hotels until your visa is issued.

• Keep photocopies of your passport, invitation, hotel, and flights in your bag and cloud.

• Date changes or added city visits? Re-check whether your single vs. multiple-entry visa still fits your itinerary.

Securing the right China (M) visa, prepping your documents early, and planning your fair schedule by phase will save you days of stress on the ground. With your Canton Fair invitation, a clean application, and a realistic timeline, you’ll be through formalities and focused on what matters: meeting suppliers and closing deals. 

If you’d rather skip queues and paperwork, Atlys can handle door-to-door pickup and return of your passport and documents once stamped, so you can concentrate on business.