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Visa & Entry · Guangzhou

Canton Fair Invitation Letter and Visa: 3 Clear Routes

Choose between visa-free entry, a visa with an invitation letter, or 240-hour transit. Get the steps to apply and the documents needed.

· 7 min read

Canton Fair Invitation Letter and Visa: 3 Clear Routes

Choose Your Entry Path First, Then Handle the Invitation Letter

Before you start, determine which entry path is right for you based on your nationality, travel plans, and number of entries. The invitation letter is not an entry pass; it's used for applying for a Chinese visa.

Path 1: Single-Entry Visa-Free

Path 2: Apply for a Chinese Visa

Path 3: 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free

Path 1: Check Single-Entry Visa-Free Eligibility

To check if you qualify for single-entry visa-free entry, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official list of visa-free countries.
  2. Search for your passport-issuing country.
  3. Verify that your purpose (business) and stay duration (up to 30 days) are covered.
  4. Note the official page for future reference.

Calculate your stay from the day after you enter China. Ensure all dates, including entry, exit, and any transfers, fit within the 30-day limit.

Path 2: Apply for a Chinese Visa with an Invitation Letter

If you need a visa, follow these steps to get an invitation letter:

New Buyers

  1. Go to the current buyer registration portal.
  2. Create an account and complete pre-registration.
  3. Apply for the overseas buyer badge, which will generate the invitation letter.
  4. Download and print the invitation letter from the buyer system.

Returning Buyers

  1. Log in to your existing account at the buyer registration portal.
  2. Update your information as needed.
  3. Navigate to the invitation letter section and submit your request.
  4. Download and print the invitation letter from the buyer system.

For detailed instructions, see the Canton Fair buyer pre-registration four-step process.

Prepare Your Visa Application Materials

After obtaining the invitation letter, prepare your visa application materials by following these steps:

  1. Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center and select your country or region.
  2. Find the local center and review the visa category and required documents.
  3. Record the appointment, submission, and collection requirements.

Use this checklist to ensure you have all the necessary documents:

  • Passport validity requirement: Copy the exact text from the local center's page.
  • Blank visa pages: Note the number or condition required.
  • Online application form: Save or submit the form.
  • Photo specifications: Prepare photos according to the size and background requirements.
  • Proof of stay if applying outside your home country: Verify if this applies to you.
  • Additional steps: Follow any supplementary instructions from the local center.

Path 3: 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free

To qualify for 240-hour transit visa-free, you must meet all of the following conditions:

  1. Your next destination must be a third country or region, not China.
  2. You must have a confirmed onward ticket with a specific date and seat.
  3. You must enter through a designated port of entry.
  4. You must stay within the allowed regions.

Check the official 240-hour transit visa-free conditions to ensure you meet all requirements. If any condition is not met, do not use this as a substitute for a regular visa.

Hong Kong or Macau Itinerary: Re-Entry Check

If your itinerary includes a trip from Guangzhou to Hong Kong or Macau and back to Guangzhou, treat it as a re-entry into China. Follow these steps:

  1. Check the number of entries allowed on your current visa.
  2. Re-verify the visa-free conditions for your return to China.
  3. Contact the visa center if you are unsure about the re-entry requirements.

A single-entry visa will not allow you to re-enter China after visiting Hong Kong or Macau.

Invitation Letter vs. Buyer Card

The invitation letter and the Buyer Card serve different purposes:

DocumentPurposeApplication or Collection LocationReference Invitation LetterFor applying for a Chinese visaBuyer system (apply, check, download, print)Invitation letter usage and fees Buyer CardOfficial entry pass, reusable across multiple fairsFollow the application path and collect at designated pointsBuyer Card materials and rules

If you already have a valid Buyer Card, you do not need to reapply. If you lose or forget your card, you can apply for a replacement.

Collecting Your Buyer Card

Prepare the necessary documents based on your chosen path:

PathRequired DocumentsConditionsReference Through the Canton Fair Hong Kong OfficeOriginal ID + recent 5cm×4cm photo + business cardPrepare the photo if using the Hong Kong officeBuyer Card materials and rules Online pre-registration and remote collectionPre-registration receipt + original ID + business cardPrepare the receipt if using the remote collection path138th session remote collection details

Do not combine the two lists. Photos are only required for the Hong Kong office path.

For the 138th session, the collection points include Baiyun Airport T2 International Arrival Hall, T3 International Arrival Exit 74, exhibition areas B/C/D, high-speed rail stations, Pazhou Port, and 60 designated hotels. Always check the latest information for the current session.

For self-service kiosks and manual counters, follow these steps:

MethodStepsConversion ConditionsReference Self-Service KioskGo to exhibition areas B/C/D → Find the kiosk → Have your receipt, ID, and business card ready → Follow on-screen instructionsSwitch to manual if the kiosk cannot process your request138th session remote collection details Manual CounterGo to exhibition areas B/C/D → Queue at the counter → Show the required documents → Verify your informationSwitch to manual if the system or documents need human verification138th session remote collection details

Fees and Replacements

For the 138th session, there is no additional fee for pre-registration. A replacement fee of RMB 200 per card applies if you lose or forget your card. This is not a first-time registration fee.

The Hong Kong office charges RMB 200 or HKD 250 for replacements, and the old card becomes invalid once a new one is issued.

Follow these steps for different scenarios:

  • First-time pre-registration: Follow the current session's process. There is no additional fee.
  • Valid old card: Bring your card to the fair. You do not need to reapply.
  • Lose or forget your card: Follow the current session's replacement process. Check the replacement fee, and use the new card.

For more details, see the Canton Fair buyer badge collection materials and locations.

What it looks like

Frequently asked

What should I do if the invitation letter system is not open yet?

Check the status on the official buyer registration portal. If it's not open, refer to the guide on the four possible states.

Can I use my existing Buyer Card for the upcoming fair?

Yes, if your Buyer Card is still valid, you can use it for the upcoming fair without reapplying.

What if I need to re-enter China after visiting Hong Kong or Macau?

Check the number of entries allowed on your visa and verify the visa-free conditions for re-entry. Contact the visa center if you are unsure.

How do I know if I qualify for 240-hour transit visa-free?

You must be traveling to a third country or region, have a confirmed onward ticket, enter through a designated port, and stay within the allowed regions. Check the official conditions for more details.

What are the required documents for collecting the Buyer Card?

If you are using the Hong Kong office, bring your ID, a recent 5cm×4cm photo, and a business card. For remote collection, bring the pre-registration receipt, your ID, and a business card.

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