Which visa do Indians need for the Canton Fair?
Indian buyers and exhibitors need a China M (business) visa to attend the Canton Fair. Get your invitation letter first, then apply 4–8 weeks before your phase of the fair.
The China Import and Export Fair — the Canton Fair — is the largest sourcing event for Indian importers, traders and manufacturers. It runs twice a year at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou, in three product phases. The autumn 2026 (140th) session runs in October–November.
Canton Fair Autumn 2026 dates
| Phase | Dates | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 15–19 Oct 2026 | Machinery, electronics, industrial products |
| Phase 2 | 23–27 Oct 2026 | Consumer goods, home décor, furniture |
| Phase 3 | 31 Oct–4 Nov 2026 | Textiles, garments, food, toys |
Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM daily. The spring session is usually held in mid-April.
Need the product categories for each phase? See our Canton Fair 2026 guide.
Why an M visa, not a tourist visa
The Canton Fair is a business activity: sourcing, negotiating and meeting suppliers. China’s M visa covers commercial and trade activities. Applying on a tourist (L) visa for a fair visit risks refusal and problems at immigration.
How to get the Canton Fair invitation letter
The invitation letter is the most important document in your file. Recent reports say first-time buyers now find it harder to get a free invitation directly from the fair’s online system, which prefers an invitation from an existing exhibitor or Chinese business partner.
Your options:
- Register as a buyer on the official Canton Fair website with full company details and request the e-invitation.
- Ask an existing supplier or exhibitor in China to issue an invitation letter on their letterhead.
- Re-register with complete documents (GST, IEC, website, business card) if your first request is rejected.
- Use a sourcing agent who can arrange an invitation (usually for a fee).
Documents checklist
- Original passport, valid 6+ months, with blank pages
- Completed China visa application form and photograph to specification
- Canton Fair invitation letter or invitation from a Chinese company
- Covering letter from your company (purpose, dates, who pays)
- Company documents: GST certificate, IEC, incorporation/partnership deed
- Confirmed or tentative flight and hotel bookings in Guangzhou
- Personal and/or company bank statements (last 6 months) and ITRs
- Previous China visas, if any
Step-by-step process
- Choose your phase based on the products you source.
- Register on the Canton Fair portal and secure the invitation letter.
- Fill the online China visa application and book an appointment at the visa centre.
- Submit documents and biometrics.
- Collect the passport with visa; then print your Canton Fair buyer badge or e-pass.
When to apply
| Your phase | Start invitation by | Submit visa by |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (15 Oct) | Early Aug | Late Aug |
| Phase 2 (23 Oct) | Mid Aug | Early Sep |
| Phase 3 (31 Oct) | Late Aug | Mid Sep |
Practical tips for Indian visitors
- Book Guangzhou hotels near Pazhou early — rates rise sharply during the fair.
- Carry plenty of business cards and a product list in English.
- Set up WeChat before you travel — most suppliers use it to share catalogues and follow up.
- Visiting Shenzhen, Yiwu or Hong Kong too? Ask for a double- or multiple-entry visa.
Going to the Canton Fair?
Share your phase and team size. BTW Visas will send a China M-visa checklist within 24 hours.
Call 9403460643 | 9730490449 | 9172791061 or email corporate@btwvisas.com.
About this article
Visa rules and processing times change. Confirm current requirements with BTW Visas before booking travel.