How Do Foreigners Apply for Visas to Attend the Canton Fair in 2024?

Introduction

The Canton Fair, scheduled to take place in October 2024, is once again drawing the attention of international buyers and traders. For foreigners planning to attend this prominent trade event, understanding the visa application process is crucial. So, how can foreigners apply for a visa to attend the Canton Fair in China? Here’s a step-by-step guide.

How to Apply for a Visa?

To attend the Canton Fair, most foreigners will need to apply for a Chinese business visa(M visa). This type of visa is designed for individuals visiting China for commercial or trade-related activities, such as attending trade fairs or business meetings. It is essential to first confirm the visa requirements with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.

Required Documents:

Passport: Original passport valid for at least six months with at least two blank visa pages.

Photocopies: A photocopy of the passport information page, previous Chinese visas (if applicable), and the first page of previous passports (if applicable).

Visa Application Form: A fully completed visa application form with one recently-taken color photo (full face, front view, no head coverings, on a light background).

Invitation Letter: An official invitation letter issued by a trade partner in China or the Canton Fair organizers. The letter must include:

1. Applicant’s information (full name, gender, date of birth, passport number, etc.).
2. Details of the planned visit (purpose, travel dates, locations, relationship between the applicant and the inviting party, and financial support during the stay).
3. Information about the inviting party (name, contact details, address, official stamp, and signature).

In some cases, applicants may need to submit photocopies of investment certificates, business licenses, or other relevant documents. The invitation letter can be a fax, photocopy, or printout, but the consulate may request the original. If the letter is from an individual, a photocopy of their Chinese ID must be provided.During the application process, you will also need to prepare some basic materials and cooperation certification materials. You can just follow the requirements of the local foreign affairs department.

Where to Apply:

Regular Passport Holders: Submit the visa application at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in your area.

Diplomatic or Official Passport Holders: Submit applications directly to the local Chinese embassy or consulate.

When to Apply:

It is recommended to apply for the visa at least one to two months before your planned travel date to allow enough time for processing and avoid delays.

Countries Covered by the 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption Policy

If you are a citizen of the following countries, you can enjoy 144-hour transit visa exemption.

There are 24 countries in the Schengen Agreement of Europe: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.

There are 15 other European countries: Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus.

There are 6 countries in the Americas: United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile.

There are 2 countries in Oceania: Australia, New Zealand.

There are 6 countries in Asia: South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar.

How to Participate in the Canton Fair

Once the visa is obtained, foreigners planning to attend the Canton Fair should follow these steps:

Invitation Letter Application:

To apply for the visa, foreign buyers need to request an invitation letter from the Canton Fair organizers.

Visa Processing:

After receiving the invitation letter, foreign buyers can apply for the M visa at their local Chinese embassy or consulate.

Buyer Certificate Application:

Foreign attendees must obtain a Buyer Certificate to enter the Canton Fair exhibition halls. To apply for the Certificate, they must present a valid ID and necessary documents. This can usually be done at designated registration areas near the entrance of the fair.

Accommodation and Transportation:

Guangzhou becomes extremely busy during the Canton Fair. It is highly recommended to book accommodations in advance and plan transportation routes from the hotel to the exhibition center. The fair can be accessed via:

• Metro Line 8:Exit A at Xingangdong Station for Hall A, and exits A or B at Pazhou Station for Hall B. Exit C and a 300-meter walk will take you to Hall C.
• Taxis:Only specific drop-off points are allowed, such as the A zone’s Zhong Lu Road and the east side of Hall C.

Exhibition Layout and Schedule:

The Canton Fair is divided into different phases, each covering specific product categories. Foreign buyers should review the exhibition layout and schedule in advance to locate relevant booths and efficiently plan their visit.

Connecting with Exhibitors:

If interested in specific exhibitors or products, it is recommended that foreign buyers contact them ahead of time to schedule meetings during the fair.

USFULL Canton Fair Booth

USFULL will be attending the 2024 Canton Fair, showcasing their latest products at booth 15.2, I06-07. Their product range includes solar water pump inverters, combiner boxes, solar accessories, DC circuit breakers, SPDs, and DC fuses. USFULL focuses on understanding customer needs and offering tailored solutions across different industries. Their extensive technical development, coupled with customer trust, has allowed USFULL to expand to over 90 countries worldwide.

We warmly welcome visitors to stop by USFULL’s booth to explore potential collaborations. Our team will be on hand to offer expert advice and top-notch services.