What about the spring 2027 session?

For France, Belgium and Switzerland, the current visa-free arrangement runs until 31 December 2026 and its extension has not been announced yet. We will update this page as soon as it is; check your country's Chinese embassy website before booking.

What if my country is not on the list?

You will need an M (business) visa, usually with an invitation letter, or in some itineraries the 240-hour visa-free transit. Check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.

Canton Fair visa: visa-free entry and business visa

Q: Do I need a visa for the Canton Fair in 2026?

Not if your country is on China's visa-free list, which currently includes France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland among many others: stays of up to 30 days, business included, are allowed without a visa.

In short

It depends on your nationality. China grants 30-day visa-free entry, business trips included, to citizens of a long list of countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland. For French, Belgian and Swiss citizens this runs until 31 December 2026; the extension into 2027 has not been announced yet.

Visa-free entry for 30 days

Since late 2023, China has granted unilateral visa-free entry to a growing number of countries. It covers stays of under 30 days for business, tourism, family visits or transit, which includes visiting the Canton Fair. It does not allow paid work in China. The list and end dates change often: check them for your own nationality.

A valid passport is enough. Before departure, an electronic arrival card must be completed online.

If you are not covered: the business visa

If your nationality is not covered, if your stay exceeds 30 days, or if the exemption is not extended for 2027, you will need a business visa, known as the M visa. The application usually includes your passport, the application form, a photo and a business document, most often an invitation letter. It is submitted through a Chinese visa application centre. Allow several weeks.

For some itineraries, the 240-hour visa-free transit may also apply, provided you continue to a third country. Its conditions are strict: check them before relying on it.

The invitation letter

It is requested during your buyer registration, on the official portal. Since the organiser has tightened issuing for new buyers, a letter from a Chinese company you work with can also support your visa application.

On arrival

Foreign visitors must be registered with the local police within 24 hours. At a hotel, the hotel does this when you check in: just keep your passport with you.

Information checked on 3 October 2026. China's entry rules change often: before booking, check the website of the Chinese embassy in your country and your government's travel advice for China.

Visa for the Canton Fair