How to Get an Invitation Letter for Canton Fair?

By Yaurapulse

Published 2026-10-28 Updated 2026-10-28Canton Fair Guide

You need a Chinese visa to attend the Canton Fair. To get a business visa (M visa), the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country will typically ask for an invitation letter from a Chinese entity. Without this letter, your visa application may be delayed or rejected.

How do you get an invitation letter for the Canton Fair?

There are two main ways to get an invitation letter for the Canton Fair:

From the Canton Fair organizer (official): Apply through the Canton Fair Buyer E-Service System when you pre-register online. The organizer issues an official invitation letter that you can use for your visa application.
From a Chinese exhibitor/supplier: Contact a Chinese supplier who is exhibiting at the Canton Fair and ask them to issue an invitation letter on their company letterhead.

In this guide, I will explain both methods in detail, what information the letter must contain, and tips to avoid invitation letter scams.

Why do you need an invitation letter?

The invitation letter serves two important purposes:

1. Chinese visa application:

To apply for a Chinese business visa (M visa), you need to prove that you have a legitimate business reason to visit China. An invitation letter from a Chinese company or the Canton Fair organizer provides this proof.

2. Faster buyer registration:

Having an invitation letter can speed up the on-site buyer badge registration process at the venue.

Important: A tourist visa (L visa) is NOT sufficient for attending the Canton Fair as a business buyer. You should apply for a business visa (M visa).

Method 1: Get an official invitation letter from the Canton Fair organizer

This is the most reliable method. The Canton Fair organizer issues official invitation letters to registered overseas buyers.

Steps:

Pre-register on the Canton Fair website.

Visit cantonfair.org.cn or buyer.cantonfair.org.cn
Create an account or log in
Complete the overseas buyer registration

Apply for the invitation letter.

During registration, select the option to apply for an invitation letter
The system will generate an official invitation letter with your details

Download and print the letter.

The letter is usually available in your account dashboard
Print it and bring it to your visa appointment

Advantages:

Official and recognized by Chinese embassies worldwide
Free of charge
No need to depend on a specific supplier
Reliable and fast

TIP: Apply for the invitation letter at least 4-6 weeks before your visa appointment. Chinese visa processing can take 5-15 business days.

Method 2: Get an invitation letter from a Chinese supplier

If you have an existing relationship with a Chinese supplier who is exhibiting at the Canton Fair, they can issue an invitation letter.

Steps:

Contact your supplier. Email or message your supplier on WeChat/WhatsApp. Ask them to issue an invitation letter for your visa application.

Provide your details.

Full name (as on passport)
Passport number
Nationality
Company name
Purpose of visit (attending Canton Fair and visiting their factory)
Expected dates of visit
Address of your company

Receive the letter.

The supplier will issue the letter on their company letterhead
It should include the supplier's company stamp (公章)
They may also provide their business license copy

What the letter should contain:

Your full name and passport number
Purpose of visit (business/attending Canton Fair)
Dates of visit
Inviting company's name, address, and contact details
Company stamp and signature

TIP: Ask your supplier to send the letter as a scanned PDF. You can print it for your visa appointment. Some embassies may require the original letter.

What information must the invitation letter contain?

A valid invitation letter for a Chinese business visa should include:

Your information:

Full name (exactly as on passport)
Passport number
Nationality
Date of birth
Company name and position
Company address

Visit details:

Purpose of visit (e.g., to attend the Canton Fair and conduct business negotiations)
Expected arrival and departure dates
Places you will visit (Guangzhou, possibly supplier factory cities)

Inviting party information:

Company name in Chinese and English
Company address in China
Company phone number
Name and position of the inviting person
Company stamp (red seal)
Signature of the authorized person

TIP: Make sure all information on the invitation letter matches your passport exactly. Any discrepancy may cause your visa to be rejected.

How long does it take to get an invitation letter?

From the Canton Fair organizer:

Usually available immediately after online registration
Downloadable from your account

From a supplier:

Usually 1-3 business days
May take longer if the supplier needs to get the company stamp from their office

TIP: Do not wait until the last minute. Request your invitation letter at least 4-6 weeks before your planned visa appointment.

Is the invitation letter free?

From the Canton Fair organizer: FREE

From a supplier: Usually free, as it is part of doing business. Some suppliers may ask you to cover courier costs if they send the original letter by express mail.

WARNING: Never pay for an invitation letter from a third party you do not know. Scammers may charge $50-$200 for fake invitation letters.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using a tourist visa instead of a business visa. The Canton Fair is a business event. You need an M (business) visa.
Incorrect name on the letter. Your name must match your passport exactly.
Missing company stamp. Chinese invitation letters must have the company's red stamp (公章).
Outdated letter. The letter should be recent (issued within the last 3-6 months).
Wrong dates. The visit dates on the letter should match your actual travel plans.
Missing passport number. Always include your passport number in the letter.

What if you do not have a Chinese supplier?

If you are a first-time buyer without an existing Chinese supplier, use Method 1 (official invitation letter from the Canton Fair organizer). This is exactly why the organizer provides this service.

You can also:

Register on the Canton Fair website and get the official letter
Contact a trade association in your country that has connections with Chinese trade organizations
Attend through a business delegation organized by your local chamber of commerce

Tips for a smooth visa application

Apply early. Submit your visa application at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure.
Bring all documents. Passport, invitation letter, completed visa form, passport photo, flight itinerary, hotel booking.
Be honest. Clearly state that you are attending the Canton Fair for business purposes.
Have proof of return. Show your return flight ticket and proof of ties to your home country.
Check the embassy website. Requirements vary by country. Check the Chinese embassy website in your country for the latest requirements.

Bottom Line

Two ways: From the Canton Fair organizer (official) or from a Chinese supplier.
Official method: Pre-register at cantonfair.org.cn, apply for the letter during registration, download it free.
Supplier method: Ask your exhibiting supplier to issue a letter on company letterhead with a red stamp.
Required info: Your name, passport number, nationality, company, visit purpose, dates.
The letter must have: Company stamp, signature, correct dates, matching passport info.
Apply early: Get the letter 4-6 weeks before your visa appointment.
Cost: Free from both the organizer and legitimate suppliers.
Never pay third parties for invitation letters - it is likely a scam.
Use a business visa (M visa), not a tourist visa.
Bring all documents to your visa appointment.

Getting an invitation letter is straightforward if you plan ahead. The easiest and most reliable method is to get the official letter from the Canton Fair organizer during online pre-registration. If you have a supplier, they can also provide one. Apply early, make sure all details match your passport, and you will be on your way to the Canton Fair.