You’re ready to go to the Canton Fair. Plane ticket? Booked. Hotel? Reserved. Business cards? Packed.
Then someone mentions it casually: “You’ll need an invitation.”
Wait… what?
Don’t worry — you’re not the only one. Every year, thousands of international buyers ask the same question:
“Do I actually need an invitation to attend the Canton Fair?”
And the answer isn’t just about rules — it’s about getting your visa approved , entering the fair smoothly , and avoiding costly surprises at the last minute.
In this quick and practical guide, we’ll clarify everything you need to know — what the invitation is, whether it’s mandatory, how to get it step by step, and what to do if you don’t have one.
No jargon, no confusion — just straight answers and field-tested advice from people who’ve been there.
Let’s make sure your trip to Guangzhou starts off right — and hassle-free.
🎟️ 1. Do You Really Need an Invitation to Attend the Canton Fair?
Short answer? Yes — in 90% of cases, you’ll absolutely need one.
While it’s not a “ticket” in the traditional sense, the Canton Fair invitation is an official document that unlocks the most critical parts of your trip:
- It’s required to apply for a Chinese business visa (M visa) .
- It allows you to pre-register and collect your Buyer Badge at the fair.
- It grants you access to the fast-track “registration express lane” when you arrive.
Without it, you can technically still attend — but it’s not recommended . You’ll need to go through manual on-site registration , present business credentials like your name card, possibly pay a processing fee , and risk delays or complications. Some attendees have managed it, but most regret not doing it properly from the start.
Bottom line: The invitation isn’t just a formality — it’s your key to a smooth, professional experience at the Canton Fair.
✈️ 2. Why the Invitation Matters for Your Visa and Registration
🛂 a. For your Chinese Visa
If you’re planning to attend the Canton Fair from abroad, chances are you’ll need a business visa — specifically the M visa . And guess what the consulate will ask for first?
An official invitation from the Canton Fair.
This invitation isn’t just a nice PDF with your name on it. It includes:
- Your personal and company details
- The official seal of the China Foreign Trade Centre
- The dates and purpose of your visit
It’s essentially your proof that you’re attending a verified international trade event . Without it, your visa application is more likely to be rejected — or delayed, which can throw off your entire trip.
Bottom line: No invitation = no visa in most cases .
🎫 b. For your Fair Entry and Badge
Beyond the visa, the invitation also makes your arrival at the fair much smoother . With it, you can pre-register online using the official Buyer E-Service Tool (BEST), which allows you to:
- Skip the general queue
- Pick up your Buyer Badge quickly on-site
- Access the “registration express lane” at the venue
Without an invitation, you’ll have to register manually on arrival , present multiple business documents (like a business card or company license), and may be required to pay a service fee . It’s doable, but it’s not the experience you want — especially if you’ve traveled across the world.
Pro tip : Your badge is valid for life once issued — another good reason to do it properly the first time.
🌐 3. How to Get Your Canton Fair Invitation — Step by Step
Getting your invitation is easy — if you know where to look and what to prepare. Here’s the exact process to follow, based on official Canton Fair procedures.
1. Register on the Buyer E-Service Tool (BEST)
Head to the official Canton Fair invitation portal:
👉 https://invitation.cantonfair.org.cn
Create an account using your email address , passport number , and company details (such as business name, registration number, business scope, etc.).
Once your account is set up, you’ll be able to log in to the Buyer E-Service Tool (BEST) , the platform used to manage all international buyer services.
🧠 Pro tip: Make sure your passport info and company name match your documents exactly. Typos can cause delays.
2. Apply for the E-Invitation
Once inside the BEST system, go to the section “Apply for Invitation.”
- Select the upcoming session (e.g. 135th Canton Fair, Phase 1, 2 or 3)
- Fill in the required personal and company details
- Submit your request
⏳ Processing time is typically 1 to 3 business days , and the invitation is sent via email as a downloadable PDF file.
3. Print and Use the Invitation
Once you receive your e-invitation, print it and keep it with your travel documents .
You’ll need it for two things:
- To apply for your business visa (M visa) at the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate
- To pick up your Buyer Badge when you arrive at the fair (fast-track registration)
📌 This document serves as your official recognition as a registered international buyer — don’t leave home without it.
🤔 4. Can You Enter Without an Invitation?
Technically, yes — you can enter the Canton Fair without an invitation.
But that doesn’t mean you should.
If you arrive in Guangzhou without an official Canton Fair invitation, here’s what to expect:
You’ll need to register on-site , usually at the Overseas Buyer Registration counter. To do that, you must present a valid business card , a passport , and sometimes additional company credentials. There may also be processing fees , and you won’t have access to the express lanes reserved for pre-registered buyers.
You’ll likely face:
- Longer queues
- More paperwork
- Delays in getting your Buyer Badge
- Possible confusion, especially if it’s your first time
In short: attending the fair without an invitation is possible — but slower, more stressful, and less professional . It’s an option only if you missed the deadline or have no other choice. Otherwise, request your invitation in advance and make your life easier.
🛑 5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though getting a Canton Fair invitation is relatively simple, small mistakes can ruin your entire trip . Here are the most common errors buyers make — and how to avoid them:
1. Submitting incorrect or inconsistent information
Your name, passport number, and company details must match your official documents exactly. One typo or mismatch can lead to your application being rejected or delayed — which may cost you your visa window.
2. Waiting until the last minute
While the process is fast (usually 1–3 days), don’t push your luck. Delays happen. The earlier you apply, the more time you have to deal with any hiccups — especially if you’re also booking flights, hotels, and applying for a visa.
3. Using an unofficial website
This is a serious one. Some third-party sites mimic the Canton Fair’s official platform and collect your data — or worse, charge you fake “service fees.”
Always use the official site: invitation.cantonfair.org.cn
4. Thinking the invitation is just a formality
It’s not. This isn’t a casual PDF saying “Welcome!” — it’s an official, government-recognized document that validates your visa application and speeds up your access to the fair. Treat it as seriously as your passport.
🧠 Pro tip: double-check everything and submit early — it’s a small step that avoids big problems.
💼 6. Can a Sourcing Agent Help With the Process?
Absolutely — and if it’s your first time attending the Canton Fair, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make.
A trusted sourcing agent doesn’t just help you find suppliers — they also make sure you get to the fair smoothly and prepared . From the invitation to the visa, from airport pickup to navigating the halls, they take care of the logistics so you can focus on business.
At HAI International Holding , we offer full support, including:
- Administrative handling : We register your account, fill out your BEST profile, and apply for your official e-invitation — no stress, no mistakes.
- Visa guidance : We help prepare your documents and ensure your application is smooth and complete.
- “Canton Fair Pro” Package : Includes pre-registered Buyer Badge, hotel recommendations, on-site translation, local driver, and even supplier follow-ups if needed.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning pro who just wants things to be simpler this year, our team is here to make it easy, efficient, and 100% focused on your success.
👉 Need help getting your invitation and planning your trip? Book your Canton Fair Assistant now .
We’ll handle the details — you handle the deals.
🎯 From Planning to Purchasing: Start Smart at the Canton Fair
By now, the answer should be clear: yes, you need an invitation to attend the Canton Fair — and yes, it’s worth getting it right.
It’s fast, free, and essential if you want to apply for a visa, avoid delays, and register like a pro.
Skip the last-minute panic, confusing forms, and slow on-site lines. With the right guidance, getting your invitation is one of the easiest parts of your journey.
And if you’d rather skip the paperwork altogether?
👉 Let us handle the details — you focus on the deals.
Our team at HAI International Holding will help you register, get your visa invitation, plan your trip, and make sure your Canton Fair experience is smooth from the airport to your first handshake.
See you in Guangzhou.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an invitation to get a visa for the Canton Fair?
Yes — if you're applying for a business (M) visa to attend the Canton Fair, you'll need an official invitation from the China Foreign Trade Centre. It confirms your purpose of visit and is a required part of your visa application.
Is the E-invitation valid for the whole event?
Yes. Once issued, the e-invitation covers your attendance for all three phases of the fair, unless you specify otherwise during your application. Just make sure the session and dates match your travel plan.
Can I get one invitation for multiple team members?
No. Each attendee must apply for their own individual invitation using their personal details and passport number. However, the same company information can be used across multiple applications.
How early should I apply?
It’s best to apply at least 4–6 weeks before your trip. This gives you time to receive the invitation, apply for your visa, and resolve any unexpected delays without stress.
What happens if I apply too late?
If you miss the deadline for the e-invitation, you can still try to register on-site at the fair. But be prepared for longer queues, potential service fees, and a less streamlined experience. It’s not ideal — and definitely not worth the risk if you’re coming from abroad.
