Is the Canton Fair invitation letter really free?

Yes, the official invitation letter carries no charge. If you pay anything, it should be for done-for-you coordination, never for the free document itself.

Do I need an invitation letter to get a China business visa?

For most buyers it's a key supporting document for the business (M) visa. Requirements vary by consulate, so we confirm exactly what yours needs.

How long does the invitation letter take?

Typically about 3 to 5 working days after your overseas-buyer registration is in place. We plan your visa and travel around that window so nothing is rushed.

Can I get an invitation without an exhibitor or supplier?

Yes, an official invitation comes through buyer registration, not only through a supplier. We handle the registration so you're not dependent on an exhibitor's letter.

Someone offered to “guarantee” my visa for a fee, is that legitimate?

No. No one can guarantee a visa; approval is the consulate's decision. Treat any “guaranteed visa” offer as a warning sign and check with us first.

What documents do I need before applying for the letter?

Generally your passport and business details, but the specifics depend on your situation and country. We give you a precise checklist rather than a generic one.

Does the invitation letter guarantee entry to the fair?

It supports your registration and visa, but you still need your buyer badge and a valid visa to attend. We make sure all three are in place.

Does HCSG charge for the Canton Fair invitation letter?

No. The official invitation through the BEST portal is free, and we never charge for the document. HCSG's service fee covers the end-to-end coordination, sourcing the right invitation, business-visa support, logistics, and matchmaking. Contact our team for a tailored quote.

Can HCSG handle the whole thing for me?

Yes. We complete the registration, obtain the official letter, prepare your visa documentation, and add matchmaking, interpreting and logistics, the free letter included, the work handled.

How to Get a Canton Fair Invitation Letter in 2026

The invitation letter at a glance

Freeofficial cost

3 to 5working days

1visa it supports

0guarantees that are real

What the invitation letter is, and isn't

Three things to be clear on before you start.

Confirms your registration

It verifies you're a registered overseas buyer for the fair, issued through the official buyer system.

Not the visa itself

It supports your business (M) visa application; it doesn't replace the visa or guarantee approval.

Beware paid “sellers”

The official letter costs nothing. Pay for done-for-you coordination if you want it, never for the free document.

How to get your Canton Fair invitation letter

The official path, in plain terms, HCSG runs it for you and keeps the visa timing aligned.

Register as an overseas buyer

Complete overseas-buyer registration with your business details through the official buyer system.

Apply for the invitation letter

Request the official invitation letter once your buyer registration is in place.

Receive & download it

The letter is issued in about 3 to 5 working days for you to download and print.

Use it for your visa

Submit it with your business (M) visa application at the Chinese embassy or consulate that serves you, whether that's in Abuja, Nairobi, Accra or elsewhere.

How HCSG handles this for you

We turn a free document into a fully-handled trip, so the letter, the visa and your meetings all line up.

Secure the invitation

We complete your overseas-buyer registration and obtain the official invitation letter, correctly and on time.

Prepare the visa

We assemble your business-visa documentation and align it with the invitation so the timing works.

Line up suppliers

We arrange buyer to seller matchmaking in your product category so the trip pays for itself.

Support you on the ground

Interpreting, booth support and logistics so language and travel never cost you a deal.

The outcome: your invitation and visa sorted, and a trip built around real supplier meetings, not a free PDF you had to chase alone.

Specific, net-new answers, not a repeat of the guide above.