Visa-Free Entry to China for the Canton Fair

Foreign nationals planning to attend the Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) may qualify for visa-free entry based on their nationality, purpose of visit, and point of entry. Below is a detailed overview of China's latest visa exemption policies to help international visitors prepare for their trip.

1. Countries with Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements

China has signed bilateral visa exemption agreements with certain countries, allowing eligible travelers to enter without a visa under specific conditions. For the latest details, please check the official Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement List:
http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/zlbg/bgzl/lhqz/

Additionally, under mutual visa exemption agreements, nationals of the following countries can enter China visa-free for a limited stay, except for work, study, journalism, and residence purposes, which require prior approval:

• Singapore: Visa-free entry for up to 30 days per visit.

• Thailand, Kazakhstan, Antigua and Barbuda, Georgia: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

2. China's Unilateral Visa-Free Policy (Valid Until December 31, 2025)

Until December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from the following 38 countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, and exchanges.

Nationals of 38 countries including Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan holding valid ordinary passports can be exempted from visa requirement if entering into China for the purpose of business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange and transit. They can stay in China for no more than 30 days without a visa. 

Visitors from these countries must comply with the permitted activities under this policy and ensure their stay does not exceed 30 consecutive days.

3. Other Visa-Free Transit Policies

24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Foreign travelers with an international connecting flight, ship, or train ticket to a third country or region, departing within 24 hours, may transit through China without a visa, provided they stay within the airport or other designated transit areas and do not exit the port of entry.

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Citizens of 54 countries with valid passports and confirmed onward tickets for a third country (or region) departing within 144 hours can apply for visa-free transit upon arrival at designated ports of entry in certain Chinese cities.

Eligible Countries for 144-Hour Transit Visa Exemption:

• Schengen Area (26 countries): 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, Croatia, Norway

• Other European Countries (14 countries): Russia, UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, Monaco, Belarus

• American Countries (6 countries): USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile

• Oceania Countries (2 countries): Australia, New Zealand

• Asian Countries (6 countries): South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, Qatar

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit (Effective from December 17, 2024)

Starting December 17, 2024, travelers from the same 54 countries listed above will be eligible for 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit, allowing them to stay within specific regions after entering via any of 60 designated international ports across 24 Chinese provinces, regions, and municipalities.

For the most updated list of eligible transit hubs and entry points, please check the official Chinese Consular Services website: http://cs.mfa.gov.cn/

4. What If You Are Not Eligible for Visa-Free Entry?

If you do not qualify for any of the visa-free entry policies but still need to attend the Canton Fair, you should apply for an M visa (business visa).

China's Business (M) Visa Application Process

China has optimized the visa application process, making it more convenient for international business travelers. To apply for an M visa, you will typically need:

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity remaining).

• A Canton Fair invitation letter or an official business invitation from a registered Chinese company.

• A completed visa application form (available on the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country).

• A passport-sized photo.

• Other supporting documents as required by your local Chinese embassy or consulate.

It is recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid delays.

Important Reminders

Visa policies are subject to change. Always check for updates from the Chinese Consular Services website or the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country before making travel arrangements.

Even if you qualify for visa-free entry, border officers have the final authority to approve or deny entry. Ensure you have proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds to support your stay in China.

For business travelers attending the Canton Fair, registering in advance and securing an official invitation can help facilitate smooth entry into China.

Market UNION wishes you a successful trip!