How to Get an Invitation to the Canton Fair

Planning to attend the Canton Fair?

One of the first questions buyers ask is: How do I get an invitation to the Canton Fair?

The good news is that obtaining a Canton Fair invitation letter is straightforward and completely free. 

But you need to know exactly where to apply, what the letter is used for, and how it connects to your visa and badge registration.

This guide walks you through everything, step by step.

Need help planning your trip to the Canton Fair or shipping goods back to your country? Contact SARA today.

What Is a Canton Fair Invitation Letter?

A Canton Fair invitation letter is an official document issued by the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) to registered overseas buyers.

It serves two main purposes:

• Visa support: The invitation letter is the key document you will present to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate when applying for a business visa to China.
• Fair registration confirms your status as a registered buyer, which speeds up badge collection and entry into the fair.

The letter is issued by the Canton Fair's official Buyer E-Service Tool (BEST) and is available as either a printed paper document or an e-invitation that you can download and print yourself.

It is important to note that the Canton Fair invitation letter is not a ticket.

It does not guarantee entry on its own. What it does is open the door for your visa application first, and then for a smoother registration process at the fair.

Who Needs a Canton Fair Invitation Letter?

Not every buyer needs one. Here is a clear breakdown:

You need the invitation letter if:

• You are an overseas buyer applying for a Chinese business visa.
• You are a first-time buyer who needs to formally register your company with the Canton Fair

You may not need it if:

• You already hold a valid Chinese visa and have attended the fair before
• You are a Hong Kong-based buyer who does not need a visa to enter mainland China

The bottom line: if you are travelling from Nigeria or any country outside of China to attend the Canton Fair, the invitation letter is not optional; it is the document that makes your visa application possible.

How to Get an Invitation to the Canton Fair: Step-by-Step

The entire process happens online through the website at buyer cantonfair org cn.

Here is exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Register on the Buyer E-Service Tool (BEST)

Go to the BEST portal and select your identity. This will lead you to the page to fill in your personal information for new buyer registration.

If your company has attended the Canton Fair before, or you already have a username and password, but you can’t remember it.

Use the "Forgot password" after clicking " Sign in to recover them.

New buyers will need to complete the registration form with their company details. Once submitted, the Canton Fair will issue your company's username and password within 3 working days.

Step 2: Complete Your Buyer Profile

Once you have your login credentials, sign in and fill in your buyer profile completely.

Make sure your company name, country, and contact details are accurate. This information will appear on your invitation letter and must match the details on your visa application.

Step 3: Apply for the Buyers Badge:

Before you can apply for an invitation letter, you need to apply for a badge.

Navigate to the Canton Fair badges sections and select the Overseas buyer badge.

Click on “Badge application”, and you will be taken to a page to fill out a pre-registration survey.

Once the survey is complete, you can fill out the badge application form.

Upon Completion of this badge application form, you can move further to applying for the invitation letter.

For more details on the application of the buyer badge, check out this guide.

Step 4: Apply for the Invitation Letter:

After completing your badge application, navigate to the “My invitation letters” section within your BEST account.

Select “Apply for invitation letter” and follow the necessary steps to get the e-copy of the invitation letter.

Note the following:

1. The invitation letter is free of charge.
2. You can apply for invitation letters up to 5 times per session.
3. Once you apply, the previous invitation letter will become invalid.

The result of your application will be published on the BEST platform. Log back in regularly to check the status of your application.

Step 4: Download or Print the Canton Fair Invitation Letter

Once your invitation is approved, you can choose between two formats:

• Paper invitation card: For buyers who need a physical copy
• E-invitation: A digital version you can download and print yourself

Both are valid for visa and registration purposes. To print the e-invitation, simply log into your BEST account, locate the approved invitation, and print.

Step 5: Use the Invitation for Your Visa:

Now that you have your invitation letter, you can proceed to apply for your Chinese business visa at the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Can You Attend the Canton Fair Without an Invitation?

Yes, technically, but it will cost you more time and money.

Buyers who arrive at the Canton Fair without a pre-registered invitation can still register on-site at the fair complex. However:

• On-site registration costs approximately 100 RMB
• A buyer's badge issued at the venue costs an additional 200 RMB

That is a 300 RMB total (₦75,000 ||  $45) you could have avoided

More importantly, without the invitation letter, you would not have been able to apply for your Chinese visa in the first place. So for most buyers travelling from outside China, skipping the invitation application is simply not an option.

The invitation also gives you a smoother, faster experience at the fair. Pre-registered buyers spend less time at registration counters and more time on the floor, which matters when you are managing a tight travel schedule.

For a full breakdown of everything the Canton Fair trip costs, read our Canton Fair Cost Breakdown. 

How SARA Can Help You Prepare, Travel, and Ship Goods from China

Getting your Canton Fair invitation letter is just the first step. Once you arrive, the real work begins: meeting suppliers, negotiating deals, and figuring out how to ship your goods without delays or high costs.

That’s where SARA comes in.

We help you:

• Prepare the right documents before your trip
• Plan your sourcing so you meet the right suppliers
• Handle inspection, customs, and shipping from China to your destination

Can’t travel? We can source, verify suppliers, and ship directly to you.

Contact SARA today, and let’s make your Canton Fair experience smooth and profitable.