If you plan to attend the Canton Fair in October 2026, you can apply for an official Canton Fair invitation letter through the Canton Fair Buyer Service System. The invitation can be used as supporting documentation when required for a Chinese visa application and also confirms the purpose of your business visit. With the 140th Canton Fair approaching, overseas buyers should complete their registration, Buyer Badge application, and invitation application early to avoid last-minute travel issues.
In this guide, we explain how to apply for the Canton Fair invitation letter in 2026, the difference between the process for first-time and returning buyers, what information to prepare, and how the invitation relates to your Buyer Badge and China visa application.
Canton Fair Invitation Letter — Autumn 2026 Update
140th Canton Fair Dates:
Phase 1: October 15–19, 2026
Phase 2: October 23–27, 2026
Phase 3: October 31–November 4, 2026
Invitation Application: Available through the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System
First-Time Buyer: Register → Apply for Buyer Badge → Apply for Invitation
Returning Buyer: Register/Login → Apply for Invitation
Overseas buyers should use the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System for pre-registration, Buyer Badge applications, and invitation applications.
Not sure which session matches your products? Buyers sourcing housewares, kitchenware, gifts, home decorations, furniture, sanitary products, or building materials can review our complete Canton Fair 2026 Phase 2 guide for the exhibition dates, product categories, venue details, and practical sourcing tips.
What Is Canton Fair Invitation Letter 2026?
The Canton Fair invitation letter is an official document available to eligible overseas buyers attending the China Import and Export Fair. For the 140th Canton Fair in Autumn 2026, buyers can apply through the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System. The invitation may be used as supporting documentation for a Chinese visa application when required and provides details about the buyer and the purpose of the business visit.
This letter includes:
- Your name and passport number
- Your company information
- The purpose of your visit
- The Canton Fair event details
Why the Canton Fair Invitation Letter Is Important
The Canton Fair invitation letter provides official documentation of your intended business visit to the fair. For buyers who need supporting documents when applying for a Chinese visa, the invitation can help demonstrate the purpose and details of the trip.
It can be useful for:
Supporting a Chinese visa application when an invitation is required
Confirming your planned attendance at the Canton Fair
Providing official event and business-visit information
Supporting your overall travel documentation for the fair
Visa requirements vary by nationality and individual circumstances, so buyers should always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant Chinese embassy, consulate, or official visa application service.
How to Apply for Canton Fair Invitation Letter 2026
The application process is different for returning overseas buyers and first-time buyers. Applications are handled through the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System.
Returning Overseas Buyers
If you have previously attended the Canton Fair onsite:
- Register or log in to the Canton Fair Buyer Service System.
- Open the Invitation Letter section.
- Select My Invitation Letters.
- Choose Apply for Invitation Letter.
- Check that your personal and company information is correct.
- Submit the application.
- Once generated, view, download, or print your invitation letter.
First-Time Overseas Buyers
If this will be your first onsite Canton Fair:
- Register or log in to the Canton Fair Buyer Service System.
- Complete your personal and company information.
- Go to Canton Fair Badges → Overseas Buyer Badge.
- Apply for your Buyer Badge.
- Follow the system instructions to generate/apply for the invitation letter.
- Open Invitation Letter → My Invitation Letters to view, download, or print the invitation.
Important: If you previously used the old Buyer E-Service Tool (BEST), you do not need to create an entirely separate system account. BEST was upgraded to the current Buyer Service System, and existing account information was migrated.
Official application: Apply for your Canton Fair invitation and Buyer Badge through the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System.
Information to Prepare Before Applying
The information requested can depend on whether you are a new or returning buyer. Before starting the application, prepare accurate personal and company information so that it matches your travel documents.
You may need information such as:
- Valid identity/passport information
- Full name as shown on your travel document
- Company name and business information
- Country or region
- Contact information
- Sourcing interests
- Existing Buyer Badge information if you have attended previously
First-time buyers should also be prepared to complete the company and personal information required for the Overseas Buyer Badge application.
Canton Fair Invitation vs Pre-Registration vs Buyer Badge
These three steps are related but serve different purposes:
Pre-registration: Registers your intention to attend the Canton Fair as an overseas buyer.
Buyer Badge: Your official buyer credential for onsite attendance and entry.
Invitation Letter: An official invitation associated with your Canton Fair attendance that may be used as supporting documentation for travel or visa purposes when required.
For first-time overseas buyers, the current official process includes applying for the Overseas Buyer Badge before generating/applying for the invitation letter. Returning buyers who have previously attended onsite can apply for the invitation after registering or logging in.
Common Mistakes When Applying Canton Fair Invitation Letter 2026
- Entering personal information that does not match your travel document
- Providing incomplete or inaccurate company information
- Using an email address you cannot reliably access
- Waiting until shortly before travel to complete registration
- Confusing the Buyer Badge application with the invitation application
- Creating unnecessary duplicate accounts instead of using an existing Canton Fair account
Using the Canton Fair Invitation for a China Visa
The Canton Fair invitation can be used as supporting documentation when required for a Chinese visa application. However, the invitation itself does not guarantee visa approval, and visa requirements vary according to nationality, passport, travel circumstances, and current Chinese entry policies.
Before applying, check the latest requirements published by the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your application, or the official Chinese visa application service in your country. Make sure the personal information on your Canton Fair invitation matches the information in your passport and visa application.
Real Sourcing Scenario: Why Invitation Letter Matters
Many international buyers combine a Canton Fair visit in Guangzhou with a sourcing trip to Yiwu. The Canton Fair allows buyers to meet export-oriented exhibitors during a limited exhibition period, while Yiwu Market provides permanent access to thousands of wholesale showrooms across a wide range of consumer product categories.
A typical sourcing trip may include:
- Attend the Canton Fair in Guangzhou
- Shortlist and compare suppliers
- Travel from Guangzhou to Yiwu
- Visit Yiwu Market for additional products and suppliers
- Negotiate and place orders
- Consolidate purchases from multiple suppliers for shipping
If you’re attending the 140th Canton Fair and considering Yiwu afterward, plan both parts of your sourcing trip before arriving in China.
Visiting Yiwu After the Canton Fair?
If you’re traveling to China for the 140th Canton Fair and also plan to source products in Yiwu, submit your Yiwu visit plan before arriving. Tell us your arrival date, product categories, sourcing budget, and purchasing requirements so our team can understand your sourcing priorities before your visit.
FAQ About Canton Fair Invitation Letter 2026
Is canton fair invitation letter free?
The official Canton Fair invitation can be applied for through the Canton Fair Buyer Service System. Use the official system rather than paying an unofficial third party simply to access the application.
Can canton fair invitation letter be used for visa?
Yes. The Canton Fair invitation can be used as supporting documentation for a Chinese visa application when an invitation is required. Visa requirements vary by applicant and nationality, and the invitation does not guarantee visa approval.
How long does canton fair invitation letter take?
Processing and application circumstances can vary. Apply early enough to allow time for your Canton Fair registration, Buyer Badge, visa process if required, and travel arrangements.
Do I need to print the invitation letter?
Check the document requirements of the Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application service handling your application. You can view, download, or print the invitation through the Canton Fair Buyer Service System.
Can first-time Canton Fair buyers apply for an invitation?
Yes. First-time overseas buyers should register in the Canton Fair Buyer Service System, complete the Overseas Buyer Badge application, and then follow the system process to generate/apply for the Canton Fair invitation.
Final Thoughts
The Canton Fair invitation letter is an important document for overseas buyers who need supporting documentation for their China travel or visa application. For the 140th Canton Fair in Autumn 2026, complete your registration, Buyer Badge application, and invitation application through the official Canton Fair Buyer Service System as early as practical.
Once your Canton Fair arrangements are confirmed, you can also consider combining Guangzhou with a sourcing trip to Yiwu, especially if you want to compare more suppliers, source multiple product categories, or consolidate purchases from different suppliers.
Planning to source products from Yiwu Market? Our professional Yiwu sourcing team helps international buyers with airport pickup, Yiwu market guidance, supplier negotiation, order tracking, product inspection, warehousing, container loading, China customs, and international shipping.
👉 Learn more about our Yiwu Agent services or contact us to get a free sourcing consultation.
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