Most international visitors need a Chinese visa. Business travellers normally apply for an M (commercial/trade) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in their home country — allow roughly 4–7 working days and about USD 60–185 depending on nationality and entries (US applicants at the top of that range). Many passport holders covered by China's unilateral visa-free scheme (a large group of European and several Asian nationalities) can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) is a designated port for China's 240-hour visa-free transit for 54 nationalities. Exhibitors importing goods/equipment temporarily can use an ATA Carnet. Verify your nationality and current policy on the CVASC / Chinese MFA site before booking flights.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Fee is nationality- and reciprocity-dependent; many nationalities pay roughly USD 60–140, US passport holders sit at the top of the range. Apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your country; an invitation letter from the organiser may be required. Same nationality-dependent fee structure as the M visa; personal itinerary and hotel bookings are usually requested.
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