Most international visitors need a visa for China, but access has widened considerably: 40+ nationalities (including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Brazil) currently enjoy unilateral visa-free entry of up to 30 days, and 55 nationalities can use 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit when entering via Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao with an onward ticket to a third country. Business travellers from other countries apply for an M (business) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, typically USD 140 standard (USD 185 for US citizens, reciprocity) with 4 business-day processing; express and rush options cost more. China does not issue visas on arrival for business travellers. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before the fair, and carry printed invitations from CFNA/the organiser plus hotel and return-flight confirmations.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
US citizens pay USD 185 (reciprocity). Fee varies by nationality, number of entries and processing speed; apply through visaforchina.cn or the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate. Same fee structure as the M visa for most nationalities; itinerary, hotel bookings and return flight required.
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