Most international visitors need a visa before travelling to CMEF in Beijing; the standard route is the M (business) visa, lodged in advance through a Chinese embassy/consulate or an authorised visa application centre. China also operates a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy for eligible passports transiting to a third country, and unilateral visa-free entry (up to 30 days) for a growing list of nationalities — check your passport against the current lists, as the schemes change frequently. Carry the organiser invitation letter, hotel booking and return ticket with your application.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
USD 140 is the single-entry M visa fee reference for US citizens; fees differ by nationality, entry count and visa centre — check your local visaforchina.cn/embassy fee table. An invitation letter from the organiser, hotel booking and itinerary are commonly requested. Covers up to 10 days and is enough for a short CMEF visit if you exit to a different country; it is not a substitute for a business
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