Most international visitors need a Chinese visa (typically an M business visa) unless they qualify for visa-free entry (nationality-based schemes) or the 240-hour visa-free transit waiver when genuinely transiting to a third country through Shanghai. Apply at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (visaforchina.cn) roughly 3–8 weeks before travel; standard processing is about 4–7 business days and US citizens currently pay about USD 140 for a single-entry visa. Bring an organiser invitation letter or exhibitor documentation, plus hotel and flight confirmations.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Fees are nationality-specific: US citizens currently pay about USD 140 for a single-entry visa, while many other nationalities pay roughly USD 30–90. Invitation letters from the organiser/exhibitor help document the purpose of travel. Coverage and stay limits are scheme-dependent and periodically extended — verify your nationality on the Chinese embassy or visaforchina page shortly before booking.
Official