Most international visitors need a Chinese visa arranged in advance — an M (business) visa for sourcing or meetings, or an L (tourist) visa for fair attendance without business meetings — applied for through the official China Visa Application Service Center. A growing number of nationalities currently qualify for unilateral visa-free entry (up to 30 days) or 240-hour visa-free transit through Beijing, and Chinese visas are not issued on arrival. Business visitors should carry an organiser invitation letter and confirm their eligibility two to three months before travel, as rules are updated frequently.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
USD 185 is the reciprocal fee applied to US citizens; most European and other nationalities pay roughly EUR 66–126 depending on entries and validity. Apply through the official China Visa Application Service Center in your country and carry an organiser invitation letter for the fair. Same fee structure as the M visa for most nationalities; itinerary, hotel bookings and return ticket are commonly
Official