Canton Fair Visa for Nigerians 2026: M Visa, Invitation Letter & Requirements
If you are a Nigerian business owner, importer, trader or sourcing agent planning to attend the 140th Canton Fair in China, one of the first things you need to understand is the visa process.
For eligible business visitors, the relevant Chinese visa category is generally the M visa, which is used for commercial and trade activities.
The 140th Canton Fair begins on 15 October 2026 and is being held in three phases. The official China Visa Application Centre in Nigeria has also published special guidance for applicants travelling to the Canton Fair.
This guide explains the Canton Fair visa process for Nigerians, the documents you may need, the invitation letter, Lagos and Abuja application information, processing expectations and other important points.
Important: Visa rules, application windows and processing information can change. The information in this article was checked against official China Visa Application Centre information on 4 October 2026.
When Is the 140th Canton Fair 2026?
The 140th Canton Fair is scheduled in three phases:
- Phase 1: 15–19 October 2026
- Phase 2: 23–27 October 2026
- Phase 3: 31 October–4 November 2026
If you are travelling from Nigeria to attend the fair, you should allow enough time for your visa application, flight arrangements and accommodation before your intended departure.
What Visa Do Nigerians Need for Canton Fair?
For applicants travelling to China for commercial or trade activities connected with the Canton Fair, the relevant visa category is generally the M visa.
The Chinese Visa Application Centre identifies the M category as Commercial Trade.
The official Canton Fair visa notice specifically states that applicants holding a valid Canton Fair invitation letter may apply for an M-category visa during the designated application period.
However, having an invitation letter does not mean that a visa is automatically guaranteed. The Chinese authorities will assess the application and supporting documents.
What Is a Canton Fair Invitation Letter?
A Canton Fair invitation letter is an official invitation associated with the Canton Fair and is an important document for applicants using the special Canton Fair visa application process.
If you are planning to attend the fair as a Nigerian business visitor, you should make sure the invitation information corresponds with your application and passport details.
Do not use a fake or altered invitation letter.
The China Visa Application Centre specifically warns applicants about forged documents and states that applicants are responsible for the consequences of submitting false documents.
Canton Fair Visa Requirements for Nigerians
The official China Visa Application Centre’s Canton Fair notice lists documents applicants should prepare.
These include:
1. International passport
You will need a clear copy of your passport biodata page.
Your passport should also meet the applicable Chinese visa validity and blank-page requirements.
2. Passport photograph
The Canton Fair application notice asks for a recent photograph with a white background.
Follow the current photograph specifications when completing the online application.
3. Canton Fair invitation letter
A valid Canton Fair invitation letter is an important supporting document for this special application process.
4. Flight booking
Applicants are instructed to prepare flight booking information.
Make sure the proposed travel dates are consistent with the information in your application.
5. Hotel booking
Accommodation information is also listed among the documents to prepare.
6. Nigerian business/CAC documents
The official notice lists the business licence or company information of the inviting/introduction company in Nigeria, including CAC-related documentation.
For Nigerian business owners, make sure your company documents are genuine, current and consistent with the information supplied in your application.
7. Company introduction letter
A company introduction letter is also listed among the required documents for the Canton Fair visa application.
This should clearly explain your business and the purpose of your proposed trip.
8. Bank statements
The official Canton Fair notice lists three months of bank statements among the documents applicants should prepare.
Your financial documents should be genuine and consistent with your circumstances and the purpose of your trip.
How to Apply for a Canton Fair Visa in Nigeria
The official process begins online.
Step 1: Complete the online application
Prepare your documents and complete the Chinese visa application online.
Make sure the personal information you enter matches your passport.
Particular attention should be paid to names, passport numbers, dates of birth and other identity information.
Step 2: Wait for online approval
After uploading the required documents, wait for the application to be reviewed.
If your online application is approved, you will receive the relevant Visa Application Certificate.
Step 3: Visit the Visa Application Centre
Take the required original documents to the appropriate China Visa Application Centre.
The Lagos notice says applicants should bring the Visa Application Certificate, original passport and original Canton Fair invitation letter for submission/biometric processing as applicable.
Step 4: Submit your application
The Visa Application Centre will process the application according to the applicable procedure.
Do not submit false, altered or misleading documents.
Step 5: Collect your passport
The official Canton Fair notice says the Canton Fair visa does not offer expedited service.
The Lagos notice states that after document submission, processing normally takes 4 working days, although the actual collection date may change depending on processing circumstances.
Therefore, applicants should not treat four working days as an absolute guarantee.
Canton Fair Visa Application Deadline: Lagos vs Abuja
This is important because the application windows published by the China Visa Application Centres are not identical.
Lagos
The Lagos China Visa Application Centre’s current Canton Fair notice states that it accepts online Canton Fair visa applications from 22 September to 27 October 2026.
Abuja
The Abuja China Visa Application Centre’s current notice states that it accepts online Canton Fair visa applications from 7 September to 16 October 2026.
Because these dates are location-specific and time-sensitive, applicants should check the relevant official Visa Application Centre before starting an application.
Where Is the China Visa Application Centre in Lagos?
The China Visa Application Centre in Lagos relocated in March 2026.
The current location is:
3rd Floor, Purple Mall
Lekki, Freedom Way
Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
The centre’s relocation notice states that the move from the previous location took effect on 16 March 2026.
If you have seen older online information giving a different Lagos address, verify it against the current official Visa Application Centre information before travelling.
Can I Apply for a Canton Fair Visa from Abuja?
Yes, the China Visa Application Centre in Abuja has also published a specific Canton Fair visa notice.
However, the Abuja application window differs from the Lagos window.
Applicants should therefore follow the current Abuja instructions rather than assuming that Lagos and Abuja have exactly the same deadlines or procedures.
How Much Does a Canton Fair Visa Cost?
The total amount you spend on a Canton Fair trip is more than just the Chinese visa fee.
Your overall budget may include:
- Chinese visa fee
- Visa application centre service charges
- Flight ticket
- Hotel accommodation
- Local transportation
- Travel insurance where applicable
- Food and daily expenses
- Business-related expenses
- Airport transfers
- Optional travel or sourcing assistance
The Chinese visa fee itself depends on the visa type and applicable fee schedule.
For the current Chinese visa fee in Nigeria, see our detailed guide:
China Visa Fee Nigeria 2026
Do I Need a Business in Nigeria to Attend Canton Fair?
The official Canton Fair visa guidance asks applicants to prepare business-related documents, including Nigerian company information/CAC documentation and a company introduction letter.
If you are attending the fair for genuine commercial purposes, your documents should accurately explain your business activities and the reason for your trip.
Do not create or alter company documents simply to support a visa application.
If you are unsure what documents apply to your situation, it is better to obtain professional guidance before submitting an application.
Can I Use the Canton Fair Visa to Travel for Other Purposes?
You should apply according to your genuine purpose of travel.
The M visa is associated with commercial and trade activities.
If your purpose is tourism, study, employment, family reunion or another activity, a different visa category may apply.
Do not select a visa category simply because you believe it is easier.
What If I Am Going to Canton Fair to Find Suppliers?
Canton Fair can be particularly useful for Nigerian importers and business owners looking for suppliers.
Depending on your business, you may use the trip to:
- Meet manufacturers
- Compare products
- Discuss wholesale prices
- Find new suppliers
- Inspect products
- Discuss production
- Build supplier relationships
- Explore export opportunities
- Attend trade exhibitions
- Research new products
If you plan to visit factories or suppliers outside the Canton Fair venue, make sure your travel purpose and documentation accurately reflect your activities.
Can De At Ease Global Services Help With China Business Travel?
Yes.
De At Ease Global Services provides travel and visa assistance for Nigerians planning international business travel.
For China-related travel, assistance may include:
- China visa guidance
- Document preparation guidance
- Invitation-letter guidance
- Business travel planning
- Flight booking assistance
- Accommodation planning
- China travel support
- Canton Fair travel guidance
- Business/sourcing travel support
Visa assistance does not mean a visa approval is guaranteed. The final decision belongs to the relevant Chinese authorities.
If you are planning to attend the Canton Fair and need assistance with your travel preparation, contact De At Ease Global Services before making your arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa do Nigerians need for Canton Fair?
For commercial/trade participation, the applicable category is generally the M visa. The official Canton Fair visa notice specifically allows applicants with a valid Canton Fair invitation letter to apply for an M-category visa during the designated application period.
Do I need an invitation letter for Canton Fair?
A valid Canton Fair invitation letter is specifically listed in the official Canton Fair visa application guidance for this special application process.
How long does a Canton Fair visa take?
The Lagos China Visa Application Centre states that the Canton Fair visa normally takes 4 working days after submission, but the actual processing and collection date may vary. There is no expedited service for this Canton Fair visa process.
Can I apply for a Canton Fair visa in Lagos?
Yes. The Lagos China Visa Application Centre has published a specific Canton Fair visa application procedure.
Can I apply for a Canton Fair visa in Abuja?
Yes. The Abuja China Visa Application Centre has also published Canton Fair visa guidance.
When is the 140th Canton Fair?
The 140th Canton Fair takes place in three phases:
- 15–19 October 2026
- 23–27 October 2026
- 31 October–4 November 2026
Can I get a Canton Fair visa without a Nigerian business?
The official application guidance requires business-related supporting documents for this process. Your eligibility depends on your individual circumstances and the documents you can genuinely provide. Do not submit false business information.
Does De At Ease Global Services guarantee China visa approval?
No. No travel agency can legitimately guarantee that a visa will be approved. De At Ease Global Services can provide assistance and guidance, while the final decision remains with the relevant Chinese authorities.
Important Reminder for Nigerian Applicants
Canton Fair travel is time-sensitive.
Do not wait until the last minute to begin preparing your documents, especially if you need to arrange:
- Invitation letter
- Passport
- CAC/business documents
- Company introduction letter
- Bank statements
- Flight booking
- Hotel booking
- Online visa application
Always check the latest official China Visa Application Centre information before submission because application dates, procedures and requirements can change.
Official sources
- China Visa Application Centre — Lagos
- China Visa Application Centre — Abuja
- Canton Fair official information
Information checked: 4 October 2026.
Ready to Attend Canton Fair 2026?
If you are travelling from Nigeria to attend the Canton Fair, De At Ease Global Services can assist you with your China visa and business travel preparation.
Contact De At Ease Global Services to discuss your travel plans before submitting your application.