Nigerian business travellers planning to attend the 139th Canton Fair in Guangzhou should start their visa process early. China’s visa process in Nigeria now runs through an online application system, after which applicants whose files pass initial review are asked to submit their passports and supporting documents physically at the visa centre. For Canton Fair travel, the applicable category is the M visa, which China classifies for commercial and trade activities.

The 139th Canton Fair is scheduled to open on 15 April 2026. Official fair dates show Phase I from 15 to 19 April, Phase II from 23 to 27 April, and Phase III from 1 to 5 May 2026. The official Canton Fair guide also states that overseas buyers should complete pre-registration before attending onsite, and that buyer services, including registration support, are available through the official buyer platform.

According to the notice shared with us, all applicants are expected to submit their online visa applications based on where their international passport was issued. The same notice also states that this jurisdiction rule is exempted for T.E and Verification Letter only.

Eligibility Requirement for Canton Visa Application Assistance

Applicant must have a solid travel history, such as a previous USA, UK, Schengen, Canada, China, or Australia visa.

Centre allocation in the notice provided to us

Abuja Center
Abuja, Kwara, Niger, Kaduna, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kogi, Nassarawa, Taraba.

Lagos Center
Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Anambra, Imo, Rivers, Enugu, Abia, Akwa, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Ebonyi, Cross Rivers.

Applicants should still confirm the correct filing centre before submission. Publicly available Chinese mission notices in Nigeria have shown different consular state allocations over time, and the Lagos visa centre has also recently changed address.

The current public contact pages show the Abuja centre at Murjanatu House, 3rd Floor, Plot 473, 1 Zambazi Crescent, Maitama, FCT Abuja, while the Lagos centre is now at 3rd Floor, Purple Mall Lekki, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

For the 139th Canton Fair, both the Abuja and Lagos Chinese Visa Application Service Centres say they will accept online Canton Fair visa applications from 9 March to 17 April 2026. During that period, applicants holding a valid Canton Fair invitation letter may apply for an M category visa.

The centres list the required online documents as a white background passport photo, clear scan of the passport data page, Canton Fair invitation letter, flight and hotel bookings, CAC business licence of the introducing company in Nigeria, company introduction letter, and bank statements for the past three months.

Once the online application is approved, the applicant must take the Visa Application Certificate, original passport, and Canton Fair invitation letter to the visa centre. The centres also state clearly that expedited service is not available for Canton Fair visas and that processing takes at least four working days after physical submission.

There is also some welcome relief for short-stay travellers. China’s mission in Nigeria says that short-term visa applicants staying no more than 180 days are exempt from fingerprint collection until 31 December 2026.

For buyers preparing for Canton Fair, the best approach is simple. Register early, secure your invitation letter in good time, ensure your passport has at least 6 months’ validity, ensure your company and travel documents are consistent, and leave enough time for online review, centre submission, and passport collection. The official Canton Fair guide also encourages overseas buyers to complete pre-registration before arriving at the fairgrounds, which can save time during attendance.

At Afari Travels & Tours, we assist travellers and business delegates with professional visa guidance, document review, travel planning, hotel coordination, and overall trip support for China business travel and exhibitions.

Speak with Afari Travels & Tours for professional support with your China visa guidance, document review, travel planning, and overall business trip preparation. Early preparation gives you a stronger chance of a smooth application and a better travel experience. Contact us Today!