Who we help
- Exhibitors sending stand staff to international trade shows
- Buyers and sourcing teams visiting fairs to meet suppliers
- Companies visiting conferences and industry events
- Event companies building stands overseas
Which visa does your team need?
| Visa | Usually used for |
|---|---|
| Business visa | Visiting or exhibiting at a trade fair, meeting suppliers and attending conferences |
| Work visa or permit | Stand building and other hands-on work at the venue, in some countries |
Rules differ by country and by the traveller's nationality. We confirm the right visa for each trip before anything is submitted.
Invitation letters from the organiser
Many fairs issue invitation letters to registered exhibitors and visitors for visa purposes. The details on the letter must match the passport exactly, and mistakes are a common cause of delays. We check them before you apply.
The Canton Fair and other China fairs
The Canton Fair in Guangzhou is one of the most popular trade fairs for UK buyers. Visitors who need a visa usually apply for a China business visa using an invitation linked to their fair registration. As China visa specialists, we handle these applications regularly.
Documents often needed
- Passport with enough validity and blank pages
- Invitation letter from the fair organiser or a company you are meeting
- Fair registration or exhibitor confirmation
- Letter from your company confirming the purpose of the trip
- Travel and hotel bookings, where the country asks for them
We give you an exact checklist for each destination and traveller.
How we help
- Confirm the right visa for each destination and each traveller
- Prepare forms and check invitation and support letters before submission
- Arrange document legalisation in-house when a country asks for it
- Handle group applications with one point of contact for your team
- Keep you updated until passports are back with you
Common questions
Do I need a visa to visit a trade fair?
It depends on the country and your nationality. Where a visa is needed, visiting or exhibiting at a fair usually needs a business visa rather than a tourist visa.
How early should we apply for a trade fair visa?
Apply as soon as you have your invitation letter. Visa demand peaks before major fairs, so leaving it late is risky.
Can stand builders use a business visa?
Not always. Some countries treat building a stand as work. We check what each person will be doing.