China eases Canton fair visas for Bangladeshis
China has significantly simplified its visa application process for Bangladeshi businesspeople and visitors planning to attend the 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, by reducing the mandatory documentation required for obtaining a visa.
The Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, in a notice issued on Tuesday, announced that applicants seeking a visa to attend the 140th Canton Fair would now be required to submit only the official invitation letter for the event as the sole mandatory application document.
The move is expected to make it easier and faster for Bangladeshi traders, entrepreneurs and business representatives to participate in one of the world’s largest trade exhibitions, which will be held in three phases in Guangzhou from 15 October to 4 November.
According to the embassy, applicants are encouraged to upload supporting documents, including previous visas, travel records and a company guarantee letter, together with their online visa application, although these documents are optional and are intended only to facilitate the visa assessment process.
The embassy urged applicants to complete the online visa application form carefully, fully and accurately, warning that incomplete or inaccurate applications would be returned, potentially causing delays, additional expenses and disruption to travel plans.
It also cautioned applicants against submitting forged invitation letters, false information or fraudulent documents, saying such actions could lead to visa refusal and adversely affect future visa applications.
The embassy further advised applicants not to allow third parties or agencies to complete visa application forms on their behalf in order to avoid errors and possible fraudulent practices.
Reiterating its commitment to transparent visa services, the embassy stressed that it had not authorised any agency or individual to provide visa services or guarantee visa approval.
It said all decisions regarding visa issuance, including the visa category, validity, duration of stay and number of entries, would be made by the embassy in accordance with relevant regulations and each applicant’s individual circumstances.
The embassy also warned applicants to be vigilant against fraudulent claims such as “guaranteed visa”, “no visa, no fee”, “inside connections” and “special channels”, saying such promises were misleading.
The notice added that the embassy remained committed to providing lawful, clean and efficient visa services and stated that locally employed staff members were strictly prohibited from claiming they could influence visa decisions or guarantee visa approval for personal benefit.
It said any such misconduct would be dealt with strictly under applicable rules and disciplinary regulations. The embassy also welcomed public supervision and reports of any irregularities.
Meanwhile, UK-based Henley Passport Index said that Bangladeshi passport holders can now travel to six Asian countries without obtaining a visa before departure. The six Asian destinations are: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Cambodia and Timor-Leste.
Bangladesh has now climbed three places to 97th from 100th, sharing the position with North Korea, according to July 2026 edition of the Henley Passport Index.
Currently, Bangladeshi passport holders have access to 35 destinations without securing a visa in advance, but only six of these are in Asia.
