To apply for a World Expo, a country must submit to the BIE its application between 6 and 9 years before the proposed opening date of the Expo.

After one country has submitted its application to the BIE, all other countries wishing to organise World Expo 2030 have six months to submit their own bids.

The Government of the State wishing to organise World Expo 2030 must submit its application to the BIE mentioning the city, the proposed theme, the proposed dates, the duration of the Expo, a guarantee of the fulfilment of its obligations, and the legal status of the organisers.