EuroCham Vietnam proposes full inclusion of EU member countries in Vietnam’s visitor visa exemption list

Ngày đăng: Jul 17 2023 2:47PM

EuroCham Vietnam, the leading voice of the European business community in Vietnam, submitted a letter to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, proposing the expansion of Vietnam’s visitor visa exemption list to encompass all 27 EU member countries


Recognizing the recent efforts undertaken by the Vietnamese government to streamline its visa system, EuroCham Vietnam appreciates the extension of e-visa validity to a 90-day period, enabling multiple entries and exits starting from August 15. Furthermore, EuroCham Vietnam commends the Vietnamese authorities for extending the temporary residence period for citizens from countries exempted from visas by Vietnam to 45 days.
 
However, EuroCham Vietnam asserts that further measures are necessary to fully capitalize on the vast potential of the EU-Vietnam economic relationship and foster robust economic growth. Presently, the visitor visa exemption list includes only seven EU member countries, namely Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. With the aim of promoting enhanced trade and investment opportunities, EuroCham Vietnam has underlined the vital importance of expanding the visitor visa exemption list to encompass all 27 EU member countries.
 
“This expansion will bring in a large number of travelers from the EU market, which has a population of over 500 million. By removing barriers for high-income international travelers to visit Vietnam, we will undoubtedly unlock amazing opportunities for the country’s economy after a difficult few years,” said Gabor Fluit, Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam.
 
“It’s not only about the sheer number of visitors, but also the extended duration of their stay and their substantial purchasing power where European travelers truly stand out. European travelers tend to stay much longer, often for two weeks or more. This extended period allows them more of an opportunity to contribute to the economy, and perhaps even explore business prospects along the way. It’s all about creating room for travelers to create more value during their visit,” he added.
 
This initiative has garnered substantial support from Team Europe, with the appeal being co-signed by 18 ambassadors of European Union members to Vietnam, as well as the chairs of national European business associations, including the Belgian – Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, the Central and Eastern European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Portugal-Vietnam, the Dutch Business Association Vietnam, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, the German Business Association, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, the Nordic Chamber of Commerce Vietnam, and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam.
 
The appeal, addressed to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, and Ministry of Public Security, highlights the considerable potential for positive impact on the Vietnamese economy resulting from an expanded visitor visa exemption list. It anticipates a significant increase in European travelers and a surge in business activities as a direct result. EuroCham Vietnam envisions that this will play a pivotal role in stimulating the economy, expanding trade opportunities, and increasing foreign direct investment inflows.
 
In addition, the latest Google Destination Insight report further validates the potential of Vietnam as a sought-after travel destination. Ranking among the top seven most searched travel destinations, Vietnam stands out as a preferred choice for global travelers. Notably, it was the only country from Southeast Asia to secure a position within the top 20. This surge in interest underscores the growing appeal and popularity of Vietnam as an international tourist destination.
 
Vietnam’s allure as a favored foreign direct investment destination also remains evident. The latest Business Confidence Index (BCI) published by EuroCham and conducted by Decision Lab sheds light on the country’s enduring appeal, despite prevailing challenges. Remarkably, nearly half of the respondents (48%) express optimism about an impending surge in their company’s FDI in Vietnam during the upcoming quarter. Moreover, Vietnam proudly retains its position among the top five investment destinations for more than one-third of businesses, further underscoring its steadfast attractiveness and reputation as a compelling investment opportunity. The ongoing tariff reductions facilitated by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), combined with efforts to address procedural impediments highlighted by BCI respondents, are set to further enhance Vietnam’s investment prospects over time.
 
As EuroCham Vietnam’s proposal seeks to capitalize on these favorable circumstances, Chairman Gabor Fluit emphasized, “Visa exemption improvements, along with the Michelin list introduction and the recognition of the Vietnam North-South railway as the most incredible train journey by Lonely Planet, can truly be the answer to increasing the tourism contribution to Vietnam’s GDP. The combination of these initiatives, coupled with the growing global recognition and interest in Vietnam, holds immense potential for driving economic growth and positioning Vietnam as a leading destination in the global tourism landscape.”
 
Aligned with the overarching objective of bolstering Vietnam’s economy and cultivating a business environment that is conducive to growth, EuroCham Vietnam also remains dedicated to addressing work permit challenges and advocating for streamlined processes, recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues in promoting a favorable business environment in Vietnam.

By EuroCham


VIEW MORE
Image

Three Vietnamese businesswomen listed in Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia 2024

Việt Nam has three representatives named in the list of Most Powerful Women....

Image

BEN TRE: UNLOCK POTIENTIAL FOR INVESTMENT ATTRACTION

The Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Bến Tre has approved six projects....

Image

INNOVATION: REVOLUTIONISING THE ECONOMIC GROWTH

Innovation plays a central role in enhancing productivity and competitiveness, underpinning progress across....

Image

VIỆT NAM'S INSURANCE SECTOR REPORTS VNĐ9 TRILLION IN DAMAGES, SPEED UP PAYOUTS

Việt Nam's insurance sector boosts support after Typhoon No. 3, with damages and....

Image

Đà Lạt Flower Festival 2024: Slated for nearly one month

The 10th biennial Đà Lạt Flower Festival is scheduled to run from December....

Image

Samsung to invest additionall US$1.8 billion in Bac Ninh

Samsung Display has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Bac....

Image

Hà Nội's prime retail sector among the fastest-growing in the region

Rents for prime spaces in Hà Nội’s central areas stand at a competitive....

Image

Domestic automobile sales drop 13% in August

Car sales in August by members of the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA)....

Image

Flight-like new trains begin trial run on Sài Gòn - Nha Trang route

The Saigon Railway Transport Joint Stock Company and Jinxin Group (Vietnam) Railway Equipment....

Image

Foreign outflows amid lack of new draws for Việt Nam

Since 2023, the total net selling by foreign investors has amounted to approximately....

Image

Ministry to consider possible tax on gold transactions

The Ministry of Finance is to start a process to study the effect....

Image

Prolonged heavy rain kills 3, causes damage in northern provinces

In the northern mountainous province of Hà Giang, a father and his three-year-old....

Image

Jetski and flyboard show to appear in Da Nang this summer

Asia Park, an amusement complex located in Da Nang, is officially rebranded as....

Image

Over 30% of Vietnamese consumers are interested in EVs: report

More than 30 per cent of Vietnamese consumers are interested in purchasing electric....

Image

Transfers of over VNĐ10 million will require biometric authentication starting July 1st

Following a decision from the State Bank of Vietnam, after July 1st, biometric....

Image

Hoi An tops list of world’s cheapest destinations​

The ancient town of Hoi An in central Vietnam has been selected as....

Image

Vietnamese tourism information centre opened in India

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and its partners on May 16 inaugurated....

Image

Samsung plans to add $1B to Vietnam investment annually

Samsung plans to add about US$1 billion to its investment in Vietnam annually,....

Image

Mekong Delta provinces launch solutions to combat drought, saltwater intrusion

People's lives are turned upside down due to water shortages, traffic isolation and....

Image

Ministries approve the five-day holiday proposal

The ministries of Information and Communications, Home Affairs, Transport, and the Vietnam General....

Image

Enhancing network security critical to defend against attacks

The Authority of Information Safety under the Ministry of Information and Communications has....

Image

Good signs for rice exports

After many fluctuations in supply and prices last year, global rice trade continues....

Image

Can Gio INTL Transshipment Port project submitted to PM

The HCMC People's Committee has just submitted to the Prime Minister the study....

Image

New regulations to ease Overseas Vietnamese real estate investments

Newly approved laws will create favourable conditions for Overseas Vietnamese in real estate....

Image

HCM City to add three fireworks displays in Bình Chánh, Củ Chi, Cần Giờ

In addition to the eight locations announced earlier for fireworks displays, HCM City....

Image

HCM City’s industry, trade sector sets target for 2024

HCM City’s Department of Industry and Trade will deploy a number of measures....

Image

Việt Nam’s top 10 economic highlights of 2023

Despite falling slightly short of the year's set target of 6.5 per cent,....

Image

Vietnam eyes 18 million foreign tourists this year

The tourism industry, after achieving last year's targets, hopes to attract 18 million....

Image

AIoT Club established in HCM City

The Ho Chi Minh City AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) Club has been....

Image

PM calls on US semiconductor firms to invest more in Việt Nam

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính had a working lunch with chief executive officers....

Image

VIETNAM BEAUTYCARE EXPO 2023

Where the latest beauty trends converge

Image

VIET NAM INTERNATIONAL SOURCING 2023

"Connecting the international supply chain of goods"

Image

Family health insurance brings more benefits for its beneficiaries

Starting from July 1 when the basic salary increases to VNĐ1.8 million per....

Image

VN emerges as a major motorcycle market and manufacturing hub

Việt Nam's motorcycle market has been among some of the fastest-growing markets in....

Image

National Assembly deputies discuss ceiling and floor prices for air travel

Without the complete elimination of monopoly in the market, the state must continue....

Image

Experts: Culture products prioritised in Vietnamese tourism development

Nguyễn Trùng Khánh, General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT)....

Image

Việt Nam to inspect TikTok next month amid increase in harmful content

Harmful content has featured on TikTok since last year, negatively affecting Vietnamese children,....

Image

Việt Nam needs at least 2-3 more undersea cable routes: official

Currently, four undersea cable routes that Vietnamese carriers exploit, including AAG, APG, AAE-1,....

Image

Nghi Sơn 2 Thermal Power Plant inaugurated

The Deputy PM urged ministries to create favourable conditions for the plant to....

Image

Spain accepts Vietnam's new passport

The Spanish Embassy in Hanoi on Monday said it would accept Vietnam's new....

Image

Việt Nam, India eye partnership in pharmaceutical sector

Việt Nam is seeking co-operation with India in the field of pharmaceuticals, especially....

Image

Da Nang Summer Festival 2022 to promote tourism recovery

The Enjoy Danang Summer Festival 2022, slated for June 11 to August 15,....

Image

Foreigners happy as Vietnam lifts Covid testing requirement

Foreigners are happy with the government's decision to scrap the pre-departure Covid-19 test....

Image

Vietnam ditches medical declaration for foreign entrants

Vietnam scrapped the medical declaration requirement for all foreign entrants starting Wednesday as....

Image

Luxury aviation: Sun Air signed as sales representative for Gulfstream business aircraft in Viet Nam

On March 23, 2022, the Signing Ceremony of partnership for authorised International Sales....

Image

Ministry of Health publicises prices of Molnupiravir drugs produced in Vietnam

The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health (MoH) has....

Image

PM urges preparation for full tourism reopening in March

Vietnam must be prepared to safely reopen tourism, ideally at the end of....

Image

Simplified procedures for foreigners' Vietnam entry in effect: FM spokeswoman

A document that simplifies procedures for foreigners entering the country approved by the....

Image

LEGO Group to build new US$1 billion factory in Việt Nam

The Danish toy production company LEGO Group on December 8 signed a memorandum....

Image

BRITCHAM: STEP UP FOR VIETNAM

BRITCHAM VIETNAM Charity Fun Run on a virtual format from the 1st to....

Image

In-person dining in HCM City resumes

HCM City’s authorities on Wednesday issued its decision to allow in-person dining to....

Image

Proposal to reopen 10 domestic air routes from Sunday

The Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam (CAAV) has proposed the Ministry of....

Image

HCMC to allow vaccinated people, recovered patients on the streets after September 30

HCMC will allow people who have received at least one vaccine shot or....

Image

HCMC allows eateries to make deliveries after two months

HCMC has allowed eateries to resume delivery services from 6 a.m. to 6....

Image

Vietnam’s Tourism Advisory Board proposes trial of countrywide travel pass

Vietnam’s Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) has proposed piloting a type of travel pass....

Image

HCM City issues movement curbs from Monday, calls for ‘tightening belts’

HCM City on Saturday issued rules for the heightened period of COVID-19 prevention....

Image

INCHAM: ECMO machine donation

This machine is needed for Tropical Disease Hospital, which is the main hospital....

Image

3 mln Moderna vaccine doses reach Vietnam

Three million Moderna vaccine doses donated by the U.S. under the Covax facility....

Image

Vietnam’s homemade COVID-19 vaccine to be registered for approval in August

Among the four coronavirus vaccines under development in Vietnam, Nano Covax is slated....

Image

HCM City sets up mobile teams for COVID-19 testing at home, tightens travel from nearby provinces

Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam has urged HCM City to work with....

Image

HCMC allowed to purchase and import Covid-19 vaccines

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has approved HCMC’s proposal on the purchase....

Image

HCMC imposes two-week social distancing

Ho Chi Minh City's chairman has ordered social distancing measures to be imposed....

Image

Newly arrived COVID-19 vaccine doses to be given to worst-hit localities

A further 1,682,000 doses of Oxford/AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine from the global vaccine sharing....

Image

HCM City aims to finish major traffic projects this year

The HCM City Department of Transport will work closely with agencies to simplify....

Image

US removes Vietnam out of list of currency manipulators

The US Treasury has removed Việt Nam and Switzerland from the list of....

Image

First Covid-19 vaccine doses arrive in Vietnam

The first batch of 117,600 doses of Oxford/AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine arrived in HCMC's....

Image

Vietnam to retest foreign experts who completed quarantine upon arrival

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Monday afternoon ordered the healthcare sector to....

Image

Long Thanh Airport: Construction of country’s largest airport starts in Đồng Nai Province

Construction of the much-awaited Long Thành international airport in the southern province of....

Image

Can Gio-Vung Tau ferry service welcomes first passengers in southern Vietnam

A ferry route connecting Ho Chi Minh City and the southern province of....

Image

UK-VN free trade deal a new beginning for bilateral ties: UK trade secretary

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc had talks yesterday in Hà Nội with....

Image

Flight attendant flouting quarantine regulations could face criminal charges

A Vietnam Airlines flight attendant who “seriously violated Covid-19 quarantine regulations” could face....

Image

Vietnam confirms first domestic Covid-19 case after three months

A HCMC man has contracted the novel coronavirus from an imported Covid-19 case,....

Image

BRITCHAM: FUN RUN FOR CHARITY

The British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (BritCham Vietnam) proudly announces that the 20th....

Image

Radisson Blu Resort Phu Quoc in co-operation with Lavie to launch environment project

In order to minimize the impact on the environment and save planet, Radisson....

Image

No more 14-day quarantine for foreign experts entering Vietnam

Vietnam has lifted the 14-day quarantine for foreign experts, investors, managers, and diplomats....

Image

Government to slap fines for selling beer to people under 18

People selling beer to those under 18 will be fined VND500,000-1 million ($22-43)....

Image

BE STRONG DANANG

A Covid-19 field hospital with 2,000 beds is being set up post haste....

Image

Saigon orders bars, discos to close down over COVID-19

Ho Chi Minh City authorities on Thursday ordered bars and discos to shut....

Image

Demand for warehouse space will be strong after EVFTA

That was the forecast for warehousing market in Vietnam after the new FTA,....

Image

RADISSON BLU RESORT PHU QUOC: INCREDIBLE DREAM DEAL OFFERED

Discover incredible savings for Phu Quoc healthy travelling by Radisson Blu Resort Phu....

Image

Gov’t prolongs social distancing in Hanoi, Saigon, Da Nang by one week

The Vietnamese government has decided to extend the social distancing period in Hanoi,....

Image

PM orders strict nationwide social distancing rules, starting April 1

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Tuesday has issued a range of stringent....

Image

Emergency announcement on movement history of COVID-19 patients

The Ministry of Health urged people who were present in the following places....

Image

Vietnam suspends visas for all foreign arrivals to limit Covid-19

Starting Wednesday, Vietnam will stop issuing new visas to all foreigners in an....

Image

F1 Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 postponed

The Formula One VinFast Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 will be put on hold....

Image

Vietnam to refuse visitors from UK, Schengen countries - state media

Vietnam will stop issuing tourist visas to citizens from Europe’s Schengen area....

Image

Vietnam successfully produces SARS-CoV-2 test kit

The Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology’s Institute of Biotechnology (IBT) announced yesterday....

Image

Vietnam succeeds in isolating novel coronavirus

The National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi has successfully cultured and....

Image

China virus deaths rise as WHO says 'opportunity' to halt spread

The world has a "window of opportunity" to halt the spread of a....

Image

Ho Chi Minh City downtown park renovation wins Future Project of the Year

A project to renovate 23/9 Park in downtown Ho Chi Minh City has....

;