EuroCham recommends Prime Minister to exempt tourist visas for 27 EU countries

According to EuroCham, the current visa exemption list only includes 7 EU member states: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. With the aim of promoting trade and investment opportunities, EuroCham Vietnam emphasizes the importance of expanding the visa exemption list to 27 EU member states.

"This expanded visa exemption will bring in a large number of visitors from the EU market of more than 500 million people. By removing barriers for international visitors - those with high spending needs when traveling , we will certainly open up great opportunities for the Vietnamese tourism industry after the recent difficult years," said Mr. Gabor Fluit, Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam.

EuroCham kiến nghị Thủ tướng cho miễn thị thực du lịch cho 27 nước thành viên EU - Ảnh 1. — EuroCham emphasized that expanding the visa exemption list for 27 EU member states is to stimulate investment, tourism, growth...

With their large numbers, long stays and significant purchasing power, European tourists are a real potential customer group. European tourists tend to stay longer, often two weeks or more. This allows them to make a significant contribution to the economy and learn more about business prospects during that time. “All of which adds value to their visit,” added the EuroCham Chairman.

In addition, EuroCham acknowledged and appreciated the recent efforts of the Vietnamese Government to simplify the visa system, including extending the validity of e-visas to 90 days; allowing multiple entries from August 15; and extending the temporary stay period to 45 days for citizens of countries exempted from visas by Vietnam.

EuroCham representative said that the letter sent to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received great consensus from the group from Europe when 18 ambassadors of EU member countries in Vietnam signed; as well as the presidents of European business associations such as: Belgium - Luxembourg Business Association in Vietnam, Central and Eastern European Business Association in Vietnam, Portugal - Vietnam Trade and Industry Association, Netherlands Business Association in Vietnam, French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam, German Business Association, Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, Nordic Business Association in Vietnam and Spanish Business Association in Vietnam.

Furthermore, Vietnam proudly maintains its position in the top 5 investment destinations for more than a third of businesses, further affirming Vietnam’s enduring appeal and reputation. The continued tariff reductions facilitated by the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), combined with efforts to address administrative obstacles cited by BCI survey respondents, will further enhance Vietnam’s investment prospects over time.

From there, the EuroCham Chairman emphasized: “Improvements in visa exemption, together with the introduction of the Michelin list and Lonely Planet’s recognition of Vietnam’s North-South railway as the world’s most incredible railway, could be the answer to the increasing contribution of tourism to Vietnam’s GDP. Combining these initiatives, together with the growing global recognition and interest in Vietnam, there is great potential to boost economic growth and position Vietnam as a top destination in the global tourism landscape.”

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