The European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Vietnam has sent a letter to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposing an expansion of the country’s visitor visa exemption list to encompass all 27 EU member countries.

The list currently includes only seven EU member countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.

With the aim of boosting trade and investment opportunities, EuroCham Vietnam underlined the vital importance of expanding the visitor visa exemption list to encompass all 27 EU member countries.

“This expansion would bring in a large number of travelers from the EU market, which has a population of over 500 million,” Mr. Gabor Fluit, Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam, said in a press release from July 16. “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.”

“It’s not only 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.”

The proposal highlights the considerable potential for a positive impact on Vietnam’s economy from an expanded visitor visa exemption list. It also 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 FDI inflows.

The latest Google Destination Insight report further validates Vietnam’s potential as a sought-after travel destination. Ranking among the top 7 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.