As international business travel continues to become increasingly active again, the event provided practical insights and expert perspectives on visa procedures, flight connectivity, business travel planning strategies, and insurance solutions for companies and international business travelers.

Latest Updates on Schengen Visa Procedures

Mr. Stefan Kemptner, Representative of the German Embassy in Hanoi, shared several important updates regarding Schengen visa procedures for Vietnamese applicants. He emphasized that complete, clear, and consistent documentation remains a key factor in ensuring a smoother application process. He also noted that Germany is gradually expanding the issuance of long-term multiple-entry visas for frequent business travelers and applicants with strong travel histories.

According to Mr. Kemptner, applicants for business visas should pay particular attention to invitation letters from German partners, detailed business itineraries, proof of financial capacity, Schengen medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, as well as documents demonstrating strong ties to Vietnam and the intention to return after the trip.

He also clarified that Schengen business visas allow activities such as business meetings, partner visits, trade fair participation, and negotiations. However, certain activities involving deeper professional engagement, including project participation, personnel exchange, or labor-related work, may require prior approval from the German Federal Employment Agency before submitting the visa application.

Many businesses also raised questions regarding long-term visas for employees who frequently travel for business, the flexibility of visa validity periods, as well as the practice of applying through other Schengen countries such as France or Italy. Representatives from the German Embassy emphasized that applicants should apply for a visa at the embassy of their main destination or the country where they will stay the longest during the trip, rather than choosing a country perceived to have a higher visa approval rate.

Ms. Wendy Vu, Country Manager Vietnam & Cambodia of Qatar Airways

Aviation Outlook and Flight Connectivity Between Vietnam and Europe

From the aviation perspective, Ms. Wendy Vu, Country Manager Vietnam & Cambodia of Qatar Airways, shared that one of the biggest concerns for travelers and businesses today is the risk of flight disruptions, cancellations, or last-minute itinerary changes. According to her, as many airlines continue adjusting routes due to the situation in the Middle East, businesses are increasingly prioritizing carriers capable of maintaining stable operations, minimizing disruptions, and providing rapid customer support when unexpected changes occur.

The Qatar Airways representative also highlighted the continued strategic importance of the Middle East as a major transit hub connecting Europe and Asia thanks to its geographical advantage and strong connectivity. According to the latest operational updates, the Ho Chi Minh City – Doha route has increased to two flights per day, while Hanoi – Doha and Phnom Penh – Doha are currently operating daily services.

Optimizing Business Travel Planning for Germany and Europe

From a corporate travel management perspective, Ms. Cathy Nguyen, General Director of Blue Sky Travel, shared practical recommendations for optimizing business trips to Germany and Europe. Her presentation focused on strategic route selection, hotel booking strategies during trade fair seasons, as well as the growing trend of combining business and leisure travel. She also stressed the importance of early preparation, recommending that businesses begin visa applications and travel planning at least 8–12 weeks before departure to optimize flight options and travel costs.

Addressing another important aspect of international travel, Mr. Dung Nguyen Ba, Deputy Director of the Aviation and Enterprise Risk Solutions Division at PVI Insurance, emphasized that travel insurance should not only be viewed as a visa requirement, but also as an essential layer of protection against medical emergencies, flight disruptions, lost baggage, and other unforeseen situations. He encouraged businesses and travelers to prioritize comprehensive insurance plans and carefully review policy exclusions to ensure adequate protection throughout the journey.

Discussions throughout the event also reflected how Vietnamese businesses today are no longer focused solely on obtaining visas or selecting airlines, but are increasingly paying attention to schedule reliability, disruption management, business travel cost optimization, and the overall travel experience for employees during international trips.

Through this Business Luncheon, GBA once again provided a valuable platform for the business community to exchange practical insights, useful updates, and meaningful networking opportunities around issues that are increasingly shaping investment, trade, and business connectivity between Vietnam and Europe, helping businesses better adapt to today’s evolving global business environment.