TRAVEL MANAGEMENT

On 1 July, Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung raised the possibility of reopening the destination to countries where vaccination is high and infection rates remain low. This decision could be taken before the end of the year, and would include Europe.

From 1 July, the European digital certificate will come into force, enabling vaccinated or immunised people to travel smoothly and others to provide easy proof of their test. Around this general framework, each country has put in place additional measures. Here is a country-by-country overview of the regulations in force in Europe this summer.

The new Business Travel Observatory was published on 29 June. The findings of this third edition give grounds for optimism about the upturn in business travel and the travel conditions of mobile professionals.

American Express GBT is strengthening its traveller information system by drawing on feedback and its global Travel Vitals database. The aim is to improve anticipation and responsiveness to reassure business travellers and travel managers.

Since 25 June, the French National Health Insurance website has made it possible to download the "Covid digital EU certificate", which comes into force on 1 July. This certificate can easily be integrated into the TousAntiCovid application.

From 26 June, the requirement for nationals of European countries belonging to the Schengen area to go into quarantine has been lifted. Wearing a mask outdoors has been abolished.  

Oil company Total is launching a solution for paying travel expenses and managing expense reports with its Mobility Corporate Card. This new offer extends the reach of its fuel card.

At long last! For a year now, Finland has been living in virtual autarky in Europe, having barely opened its borders since 2020. Finally, the country will once again welcome Europeans from the Schengen zone for so-called non-essential travel from 21 June.

Business travel will recover and thrive again. This is the conclusion of "The Future of Business Travel" report launched by business airline VistaJet.

Business travellers on the American Express GBT network will now be able to communicate with their TMC via WhatsApp.

On Tuesday, Jenji unveiled its very first business expense management index. Using its internal data, the expense management specialist confirms the profound transformation in the way expense claims are handled.

In its latest study, the Chaire Pégase forecasts a lasting decline in business travel by air, in favour of virtual communication. Almost 40% of air travel could even be permanently replaced by video-conferencing.

The United States has lowered - slightly - the warning issued to American travellers wishing to visit France. Is this the first step towards reopening US borders?

Fully vaccinated nationals from countries classified green by France will no longer be required to present negative tests from 9 June, unlike Americans or British nationals.

To avoid a cacophony between the countries of the European Union with the reopening of borders, the European Commissioner for Justice wants even clearer rules to be applied to avoid any confusion for travellers.

World leader in long-stay accommodation Ascott has entered into a partnership with International SOS to offer its customers a range of remote medical assistance and travel safety services.

American Express GBT has formed an alliance with Shell to stimulate the use of and investment in sustainable aviation fuel. This is being achieved by bringing together demand from businesses and airlines for business travel.

On 31 May, France announced the introduction of compulsory isolation for travellers from the UK. This measure has also been taken by Germany in response to concerns about the circulation of the Indian variant across the Channel.

A recent survey carried out by the GBTA shows a real desire on the part of companies to resume business travel, at least domestically. This positive trend is coupled with a growing interest in hybrid meetings.