Travel security​

It's almost official. From 1 July, French citizens travelling to Vietnam will no longer need a visa for stays of up to 14 days.

As the ten nations of ASEAN* (Association of South East Asian Nations) enter the home straight that will lead them at the end of December to form the new AEC (ASEAN Economic Community), the question has been raised for several years as to whether it is necessary to create a common visa, along the lines of the Schengen visa offered to non-EU citizens visiting the old continent.

On Thursday, Concur and Anticip formalised a technological partnership aimed at tracking international business trips and guaranteeing their security.

New sources of growth in emerging countries are prompting companies to send increasing numbers of employees to sensitive regions. To meet their obligation to provide information and assistance, risk managers are refining their tools and partner networks.

American Express has just officially launched its AX Connect solution on the French market, a new assistance tool enabling companies to locate, communicate with and provide assistance to their business travellers throughout their business trip. Interview with Nicolas Buc Vice-President, New Product Development, American Express Business Travel.

International SOS will be celebrating its thirtieth anniversary next year, against a backdrop of growing demand for health and safety assistance solutions dedicated to business travellers. As part of their duty to protect, companies of all sizes are now turning to the technological solutions and human expertise of assistance providers such as International SOS. Dr Arnaud Derossi, Regional Medical Director, Assistance and Aviation for the CEMA zone, looks at the challenges and changes in the profession, linked to new forms of business travel and ever more advanced technological solutions. Interview.