International Business Travel - vdma.eu
International Business Travel
Globalization is taking machines and people all around the world
Globalization necessitates travel throughout the life cycle of a machine: Sales, commissioning, assembly and maintenance. For corporate travel management, this poses an organizational challenge: Do I need a visa, and if so, which type? Which documentation is required? Which regulations apply when posting workers within the EU? How can I ensure the health and safety of my employees during business trips?
The VDMA provides current information on the various aspects involved in posting employees to the most important target markets in the mechanical engineering industry.
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The US border authorities are planning extensive changes to the ESTA application, which could make business trips to the USA much more complicated in future. The focus is on new requirements such as mandatory social media disclosures and extended data collection.
Industries in Southeast Asian markets are facing challenges: Is China's overcapacity threatening to deindustrialise the region?
Switzerland is considered an attractive place to work, but the registration and authorization procedures for work assignments are complex and vary from canton to canton. Numerous checks are carried out.
Visa-free travel extended for 45 countries
Brazil has largely abolished visa requirements for technicians and technical services. This is particularly beneficial for typical short-term assignments.
Digital, secure, and efficient. The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will replace passport stamping.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the United Kingdom has been extended to numerous European countries since April 2025.
Practical tips on reporting obligations for work assignments in Italy and on the construction site driver's license introduced in October 2024. Online event in cooperation with the German-Italian Chamber of Commerce on March 27, 2025.
Foreign guests face various challenges when applying for a visa and entering Germany. Inviting companies can support them.
Short-term work assignments in the UK are possible without a visa on the basis of a purchase or leasing contract. Otherwise a visa is required.
Schengen visa may allow short-term deployment of non-EU service technicians in Germany.
Travel to Russia is possible, but increasingly security considerations must be taken into account.
Short-term business trips are possible without a visa, but a visa is required for assemblers and service assignments.
ICUnet and Inhouse Mobility now offer special conditions - exclusively for VDMA members
The "Visa and Travel Security" newsletter provides a combined and concerted selection of information. It is an exclusive member service and is published at irregular intervals.
VDMA Foreign Trade supports member companies in expanding their foreign sales in promising future markets.
Additional PCR test after entry eliminated.
Air-Suvidha registration waived
The cost per notification of an EU work assignment is estimated at an average of EUR 175.
The VDMA India Office has analysed and summarised India's existing trade agreements with important partner countries. Interested companies can thus record the respective conditions for imports and exports to and from other markets and take them into account in their business activities.
The VDMA practical guide "Travel risk management for work assignments abroad" shows the way to introducing the right structures and processes in the company.
The VDMA foreign trade team supports member companies in the internationalization of mechanical and plant engineering - practical, direct and competent in all questions concerning foreign business.
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