AGP Executive Report
Last update: an hour agoUS Visa Rules for Travelers: The U.S. has made its refundable “visa bond” programme permanent, effective Aug 3, meaning some applicants for B1 business and B2 tourism visas may be asked to post up to $20,000 before a visa is issued; the bond is refunded if you follow the rules and leave on time, but can be forfeited for overstays. São Tomé and Príncipe in the List: The programme explicitly includes São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside 49 other countries, with consular officers deciding whether a bond is required and at what tier ($10,000, $15,000, or $20,000). UNESCO Boost for Heritage Tourism: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites in 2026, including the Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe—a major win for local culture and a fresh draw for travelers looking for plantation history and heritage stays. Lusophone Tourism Cooperation: The CPLP set up a Business and Investment Forum on tourism to improve connectivity and support youth, women, and MSMEs across Portuguese-speaking countries.
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