AGP Executive Report
Last update: 8 hours agoUS Visa Bonds for 50 Countries: The US State Department has expanded a B1/B2 “visa-bond” programme, requiring eligible travellers from 50 countries to post a refundable deposit of $10,000–$20,000 (amount set at the visa interview) via DHS Form I-352 and Pay.gov—India is not on the list, but Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are. Philippines Visa-Free Access: The Philippines will grant 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of many African countries (including São Tomé and Príncipe), with passport validity and onward/return ticket rules—some countries are excluded and may need a visa first. E-Visas for Indian Passport Holders: A new roundup lists 66 countries offering e-visa options for Indian travellers, with destination-specific eligibility and documentation rules; São Tomé and Príncipe appears on the list. Conservation & Tourism in São Tomé and Príncipe: UNESCO highlights the islands’ 100% territory UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and a new conservation model that ties protection to sustainable livelihoods, including replacing illegal harvesting and poaching with lower-impact micro-enterprises. LDC Graduation Watch: An IMF review notes that LDC graduation (including São Tomé and Príncipe in 2024) hasn’t automatically changed growth speed, with outcomes shaped by shocks, tourism dependence and disasters.
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