AGP Executive Report
Last update: 6 hours agoU.S. Visa Bond Made Permanent: The U.S. has turned its 2025 visa bond pilot into a permanent rule. For selected B-1 business and B-2 tourism applicants from 50 countries, consular officers may require a refundable security deposit of $10,000, $15,000 or up to $20,000 before a visa is issued; it’s refunded if travellers comply and leave on time, but forfeited for overstays. São Tomé and Príncipe in the mix: The list includes São Tomé and Príncipe, alongside other African states, meaning higher upfront costs could affect regional travel and business plans. UNESCO Boost for Heritage Tourism: UNESCO added new World Heritage sites, including the Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe (Portuguese colonial plantations), spotlighting the islands’ plantation history and supporting a tourism narrative built around culture and conservation. Citizenship-by-Investment Push: São Tomé and Príncipe is also promoting a “golden passport” citizenship scheme, offering citizenship for a $90,000 contribution to a national fund plus fees, aimed at raising development revenue amid energy and growth pressures. Diplomacy: Serbia’s foreign minister met São Tomé and Príncipe’s PM to discuss cooperation in education, health, agriculture, digitalisation and culture.
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