U.S. Visa Rules: The U.S. has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, effective 3 August 2026, meaning consular officers may require applicants for B1 business and B2 tourism visas from 50 countries (including São Tomé and Príncipe) to post $10,000, $15,000 or up to $20,000 before a visa is issued; the bond is refunded if the traveller leaves on time and follows visa conditions, but forfeited for overstays or violations. Lusophone Business Push: The Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) is setting up a Business and Investment Forum on tourism to boost connectivity and entrepreneurship, with a focus on youth, women, and MSMEs, and linking tourism with transport and mobility. UNESCO Recognition for São Tomé and Príncipe: UNESCO added the islands’ historic Roças of Agostinho Neto and São João dos Angolares to the World Heritage List, highlighting the plantation system’s economic role and its legacy of forced labour. Offshore Services Deal: OceanPact says its São Tomé unit will acquire Brazil’s Dock Brasil ship repair yard, aiming to expand vessel repair, maintenance and dry-docking capacity for its fleet and third parties.