U.S. Visa Policy Impacting São Tomé and Príncipe: The U.S. State Department has made its visa bond programme permanent for selected countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe. Applicants for B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) visas may be required to post a refundable security deposit of up to $20,000 before a visa is issued, with the bond returned only if conditions are met—especially leaving on time. The rule takes effect Monday after a year-long pilot, which the U.S. says improved compliance and reduced overstays. Presidential Politics Update: São Tomé and Príncipe’s Constitutional Court officially declared incumbent President Carlos Vila Nova president-elect after confirming July 19 election results, with Vila Nova winning 55.88% of valid votes in the first round. China-São Tomé and Príncipe Ties: Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Vila Nova’s reelection, pledging to deepen the strategic partnership under the FOCAC Beijing outcomes. UNESCO World Heritage Milestone: UNESCO’s Busan session inscribed São Tomé and Príncipe’s Roças on the World Heritage List, marking the country’s first-ever inscription.