US Visa Policy: The U.S. made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, effective 3 August 2026, allowing consular officers to require business and tourist applicants (B1/B2) from 50 countries—including São Tomé and Príncipe—to post up to $20,000 before a visa is issued, with refunds only if travellers comply and leave on time. Regional Diplomacy: The U.S. move is already triggering calls for reciprocal measures from African experts, while the full affected-country list keeps drawing attention across the region. UNESCO & National Spotlight: UNESCO’s 48th World Heritage session in Busan added 25 new sites, including the first-ever World Heritage inscription for São Tomé and Príncipe (Roças of São Tomé and Príncipe), alongside first-time entries for Comoros and South Sudan. Domestic Politics (Election Confirmation): São Tomé and Príncipe’s Constitutional Court officially declared President Carlos Vila Nova president-elect after confirming the July 19 election results, with Xi Jinping sending a congratulatory message on the reelection. Lusophone Economic Cooperation: CPLP tourism ministers agreed to set up a Business and Investment Forum on tourism to boost connectivity and entrepreneurship across Portuguese-speaking states.