US Visa Bonds Go Permanent: From Aug 3, the U.S. will permanently require refundable visa bonds for B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) applicants from 50 countries, with consular officers setting deposits at $10,000, $15,000 or up to $20,000—money returned if travellers leave on time and follow visa rules, forfeited for overstays; Angola is on the list. Luanda–Benin Connectivity Talks: President João Lourenço congratulated Benin’s leader on independence day and highlighted a growing bilateral agenda, including finalized plans for an Air Services Agreement that could boost people-to-people travel and tourism. Lubango Festival Boosts Tourism: Lubango opened the 124th Our Lady of the Mount festival, spotlighting Expo-Huíla, pilgrimage activities, fairs and the “Huíla 200” race—an event mix that draws visitors to Angola’s south. Angola–Tanzania Cooperation: Presidents Lourenço and Samia Suluhu Hassan met in Luanda, with cooperation spanning tourism and connectivity alongside health and infrastructure projects. Airline Cashflow Pressure: AFRAA warns that blocked repatriation of ticket and cargo revenues is hurting African carriers’ ability to sustain routes, affecting connectivity and tourism. US Visa Processing Shifts: Nigeria’s routine U.S. visa services move to Lagos from Aug 1, part of a wider regional hub approach that will affect travel planning across the region. Festival & Culture in Angola: The Our Lady of the Mount celebrations in Lubango continue to blend faith, sport and business, reinforcing Angola’s travel calendar.