US Visa Bonds (Tourism Impact): The US has made its Visa Bond Program permanent, with nationals of five Pacific Forum countries including Vanuatu (plus Fiji, PNG, Tonga and Tuvalu) potentially required to post a refundable bond up to US$20,000 for B1/B2 business and tourist visas, after the $5,000 option was removed and the cap raised from $15,000; consular officers decide who is covered. Domestic Aviation (Santo Connectivity): Two years after Air Vanuatu’s liquidation, the Espiritu Santo Tourism Association (ESTA) says Santo still faces cancellations and schedule disruptions, with domestic travel down sharply over the decade and airport cargo constraints linked to X-ray equipment issues. Pacific Travel Deals (Port Vila Demand): Jetstar’s “Island Life Sale” and Virgin Australia’s week-long international sale both feature discounted fares to the region, including Sydney–Port Vila from $199 (Jetstar) and Brisbane–Vanuatu from $459 (Virgin), for late Aug 2026 to mid-2027 travel. Health Alert (Dengue Risk): Australia’s Smart Traveller warns visitors about mosquito protection for dengue amid outbreaks across the Pacific, including Samoa and Vanuatu. Diplomacy & Tourism Links (PNG–Vanuatu): PNG broke ground on a permanent chancery in Port Vila, pledging support across fisheries, agriculture and tourism, while also highlighting closer regional cooperation. RSE Travel Update (Labour Mobility): Vanuatu RSE workers are set to enter New Zealand via a one-way bubble from 04 October, skipping MIQ for a shorter on-site isolation and testing regime.