US Visa Bonds Go Permanent: The US State Department has made its visa bond programme for B1/B2 tourism and business travel a permanent policy, with consular officers able to set refundable deposits up to USD 20,000 for applicants from 50 countries (including Cuba and others). The rule takes effect Monday after Federal Register publication, aiming to reduce overstays. Pacific Mobility Snapshot: Passport Index data shows Kenyan travellers now have visa-free/VOA/eTA access to 77 destinations (ranked 64th), while separate reporting highlights Pakistan at 101st with access to 29 destinations—including Vanuatu on the visa-free list. Vanuatu Maritime Security: An IMO needs-assessment mission supported Vanuatu’s rollout of SOLAS XI-2 and the ISPS Code, reviewing governance and port security at Port Vila and Luganville. Port Vila Tourism Boost: A travel feature spotlights Port Vila’s waterfront charm and notes the Grand Hotel & Casino Vanuatu reopening after the 2024 quake, supporting the tourism rebound. Vanuatu Travel Context: A separate analysis flags ongoing regional news shifts, including concerns about how social platforms affect Pacific news reach.