Americas Visa and Travel News
The United States has made its visa bond program permanent for certain B-1/B-2 visas. Nationals of 50 countries may now be required to post a bond of up to $20,000 before their visa is issued.
Curaçao has announced the temporary suspension of Caribbean visa issuance for applicants from several countries considered high-risk areas in connection with the current Ebola outbreak. No cases have been confirmed on the island, but authorities say the measure is a preventive public health step.
The U.S. Department of State will test a paid service from July 1 to December 31, 2026, allowing some B1/B2 visa applicants to obtain an expedited interview appointment within ten business days. The option, priced at $750 per applicant, will be available only at selected consular posts.
Just a few days before the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, visa-exempt travelers heading to the United States are being urged to check their ESTA before departure. In some cases, an authorization that was previously approved can later change status.
Antigua and Barbuda is tightening border measures over health concerns linked to Ebola and other viral outbreaks. Authorities say no visa waiver will be granted to travelers arriving from an African country, regardless of nationality.
The United States is reportedly preparing to sharply reduce the number of embassies and consulates authorized to process visa applications in Africa.
Canada has announced temporary border measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the rising regional risk in Uganda and South Sudan. Starting May 27, 2026, certain previously approved immigration documents will be suspended for residents of countries considered to be at high or very high risk.
As several U.S. proposals concerning ESTA have raised concerns among international travelers, CBP is now pointing to a more targeted approach to social media screening. At the same time, Brand USA is launching an initiative designed to correct misconceptions about U.S. entry requirements.
Less than a month before the 2026 World Cup kicks off, U.S. authorities say they have already received more than 5.9 million ESTA applications since October 2025. CBP is also highlighting its new COMPASS virtual assistant, designed to help travelers prepare for entry into the United States.
Following the announcement that visa bond requirements will be waived for certain 2026 World Cup ticket holders, the U.S. Travel Association has welcomed a targeted measure designed to make it easier for international fans to travel to the United States.
U.S. will exempt some foreign fans from a visa bond of up to $15,000 imposed on travelers from several countries subject to enhanced screening.
The Bahamas has launched a pilot phase for the Bahamas Digital Arrival Card, a new digital form designed to modernize arrival procedures for international travelers.
The European Union and the United States are discussing a new information-sharing framework tied to preserving U.S. visa-free travel. At the same time, Washington is also considering changes to ESTA, although the timeline initially outlined now appears more uncertain.
The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is one of the digital tools the United States is promoting to modernize border processing. But what does it actually do, and which travelers can benefit from it?
As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, Gianni Infantino says fans from around the world must be able to travel to the United States. The FIFA president pointed to ongoing discussions with the three host countries and highlighted the existence of an expedited process for certain travelers who already have match tickets.
