The United States has moved to further tighten its visitor visa regime by adding seven more countries to its controversial scheme that requires certain travellers to post bonds of up to USD 15,000 as a condition for obtaining short-term US visas.

The expansion, which took effect at the start of 2026, substantially broadens the scope of the policy and is expected to have a significant impact on travellers from several developing nations.

​Under the latest update, citizens of Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Turkmenistan are now subject to the visa bond requirement for specific categories of B1/B2 business and tourist visas.

These countries join Mauritania, Sao Tome and Principe, Tanzania, Gambia, Malawi and Zambia, which had already been brought under the bond framework in earlier phases, bringing the total number of affected states to 13, the vast majority of them in Africa.

Diplomatic sources and regional observers note that the concentration of the measure on smaller and economically vulnerable nations is likely to fuel accusations of unequal treatment and could complicate bilateral ties with Washington.

Several governments are reported to be assessing the implications for their citizens, especially frequent business travellers and those with strong family links in the United States.​

Under the scheme, consular officers may require certain applicants to lodge a refundable financial guarantee, typically in denominations of USD 5,000, USD 10,000 or USD 15,000, before a qualifying visa can be issued.

The decision on whether to impose a bond, and at what level, is left to consular discretion and is based on factors such as the applicant’s travel history, socio-economic profile and perceived overstay risk.

The bond is intended to serve as a deterrent against overstaying; it is returned if the traveller complies fully with the terms of admission and departs the US within the authorised period. Officials stress that payment of a bond does not guarantee visa approval, nor does refusal of a visa automatically lead to forfeiture, as funds are generally returned where a visa is not issued.​

The bond requirement can be traced to a broader push by US authorities to curb chronic visa overstay rates and tighten controls on temporary visitors. It builds on a pilot initiative launched during the Trump administration, which instructed the State Department to explore financial instruments targeting countries with consistently high overstay levels among B1/B2 travellers.

US officials argue that the measure is a targeted tool designed to encourage better compliance with immigration rules and to press foreign governments to work more closely with Washington on documentation, returns and identity verification.

The expansion of the bond regime coincides with other layers of scrutiny, including stricter in‑person interviews, more exhaustive background checks and enhanced requirements for disclosure of past travel and online activity.

For many prospective visitors, especially those from lower- and middle-income backgrounds, the bond effectively raises the cost of a US trip far beyond the reach of most households, even if the amount is ultimately refundable.

Travel industry stakeholders warn that the measure may deter genuine tourists and business visitors, depress demand on key routes and hurt airlines, tour operators and hospitality providers that rely on emerging markets.

Rights advocates and migration experts have also voiced concern over the policy’s design and geographic focus, warning that it risks stigmatizing entire nationalities and entrenching perceptions of discriminatory treatment.

Some analysts argue that cooperative arrangements to improve data-sharing and documentation systems would likely be more sustainable than heavy financial guarantees imposed unilaterally on travellers from selected countries.

Current roster of countries under bond regime
The following 13 countries are currently understood to fall under the US visitor visa bond requirement for designated B1/B2 applicants:

These listings may be subject to further revision depending on US policy reviews, overstay metrics and diplomatic engagements with the affected governments.

The Kuwait Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that it will extend visit visas for an additional month, as well as leave of absence permits for three months, in light of the ongoing circumstances.

Starting from February 28, 2026, all visit visas that have expired or are nearing expiration will be automatically extended for one month. During this period, individuals will be exempt from any fees or penalties associated with the extensions, given the current situation.

Additionally, expatriates currently outside Kuwait will benefit from a three-month automatic extension for their leave of absence permits. This extension will be processed without requiring in-person visits or payment of fees.

The ministry also indicated that the exemption period could be further extended, depending on the evolving circumstances.

Source: Kuwaittimes

China confirmed that citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada will be able to visit the country without a visa beginning February 17, in a move intended to boost travel and cultural exchanges. The new arrangement will remain in place until the end of the year, the Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.

The decision follows separate visits to Beijing in January by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, both of whom sought to reset relations with China and explore areas of cooperation. During their meetings with President Xi Jinping and other senior officials, both sides agreed to advance initiatives, including visa-free travel.

Under the policy, holders of ordinary British and Canadian passports can stay in China for up to 30 days without applying for a visa. The exemption applies to trips for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit.

Beijing described the measure as part of broader efforts to make cross-border travel easier and promote closer people-to-people ties with other countries.

The Republic of Armenia has unveiled a temporary visa‑exemption policy that allows residents of the United Arab Emirates from 113 eligible countries to enter Armenia without a visa until 1 July 2026, officials confirmed. The initiative is designed to make travel simpler, boost tourism, and strengthen Armenia’s ties with global visitors and expatriates.

Under the new policy, foreign nationals who hold a valid UAE residence permit — in addition to those issued by Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the United States, European Union member states, or Schengen Area countries — can travel to Armenia without a prior visa.

To qualify, the residence permit must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and presented either as a physical card or as a passport sticker. Once admitted, travellers can stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a one‑year period, offering flexibility for extended visits for tourism, business or family purposes.

This temporary exemption scheme is part of Armenia’s broader effort to enhance accessibility and attract international visitors throughout the first half of 2026. The policy applies to a wide range of nationalities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and other regions, including major countries such as India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Africa and Sri Lanka, among many others.

Armenian officials have emphasised that the measure is intended to streamline entry procedures, support the tourism sector, and encourage cultural and economic engagement with travellers from diverse markets. The Armenian Tourism Committee highlighted the move as a clear signal that the country is open and welcoming to global visitors in 2026.

How It Works in Practice

Eligible travellers planning to take advantage of the visa‑exemption should:

• Ensure their residence permit is valid for at least six months from the intended date of arrival.

• Carry the original physical permit or passport sticker when entering Armenia.

• Plan their trip within the exemption timeframe (1 January – 1 July 2026).

Border authorities may require that the permit display key personal details — such as name, nationality, date of birth and validity dates — in Latin script to facilitate verification.

Armenia has gradually expanded its visa‑free arrangements in recent years. It introduced visa‑free travel for citizens of the UAE in 2017, followed by similar measures for Qatar in 2019 and Kuwait in 2022. Direct flights between Armenian cities and the UAE, operated by carriers such as flydubai, Air Arabia and Wizz Air, have further strengthened travel connections.

Located at the cultural crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia has become an attractive destination for residents of the Gulf region. With scenic landscapes, centuries‑old UNESCO‑listed monasteries, burgeoning culinary offerings and a lively arts scene, the country offers diverse experiences for both short breaks and longer stays.

Qatar has expanded its long-term residency schemes, offering new pathways for executives, investors, and their families through the Golden Visa and Residency-by-Investment programs. These initiatives are designed to attract global talent and capital while strengthening the country’s position as a business and lifestyle hub.

Who Can Apply

1. Senior Executives and Entrepreneurs (Golden Visa Program): To qualify for Qatar’s new 10-year Golden Visa, applicants must hold a senior management position such as Chairman, CEO, CFO, CTO, or COO.

• A minimum monthly salary of 50,000 Qatari riyals is required for these top leadership roles.

• For other executive director positions, the monthly income threshold is 80,000 riyals, equivalent to over USD 13,000.

• Eligible applicants can sponsor their spouses and children under this program.

2. Property Investors (Residency-by-Investment Program): For those who do not meet the executive criteria, Qatar offers a real estate-based residency option.

• Investing USD 200,000 (approximately QAR 730,000) in property grants a temporary residency permit.

• A higher investment of QAR 3.65 million (around USD 1 million) secures permanent residency, along with public healthcare and education benefits.

3. Freelancers and Digital Nomads: Qatar does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Independent professionals seeking to live in the country must explore employer sponsorship or business establishment routes.

How to Apply

Applicants can apply through the Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI) or the Hukoomi e-Government Portal, where official information and document requirements are published. Generally, the process involves:

1. Eligibility Check: Confirming job position, income level, or investment value meets program criteria.

2. Document Submission: Providing proof of employment or investment, passport copies, and financial records.

3. Application Review: Authorities evaluate the application, income sources, and tax compliance.

4. Residency Issuance: Approved applicants receive residence permits, which can later include dependent sponsorship.

Quality of Life in Qatar

Qatar has rapidly developed into a major hub for business, tourism, and culture, attracting a growing expatriate population.

In Numbeo’s 2026 Quality of Life Index, Qatar ranks 18th globally, with strong performance in safety, healthcare, and overall living standards. InterNations’ Expat Insider survey places Qatar 20th, highlighting high ratings for healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, climate, and digital services, while ranking it mid-range for social integration and career satisfaction.

TASC Corporate Services ranks Doha fifth worldwide for single expats and eighth for expat families, citing strong safety, healthcare, internet speed, and a relatively moderate cost of living. In the 2025 CEOWorld quality of life ranking, Doha places 44th out of 196 countries.

Qatar’s new 10-year Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and executives aligns with a global trend toward talent-based residency programs.

The UK has reached agreements with three African nations to take back foreign offenders and individuals living in the country illegally, following threats from the government to impose visa restrictions.

In December, Namibia and Angola agreed to cooperate on deportations after warnings from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now also committed to facilitating returns.

Speaking after the agreements, Mahmood said, “The message is simple: if foreign governments refuse to take back their citizens, there will be consequences.”

The UK had previously warned that it might suspend visa issuance for citizens of Angola, Namibia, and the DRC if their authorities did not improve cooperation on deportations. The Home Office had highlighted that removals were often delayed because paperwork was not processed or individuals were required to sign their own return documents, giving the countries effective control over the process.

Officials described the returns procedures in these nations as “unacceptably poor and obstructive” and indicated that sanctions could be imposed if improvements were not made.

As part of wider reforms to the UK’s asylum system announced last November, Mahmood explained that visa penalties could be applied to countries that fail to cooperate with returns. This includes an “emergency brake” on visas for nations with high numbers of asylum seekers until deportation arrangements are properly implemented.

After the agreements were finalized, Mahmood added, “Illegal migrants and dangerous criminals will now be removed and returned to Angola, Namibia, and the DRC. I will do everything necessary to maintain order and protect our borders.”