US Visa Bond Made Permanent: The US has permanently adopted a refundable security-deposit policy for some B1/B2 business and B2 tourist visa applicants, with consular officers able to demand up to $20,000 before visas are issued; the rule took effect Aug 3, 2026 and includes Ethiopia among affected African countries, raising costs and adding a new hurdle for travelers. Ethiopia Travel Safety Check: A new roundup says Ethiopian Airlines is currently in good standing with IATA/IOSA and is not listed on the EU Air Safety List (though it notes past fatal accidents like ET302). Aviation Disruption Watch (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) opposed a planned aviation unions strike over alleged non-remittance of ticket service charges, urging unions to verify facts to avoid travel disruption. Tourism Growth & Food: UN Tourism reports international travel stayed resilient in early 2026, with Africa up 4% in arrivals; meanwhile, gastronomy is emerging as a new tourism driver across the continent. Ethiopia-Linked Regional Mobility Debate: Pan-African scholar Patrick Lumumba urged Nigeria to scrap visa barriers for Africans, arguing it blocks investment and AfCFTA goals. Climate & Travel Risk (AU): The AU urged El Niño preparedness across Africa after models pointed to a strong 2026 event, with potential drought and extreme weather impacts.