AGP Executive Report
Last update: 11 hours agoUS Visa Rules for Travelers: The U.S. has made its visa bond programme permanent, effective Aug 3, 2026. For certain B1 business and B2 tourist applicants from 50 countries (including Ethiopia), consular officers may require refundable deposits up to $20,000—kept only if the traveler overstays or breaks visa terms. Ethiopia–Tigray Security: Fighting has broken out again in western Tigray near the Sudan border, with both sides trading blame over the stalled 2022 peace deal. Addis Ababa Market Shock: Addis Ababa’s Shematera market in Mercato saw nearly 180 shops sealed for three weeks in an IMF-backed VAT enforcement drive, disrupting thousands of weavers and traders. Ethiopia in the Spotlight: A World Public Summit in Addis Ababa promoted Africa as the next frontier for global travel and events, positioning Ethiopia’s capital as a key hub. Travel Context: Ethiopia’s tourism growth angle also shows up in wider coverage on international arrivals and the push toward food and cultural experiences.
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