US Visa Rules for Tourists & Business Travelers: The United States has made its visa bond programme permanent, meaning eligible B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries (including The Gambia) may be asked to post a refundable deposit of $10,000–$20,000 before a visa is issued, with the money returned if conditions are met. US Visa Processing Overhaul in Africa: From August 1, 2026, routine US visa services are being shifted to regional hubs, and Banjul is listed among missions where routine processing will stop—so travellers may need to travel farther for appointments. Regional Mobility Boost: A 2026 intra-Africa visa-free ranking puts Seychelles top, while Benin, The Gambia and Ghana feature in the top 10, highlighting growing free-movement momentum in West Africa. Skills for Tourism & Jobs: President Barrow presided over D83m+ awards to 25 TVET institutions under the World Bank-backed SIE Fund, with priority areas including tourism and skills for youth and women. Border Tensions Affecting Farmers: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe urged President Barrow to push Senegal to halt evictions tied to a border dispute that could disrupt farming communities along the frontier. Tourism Events for Africa: AITEC World announced two major global tourism events, including a launch at WTM London (Nov 2, 2026) and an Africa Tourism Dialogue (Nov 12–14, Addis Ababa).