The Consular Newsletter (January 05-11, 2026)
This week, the U.S. detained Ghana’s former finance minister for overstaying his visa, while Mali activated a reciprocal visa regime for Americans.
Every week, the Consular Newsletter updates consular officials, diplomats, migration lawyers, researchers, and travel industry professionals with the latest major news on consular affairs and diplomatic networks.
A. Announcements
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B. Video of the week
C. Consular affairs
Multiple continents
Armenia’s Consulate General in Aleppo continues operations amid clashes. MassisPost
Belgium halts consular services for citizens in ‘Israeli’ settlements. Roya News
Candidate for Vancouver’s mayoralty says he unwittingly dined with Chinese consular official and government supporters. The Breaker News
Consular access sought for SL fishermen held in Seychelles. Sri Lanka Mirror
Mali activates reciprocal visa regime for Americans after US pressure, clarifies entry rules. Business Insider Africa
Ofori-Atta declines consular meeting after ICE detention — Ghana embassy confirms. Modern Ghana
US detains ex-Ghana finance minister for overstaying visa. Business Insider Africa
Africa
Africa’s largest diamond producer, Botswana introduces $75k golden passport programme. Business Insider Africa
Americas
American travelers issue dire warning after landing abroad only to discover their passports had been canceled. Daily Mail
Americans may soon be required to only hold one passport. Time Out
Extensive Hawaiʻi consulate system sparked early growth. Honolulu Civil Beat
U.S. expands visa bond policy to 38 countries including Cuba, Venezuela. Spectrum News 13
Venezuela situation worsens: US urges citizens to leave, suspends all consular services. The 420
Europe
Almost 13,000 Irish passports to be re-issued. BBC
Middle East
Russian Embassy in Yemen reports difficulties for tourists stranded in Socotra. YemenOnline
Asia, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
D. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
‘Appalling’: Samoa to open Israel embassy in Jerusalem, sparking criticism. Middle East Eye
Argentina halts Jerusalem embassy move over Falklands drilling dispute. The Times of Israel
Canada to open mission in Fiji. FBC News
Chad officially opens first permanent Embassy in Cotonou, Benin. APA News
Palestine on British soil’: Palestinian embassy in London officially inaugurated. The Jerusalem Post
Russia denies targeting Qatar Embassy in Kiev, blames Ukraine. TRT World
Samoa to establish embassy in Jerusalem, deepen Israeli ties, PM Laoli Lauatea Schmidt says. The Jerusalem Post
U.S. Diplomats visit Venezuela to assess reopening embassy. CNN
US making preparations in case Trump decides to reopen embassy in Caracas, official says. Reuters
E. Passports, visas, and migration fraud
Federal prosecutors aim to revoke citizenship of East Ridge man sentenced in passport fraud case. Chattanooga Times Free Press
Man from Dominican Republic pleads guilty to passport, voter fraud. Mlive
Mexican man sentenced to 2 years in prison for passport fraud. WMBB News 13
F. Honorary consuls and current jobs
United Kingdom in Baden-Württemberg state, Germany (deadline: January 15, 2026)
Access jobs: link
G. Perspectives
195: London’s “piece of Palestine on British soil”, Starmer’s Embassy is inaugurated (by Jonny Gould)
Candidate for Vancouver’s mayoralty says he unwittingly dined with Chinese consular official and government supporters (by Bob Mackin)
Cas de rigueur et adolescence en Suisse, une intégration exceptionnelle qui oblige le droit (by Loma Hiettalahti)
My souring love affair with my “bad boyfriend” Indian passport (by Pallavi Aiyar)
Resolute John Florio at the French embassy (by Marianna Iannaccone)
The Third Great Migration – choosing liberation over loyalty (by misogynoir2mishpat)
Tout ce qui change en 2026 pour les voyages et l’immigration aux États-Unis (que des vraies infos) (by Déborah Laurent)
Will Britain hit net-zero migration this year? (by Fraser Nelson)
H. Get daily news
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The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings via LinkedIn.
Passports, visas, and migration fraud via LinkedIn.
Honorary consuls via LinkedIn.
I. Supporting consular research
The Center warmly thanks its Partners, Members, and Donors for their support.
Incubating partner: Yonsei University
Country research partner: (AL) Albanian Institute for International Studies
Support consular research by becoming a Partner, Member, or Donor. Media professionals interested in contributing to The Diplomatic and Consular Networks Database and Rankings, please feel free to contact the Center.
The views expressed are solely those of the author(s), not of the Center.