The Consular Newsletter (October 06-12, 2025)
This week, Mali’s $10,000 visa bond for U.S. travelers tests diplomatic ties, while the EU’s biometric border rules tighten entry checks across the bloc.
Every Monday, 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. Keep informed!
A. Announcements
Got an analysis, perspective, or story to share? The Consular Magazine explores migration and travel, particularly where governments play a role. Open to all, from students and young professionals to seasoned experts. Interested? The Center warmly welcomes your writings!
B. Video of the week
C. Consular affairs
Multiple continents
Burkina Faso refuses to take deportees as US stops issuing visas. BBC
Mali imposes $10,000 visa bond on U.S. citizens in response to Trump’s visa policy. Business Insider Africa
Turks in Gaza will mean dead Americans. Middle East Forum
UK won’t relax visa rules for India, Starmer says. BBC
Africa
Somalia invites global bids to produce new third-generation e-passport. Hiiraan Online
Americas
Nvidia CEO says company will cover visa fees; Ford warns employees about RTO. Ragan
Trump plows ahead with changes to the diversity visa lottery. Washington Examiner
Asia
China’s Consulate General in Kota Kinabalu urges intensified search to find two missing Chinese tourists. Global Times
Foreign Ministry orders probe into Thai chef’s death in Cambodia after alleged hospital refusal. The Nation
Out-of-control taxi cab slams into pole outside Chinese consulate, injures 4. New York Post
S. Korea vows swift repatriation of remains of late student after torture death in Cambodia. Yonhap News Agency
S. Korea, Cambodia in talks to bolster consular support after torture death of student. Yonhap News Agency
Europe
‘Clear parallels’ with Windrush as UK-born toddler denied passport. The Guardian
Man convicted over burning Koran outside London consulate was ‘using right to free speech’, appeal hears. The Standard
Memphis Depay late for Netherlands camp after passport stolen. ESPN
What the EU’s new biometric border rules mean for non-EU travellers. France 24
Middle East, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
D. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
Caracas warns Washington of embassy bombing threat. Veritas News
CBRE arranges lease with Consulate of Bulgaria on Michigan Avenue. Connect CRE
China mega embassy decision ‘set to be delayed again’ amid spy case row. The Independent
Hunter Biden pursued a deal to sell land around the U.S. Embassy in Romania. The New York Times
India to upgrade Afghan mission to embassy in major diplomatic shift. TRT World
Ireland to sell former Massachusetts Avenue embassy and neighboring townhouse Washington. Business Journal
Venezuela denounces alleged ‘extremist’ plan to attack shuttered US Embassy complex. The Associated Press
E. Passport, visas, and migration fraud
Cabin crew member booked for submitting sister’s passport cleared of cheating charge. The Indian Express
Operation Twin shield uncovers massive immigration fraud that “should shock all of America”. FAIR
Warrant issued for man accused of defrauding Calgarian with ruse of stolen passport. City News Calgary
Youth dies by suicide after Rs 9 lakh visa fraud; 3 booked in Moga. The Tribune
F. Perspectives
How I almost failed at renewing my kid’s passport: expat edition (by
).How to acquire the world’s most powerful passport (by
).The more you know: getting an emergency passport in Florence (by
).We’re moving abroad (and it’s messier than expected) (by
).
G. Get daily news
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Passports, visas, and migration fraud via LinkedIn.
H. Supporting consular research: in appreciation of our partners
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The views expressed are solely those of the author(s), not of the Center.