Destinations

A Boston federal judge delayed the Trump administration's visa restrictions capping international student visas at four years, preventing harm to Boston area universities and doctoral programs. The ruling was issued on September 14, 2026, one day before the new rule was to take effect.

Illinois and 21 other states filed a lawsuit on September 14, 2026, to block a new DHS rule broadening criteria to deny green cards based on use of public benefits. The rule could cause billions in lost federal funding and deter immigrant families from accessing aid.

Zanzibar saw 124,481 tourist arrivals in August 2026, an 18% rise from the previous year. Europe accounted for 58.1% of arrivals, with air travel comprising 92% of entry modes.

GCC states welcomed over 75 million tourists in 2025, with tourism spending reaching $131 billion. Saudi Arabia attracted nearly 40% of visitors, receiving 30 million international tourists.

The U.S. government announced on September 10, 2026, a proposal to end the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders after job loss. This would require immediate departure from the country upon employment termination.

A new federal rule will cap the duration of US visas at four years starting September 15, 2026. Visa holders must renew or reapply after four years under the new regulation.

More than 75 million tourists visited GCC countries in 2025, with Saudi Arabia welcoming 30 million international tourists. GCC ministers met in Manama in 2026 to plan joint recovery actions and future tourism integration under the GCC Strategy 2023-2030.

A federal rule effective September 15, 2026, caps US visa durations at four years nationwide. Visa holders will face a maximum authorized stay of four years.

The US Department of Homeland Security proposed ending the 60-day grace period allowing H-1B and other work visa holders to stay in the US after losing jobs. If adopted, affected workers would need to leave the country immediately upon job loss.

GCC countries recorded more than 75 million tourist arrivals in 2025, with tourism spending rising to $131 billion. Saudi Arabia hosted 30 million international visitors, representing nearly 40% of the region's total.