Antigua and Barbuda moves to protect nationals amid new U.S. Visa Restrictions
/ Our Today
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In an Our Today news follow-up, Antigua and Barbuda hits back at US visa restrictions, the government of Antigua and Barbuda is assuring its national citizens that it is taking swift and constructive action following recent U.S. decisions restricting the issuance of new visas to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda.
In his New Year’s Address to the Nation, Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed that all existing United States visas held by Antiguans and Barbudans remain valid and will be honoured, while his administration has already begun the work required to establish a system through which new visas can be issued in an orderly and systematic manner.
The Prime Minister emphasised that Antigua and Barbuda will continue to engage the United States respectfully and persistently, guided by the long-standing relationship between the two countries and the Government’s duty to protect the interests of the people. Recent U.S. policy changes announced in December 2025 introduced expanded travel and visa restrictions affecting multiple countries with partial restrictions set to take effect from January 1, 2026.
Prime Minister Brown of Antigua and Barbuda remains confident in its ability to address the issues raised through diplomacy and technical engagement, adding that the country’s strength lies in competence, resilience and steady dialogue. Dominicans have also been slapped with similar action. US President Trump in signing the proclamation authorising the visa clampdown for Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, cited concerns over screening, vetting and citizenship by investment programmes by the two CARICOM states.
Both CARICOM states have historically offered citizenship by investment without residency, which U.S. authorities say creates vulnerabilities in identity verification and vetting. Arising from the proclamation, Consular officers have been directed to reduce the validity of other non-immigrant visas issued to nationals of these two states, where permitted by law.
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