Antigua and Dominica Respond to U.S. Travel Ban

M.A. Dworkin

St. John’s, Antigua - Antigua and Barbuda along with Dominica will encounter partial entry restrictions beginning January 1, 2026. President Donald Trump expanded restrictions on foreign nationals entering the United States by targeting two Caribbean nations that offer Citizenship by Investment (CBI), but he exempted three other nations that offer similar programs. 

The proclamation blocks nationals from both countries from obtaining: Immigrant visas, B-1 visas, B-2 visas B-1/B-2 visas, F visas, M visas and J visas.

The Trump Administration move against the two small Caribbean nations raises fears of economic disruption in a region where mobility to the United States supports various aspects of everyday life, including tourism, education, healthcare and family visits. Business leaders and residents from the two nations said the move threatens to slow local economies, disrupt air travel routes, and cut long-standing family ties.    

“Health is a big reason why a lot of people travel to the United States to seek medical attention, and the medical expertise that’s available in the U.S.,” said one medical services manager. “That is going to be a big, big problem for some people.” 

The White House explicitly cited the CBI programs as the rationale for restricting the two island nations.

“A foreign national from a country that is subject to travel restrictions could purchase CBI from a second country that is not subject to travel restrictions, obtain a passport in the citizenship of that second country, and subsequently apply for a United States visa for travel to the United States, thus evading the travel restrictions on his or her first country,” Trump warned.

U.S. law enforcement and the State Department have determined that “historically, CBI programs have been susceptible to several risks.” 

“These risks include allowing individuals to conceal his or her identity and assets, to circumvent travel restrictions or financial banking restrictions,” the Department stated.

Although Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia operate similar CBI programs, they were not included in the proclamation.

Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed disappointment at his country’s inclusion in the ban. He rejected the Trump Administration’s characterization of the CBI program.

“I am deeply disappointed that Antigua and Barbuda has been included in this proclamation on the stated ground that our Citizenship by Investment Program has historically operated without a residency requirement…This assertion does not reflect the present reality of our laws,” said the Prime Minister. “We have engaged in good faith with several U.S. departments over the past year to strengthen CBI safeguards. Our government accepted practical suggestions and took concrete steps to ensure the program presents no risk whatsoever to the security of the United States.” 

The Antiguan Parliament recently enacted legislation introducing a mandatory 30-day physical residency requirement as a strict condition for citizenship qualification.

Antigua’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, contacted the State Department immediately following the release of the proclamation. Officials told Mr. Sanders, they found the proclamation surprising and had no prior notice of its issuance.

The United States serves as Antigua and Barbuda’s most significant trading partner and continues to enjoy a substantial and consistent trade surplus with the Caribbean nation.         

PM Browne stressed that the relationship with the United States predates the independence of both nations and rests on long-standing ties of friendship, shared democratic values, and close people-to-people connections. He said he is writing directly to President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio offering the full engagement and cooperation of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to address any concerns and restore normal visa access.

Dominica’s government issued a brief statement acknowledging the restrictions and promising urgent engagement with U.S. authorities. Officials are actively consulting with the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, to obtain clarification on the scope, basis, and specific implications for Dominican travelers, students and families. 

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, said his government pledged to work closely with the U.S. authorities to address identified issues and protect Dominican citizen’s interests. 

“We are committed to treating the matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency,” said the Prime Minister. 

There are now 38 nations targeted by the Trump Administration in its crackdown involving tougher and broader travel restrictions coming into the U.S.  

Antigua and Barbuda quickly issued reassurances to U.S. travelers and the travel industry that the recent U.S. visa requirements to enter into the United States does not affect tourists entering their country. Officials confirm there are no changes to entry rules, airport operations, or travel plans for visitors gaining entry into Antigua and Barbuda.