Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica have begun diplomatic engagements with the United States after President Donald Trump announced new visa restrictions affecting nationals of the two Caribbean countries, as well as Haiti and Cuba.
A new U.S. proclamation issued Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, places Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica under partial entry restrictions. Under the order, the entry of nationals from both countries as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is suspended. In both cases, the proclamation points to concerns related to citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs that do not require residency.
Antigua’s response
The Antigua and Barbuda government said Tuesday that it is “actively engaged” with U.S. authorities to seek clarity and reversal of the measures, which would either fully restrict or limit entry into the United States for affected nationals.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, said he has initiated discussions with the U.S. State Department to understand the scope of the restrictions, including the status of visas issued before December 31, 2025.
“Our general objective is to engage fully with the U.S. Government to discuss the concern expressed about the basis for the visa restrictions, namely that ‘Antigua and Barbuda has historically had Citizenship by Investment without residency,’” Sanders said in a statement. “Our efforts are directed at reaching understandings with the U.S. Government that would allow the restoration of visas to Antigua and Barbuda nationals.”
He said further information will be provided as discussions continue.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne earlier said his administration had taken “careful note” of the U.S. proclamation and expressed disappointment that Antigua and Barbuda was included based on what he called an inaccurate characterisation of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
“That assertion does not reflect the present reality of our laws,” Browne said, noting that Antigua and Barbuda has worked “closely and constructively” with several U.S. government departments over the past year to strengthen safeguards within the programme.
“It is therefore an error to state that Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme operates without a residency requirement,” Browne said.
The prime minister added that Sanders had been informed by State Department officials that they were surprised by the proclamation and had received no prior notice of its issuance. Browne said he will also write directly to President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, offering full cooperation to address any concerns and restore all visa categories.
Antigua and Barbuda, he said, values its long-standing relationship with the United States, its largest trading partner, and remains committed to maintaining strong bilateral ties based on “mutual respect, cooperation, and accurate understanding.”
Dominica’s response
Meanwhile, the Government of Dominica acknowledged the U.S. decision in a statement issued Tuesday, confirming that partial travel restrictions affecting Dominican nationals are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
In a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy, the Dominican government said it understands the concern the announcement may cause and assured citizens that the matter is being treated with urgency.
The government said it is engaging officials at the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados, to obtain clarification on the scope of the measures, the basis for the decision, and the implications for Dominican travellers, students, families and other legitimate U.S. visa holders. Officials said further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
