Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica Added to US Travel Ban List

The White House has issued a new update to the U.S. travel ban list, adding Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. Under the revised measures, citizens from both countries will face entry restrictions when traveling to the United States.

These two Caribbean nations have now joined a list that was recently expanded to include more than a dozen countries. According to the White House, the restrictions are country-specific and aim to encourage cooperation based on each nation’s individual circumstances. In an official statement, the administration noted that the measures are designed to address concerns related to national security.

Why are Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica in this list?

The U.S. government stated that the partial restrictions are linked to both countries’ citizenship-by-investment programs, which allow individuals to obtain nationality without mandatory residency requirements. Officials argue that these schemes raise security concerns that warrant additional scrutiny.

The ban includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, and specific visa categories such as diplomats and professional athletes, as well as individuals whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. national interests.

The response from Antigua and Barbuda: working to restore the travel flows without tourism effects

In response, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the decision “does not reflect the reality of our laws” and confirmed that the government is working with U.S. authorities to restore normal travel flows and ensure that tourism to the country is not affected.