PM: Antigua and Barbuda Seeking Clarification on U.S. Travel Restrictions Report

Antigua and Barbuda has formally reached out to the United States for clarification following a report suggesting the Caribbean nation could be included on a list of countries facing new travel restrictions.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, in a national address, responded to a recent New York Times article that claimed the U.S. government was preparing a list of 44 countries whose nationals may face travel bans or restrictions. Antigua and Barbuda was reportedly among the nations listed, though no official confirmation has been provided by Washington.

Browne stated that he had instructed Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the U.S., Sir Ronald Sanders, to seek immediate clarification from U.S. authorities.

“We were especially careful to emphasize that our government maintains a sanctions policy fully aligned with that of the U.S. Treasury in all financial matters,” the Prime Minister said. “Antigua and Barbuda does not accept applications from any country currently on a U.S.-banned list, and our Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) follows rigorous vetting procedures.”

The Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) has been a focal point of U.S. scrutiny in recent years, with concerns raised about security risks associated with economic citizenship schemes. However, Browne asserted that Antigua and Barbuda’s programme adheres to stringent international standards.

“All applications are rigorously vetted by recognized international agencies, including INTERPOL, to ensure that no applicants with a criminal background or current charges—including terrorism—are considered,” he said.

He reiterated the country’s commitment to working closely with the U.S. government on security matters and expressed confidence that Antigua and Barbuda’s track record would prevent any restrictions from being imposed.

While Browne acknowledged that the final decision rests with U.S. authorities, he remains hopeful that Antigua and Barbuda will not be affected.

“Upon any objective analysis, it will be found that there is no reason to restrict travel from our country,” he said.

The U.S. government has not publicly commented on the report, and it remains unclear whether Antigua and Barbuda will be included in any forthcoming travel restrictions.

If implemented, the reported U.S. travel restrictions could have significant implications for affected nations, including potential economic and diplomatic fallout. Several Caribbean nations operate similar investment-based immigration programmes, and regional governments are likely to be monitoring developments closely.

For now, Antigua and Barbuda awaits official word from Washington as it seeks to ensure that its citizens retain unimpeded travel access to the United States.

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