Antigua and Barbuda has been listed among countries facing new United States entry restrictions under a proclamation signed by US President Donald Trump on December 16, 2025, with the measures scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026.
U.S President Donald Trump
In the proclamation, the US government argues that the restrictions are part of a broader national security and public safety policy aimed at strengthening screening and vetting in the visa process and limiting entry from countries it considers to have risk factors or information-sharing deficiencies.
For Antigua and Barbuda, the proclamation specifically points to concerns related to Citizenship by Investment (CBI), stating that the country has historically offered CBI “without residency,” which Washington says can complicate identity verification and screening. The proclamation also raises broader concerns about individuals potentially using alternative passports to bypass restrictions imposed on their original nationality.
What the proclamation says for Antigua and Barbuda
Under the section addressing Antigua and Barbuda, the proclamation states that entry to the United States will be suspended for Antiguan and Barbudan nationals seeking:
• immigrant visas, and
• nonimmigrant visas in the B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J categories.
It also directs consular officers to reduce the validity of other nonimmigrant visas issued to Antiguan and Barbudan nationals to the extent permitted by law.
Who may still be exempt
The proclamation outlines exceptions, including lawful permanent residents of the United States, and dual nationals traveling on passports from countries not listed under the restrictions.
Certain diplomatic and official visa categories are also exempt, along with some special circumstances such as participation in major international sporting events and other case-by-case national interest waivers.
The proclamation indicates that the restrictions apply to nationals who are outside the United States on the effective date and who do not have a valid visa on that date.
Regional implications
Antigua and Barbuda is not the only Caribbean nation mentioned. Dominica is also listed under similar partial restrictions, with the proclamation likewise referencing CBI-related concerns.
The policy is expected to draw attention across the region, particularly in countries with CBI programmes, as governments and affected nationals assess what the updated US measures may mean for travel, study, family-based migration, and business links with the United States.
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