Antigua and Barbuda Named in New U.S. Travel Restrictions

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Antigua and Barbuda Passport

SOURCE: THE WHITE HOUSE- STRENGTHENING NATIONAL SECURITY THROUGH COMMON SENSE RESTRICTIONS BASED ON DATA: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation expanding and strengthening entry restrictions on nationals from countries with demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing to protect the Nation from national security and public safety threats.

  • The Proclamation continues the full restrictions and entry limitations of nationals from the original 12 high-risk countries established under Proclamation 10949: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
  • It adds full restrictions and entry limitations on 5 additional countries based on recent analysis: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria.
  • It also adds full restrictions and entry limitations on individuals holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents. 
  • It imposes full restrictions and entry limitations on 2 countries that were previously subject to partial restrictions: Laos and Sierra Leone.
  • The Proclamation continues partial restrictions of nationals from 4 of the 7 original high-risk countries: Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela.
    • Because Turkmenistan has engaged productively with the United States and demonstrated significant progress since the previous Proclamation, this new Proclamation lifts the ban on its nonimmigrant visas, while maintaining the suspension of entry for Turkmen nationals as immigrants.
  • It adds partial restrictions and entry limitations on 15 additional countries: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
  • The Proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.
    • The Proclamation narrows broad family-based immigrant visa carve-outs that carry demonstrated fraud risks, while preserving case-by-case waivers.

SECURING OUR BORDERS AND INTERESTS: The restrictions and limitations imposed by the Proclamation are necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the United States lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose, garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives.

  • It is the President’s duty to take action to ensure that those seeking to enter our country will not harm the American people.
  • After consulting with cabinet officials and in light of the original report pursuant to Executive Order 14161, Proclamation 10949, and country-specific information gathered since, President Trump has determined that the entry of nationals from additional countries must be restricted or limited to protect U.S. national security and public safety interests.
  • The restrictions are country-specific in order to encourage cooperation with the subject countries in recognition of each country’s unique circumstances.
  • Many of the restricted countries suffer from widespread corruption, fraudulent or unreliable civil documents and criminal records, and nonexistent birth-registration systems—systemically preventing accurate vetting.
  • Some nations refuse to share passport exemplars or law-enforcement data, while others permit Citizenship-by-Investment schemes that conceal identity and bypass vetting requirements and travel restrictions.
  • Some countries’ high visa-overstay rates and refusal to repatriate removable nationals demonstrate disregard for U.S. immigration laws and burden American enforcement resources.
  • Terrorist presence, criminal activity, and extremist activity in several listed countries result in a general lack of stability and government control—which causes deficient vetting capabilities and poses direct risks to American citizens and interests when nationals from these countries are admitted to the United States.

MAKING AMERICA SAFE AGAIN: President Trump is keeping his promise to restore travel restrictions on dangerous countries and to secure our borders.

  • In his first term, President Trump imposed travel restrictions that restricted entry from several countries with inadequate vetting processes or that posed significant security risks.
  • The Supreme Court upheld the travel restrictions put in place in the prior Administration, ruling that it “is squarely within the scope of Presidential authority” and noting that it is “expressly premised on legitimate purposes”—namely, “preventing entry of nationals who cannot be adequately vetted and inducing other nations to improve their practices.”
  • In June 2025, President Trump restored the travel restrictions from his first-term, incorporating an updated assessment of current global screening, vetting, and security risks.

JUSTIFICATION FOR FULL SUSPENSION

Burkina Faso

  • According to the Department of State, terrorist organizations continue to plan and conduct terrorist activities throughout Burkina Faso. According to the Fiscal Year 2024, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report (“Overstay Report”), Burkina Faso had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.16 percent and a student (F), vocational (M), and exchange visitor (J) visa overstay rate of 22.95 percent. Additionally, Burkina Faso has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.

Laos

  • According to the Overstay Report, Laos had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 28.34 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 11.41 percent. According to the Fiscal Year 2023, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Entry/Exit Overstay Report (“2023 Overstay Report”), Laos had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 34.77 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 6.49 percent. Additionally, Laos has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.

Mali

  • According to the Department of State, armed conflict between the Malian government and armed groups is common throughout the country. Terrorist organizations operate freely in certain areas of Mali. 

Niger

  • According to the Department of State, terrorists and their supporters are active in planning kidnappings in Niger, and they may attack anywhere in the country.  According to the Overstay Report, Niger had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 13.41 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 16.46 percent.

Sierra Leone

  • According to the Overstay Report, Sierra Leone had a B-1/B-2 overstay rate of 16.48 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.83 percent. According to the 2023 Overstay Report, Sierra Leone had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.43 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.83 percent. Additionally, Sierra Leone has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.

South Sudan

  • According to the Overstay Report, South Sudan had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 6.99 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 26.09 percent. Additionally, South Sudan has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals.

Syria

  • Syria is emerging from a protracted period of civil unrest and internal strife. While the country is working to address its security challenges in close coordination with the United States, Syria still lacks an adequate central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures. According to the Overstay Report, Syria had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 7.09 percent and a F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 9.34 percent. 

Palestinian Authority Documents

  • Several U.S.-designated terrorist groups operate actively in the West Bank or Gaza Strip and have murdered American citizens. Also, the recent war in these areas likely resulted in compromised vetting and screening abilities. In light of these factors, and considering the weak or nonexistent control exercised over these areas by the PA, individuals attempting to travel on PA-issued or endorsed travel documents cannot currently be properly vetted and approved for entry into the United States.

JUSTIFICATION FOR PARTIAL SUSPENSION (Immigrants and Nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J Visas)

Angola

  • According to the Overstay Report, Angola had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 14.43 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 21.92 percent.

Antigua and Barbuda

  • Antigua and Barbuda has historically had Citizenship by Investment (CBI) without residency.

Benin

  • According to the Overstay Report, Benin had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 12.34 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 36.77 percent.

Cote d’Ivoire

  • According to the Overstay Report, Cote d’Ivoire had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 8.47 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 19.09 percent.

Dominica

  • Dominica has historically had CBI without residency.

Gabon

  • According to the Overstay Report, Gabon had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 13.72 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 17.77 percent.

The Gambia

  • According to the Overstay Report, The Gambia had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 12.70 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 38.79 percent. Additionally, The Gambia has historically refused to accept back its removable nationals.

Malawi

  • According to the Overstay Report, Malawi had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 22.45 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 31.99 percent.

Mauritania

  • According to the Overstay Report, Mauritania had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 9.49 percent. According to the Department of State, the Government of Mauritania has little presence in certain parts of the country, which creates substantial screening and vetting difficulties.

Nigeria

  • Radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State operate freely in certain parts of Nigeria, which creates substantial screening and vetting difficulties. According to the Overstay Report, Nigeria had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 11.90 percent.

Senegal

  • According to the Overstay Report, Senegal had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 4.30 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 13.07 percent.

Tanzania

  • According to the Overstay Report, Tanzania had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 8.30 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 13.97 percent.

Tonga

  • According to the Overstay Report, Tonga had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 6.45 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 14.44 percent.

Turkmenistan

  • Since the issuance of Proclamation 10949, Turkmenistan has engaged productively with the United States and demonstrated significant progress in improving its identity-management and information-sharing procedures. 
  • The suspension of entry into the United States of nationals of Turkmenistan as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is lifted. Because some concerns remain, the entry into the United States of nationals of Turkmenistan as immigrants remains suspended.

Zambia

  • According to the Overstay Report, Zambia had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 10.73 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 21.02 percent.

Zimbabwe

  • According to the Overstay Report, Zimbabwe had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 7.89 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 15.15 percent.

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26 COMMENTS

  1. Rass Gassy will just write his buddy Donald J. a letter letter him know that he just bought 20000 hams and 1 turkey to distribute to his sycophants for the yule tide festival, so he has to ease up on the restrictions.

  2. This partial ban means no Antiguan/Barbudan may apply for a US visitor’s visa (B1/B2) or student visa. Not good.

  3. Who wants to go to The USA anyways. There are better places in the world to travel that are cleaner and safe.

  4. Once again Antigua’s controversial Citizens By Investment (CBI) programme raises its ugly head once again. Forget about the US’s and Trump’s current curtailing restrictions.

    There was already major concerns before, with our CBI outsourcing to third parties for vetting purposes. So this additional issue in regards to those who successfully apply and then don’t want reside here should have raised some governmental red flags.

    This CBI money grab at any costs has harmed the country … and continues to do so to this day.

  5. they ban antigua cuz we nah snitch on the cbi and most dem have place but no residency???
    so dem go deport everyone like the mexicans?

  6. This is interesting. I thought the Prime Minister was the one who promised a no visa restriction on Antigua and Barbuda….. happy new year guys

  11. Citizenship by Investment didn’t bother America when they wanted our loyalty. Now it’s a problem? Hypocrisy at its finest.

  12. No need for alarm.. or ruin your holiday trip to the US there are exceptions.
    Existing Visa Holders: If you already have a valid US visa, you’re likely exempt from these restrictions.
    Lawful Permanent Residents: Green card holders from Antigua and Barbuda should be okay.
    – Certain Visa Categories: Athletes, diplomats, and individuals serving US national interests may still be eligible.
    – Family-Based Immigrant Visa: Some exceptions apply, but with stricter scrutiny.

  13. This is all about Venezuela. Antigua is the only country in the region with a residency component and an Oath requirement built in its program.
    Do we really need to be closely aligned with Venezuela anyway? Also this talk of Republic. Dominica is a Republic. Let’s weigh consequences. Whether we think the retaliation is apt or not is inconsequential. Is it worth the hassle?

  14. After a recent visit to Antigua to visit family, upon my return to the US, I was flagged by immigration in the US because I hold a valid Antiguan passport. (Born Antiguan). I’ve lived in the US for over 50 years as a permanent resident with a valid green card. I’ve never in all my years of traveling to Antigua had a problem returning. I did this time. 2 1/2 hours in the immigration office waiting while they vetted me for re-entry. They found no wrong doing and I was sent on my way. Needless to say it was intimidating to say the least. Not planning on returning to Antigua anytime soon.

  15. #Kaiso_Thyme…

    …@mrs, miss, senorita or mister ………I’m speaking to, @Luc declerca
    …just to be clear, about your declaration
    …your simple and naive suggestion
    …will not hurt, the American Nation
    …because, less you forget
    …it will cause, the local businesses to be upset.
    …since, all Trump and his regime, has to do
    ..,is add some tariffs, and more sanctions too!
    …and, when this hits the American pockets
    …it could be very similar
    …to some things which cause crime, to rise in Jamaica
    …to sweet, sweet little Antigua & Barbuda
    …it’s similar, to when a man; get A JACKET!
    …because, he’s walking around with empty pockets!
    …so, do you want me?
    …this Yah #Jumbee_Picknee!
    …to, hit you with another verse?
    ..or, do you want to; put your thoughts, in reverse.

    Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
    De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏾Garrat_Bastard

    Vere Edwards
    …

  16. @Antiiguan

    50 years living in the USA and you didn’t consider getting citizenship?

    Man you so stupid that you deserve to have your ass deported to El Salvador

  17. People, open your eyes. Most of the countries that are restricted are African countries.
    IT’S ALL ABOUT AIR PEACE.
    ITS ALL ABOUT THE MISSING AFRICANS THAT LANDED HERE SEVERAL YEARS AGO.
    ITS ALL ABOUT THE AFRICANS THATS WERE SMUGGLED TO THE USVI AND THE USA.

  19. ALP mash up the CIP.in 2014,they said ready to rebuild and it’s nothing but mash up we are seeing.

  24. This is why some of us opposed CIP when it was introduced by UPP. We know the ALP would make a mess of it as soon as they got back into government. Under the ALP, CIP is a fire sale on Antiguan passports to every undesirable who wants access to the west. The PM will have to end his CIP slush fund. Bird people too love go America.

  25. @informed citizen.

    One day, one of these foreign operative that you so lackadaisically dismiss, will scorch earth across Antigua or one of the vulnerable carribean islands, and only then you will understand the gravity of your ignorant views.

    Make no mistake, it is coming, because their is one thing I know that you haven’t really seen yet, is true inhibited evil.

    Yes we have seen killings, but when you have seen someone from your family jumping from the 60th floor of a building, only trying to escape a 2500 degree burning building, only then you might wake up to the evil that’s really around you.

    Many of us look at things from a far, but then their are some of us who have seen it close up.

    So go ahead and talk your ignorance.

    But trust me, you will learn.

Comments are closed.