Antigua and Barbuda to Propose Visa Policy Reforms Amid EU Concerns
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that his government will present proposed legislative changes to Parliament next month in a bid to preserve visa-free travel to the European Union.
Speaking after talks with EU officials, Browne urged that any new measures imposed by the bloc should remain within the scope of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
“If the European Union feels compelled to implement new measures, we propose that these should not extend beyond the Electronic Travel Authorization framework,” he said, adding that such a system would allow the EU to manage entry without imposing full visa requirements.
Browne underscored the importance of maintaining visa-free access for Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders, describing it as vital for the country’s global mobility and economic stability.
The EU is reviewing its visa waiver policies amid growing concerns about irregular migration, security risks, and citizenship-by-investment programmes.
A revised visa suspension mechanism now includes expanded criteria, including the impact of ‘golden passport’ schemes in third countries.
Antigua and Barbuda’s government says it remains hopeful for a solution that meets EU standards while safeguarding citizens’ travel freedoms.
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Better to fix it now than wait till things get worse with the EU.
Visa reform ain’t easy but it necessary to protect the country’s reputation.
Respect to the government for addressing this head-on.
This show that Antigua serious about maintaining strong international relationships.
Hope the reforms strike the right balance—protect the passport but keep the benefits.
Boy everybody attacking our CIP. Is it that much of a threat
It’s sad really that large countries feel the need to bully developing nations. If there is an issue with certain nationalities, address them head on. There is a designated space on passports for country of birth. The ETA is completely sufficient to weed out any unwanted visitors. In fact it is a visa despite the claim to the contrary. It is subject to prior approval. With this in mind, the sole purpose seems to be to destroy our CIP while theirs remain intact.
Antigua is going to stick with the CIP until visa free travel for Antiguans is revoked by all first world countries and then the CIP itself will die as nobody wants a passport that provides no travel benefits. Then everyday Antiguans will not be able to travel anywhere Visa free and there will also be no more CIP money. We need to know when to cut our losses and end the CIP before it is too late.