CARICOM seeks talks with US over new entry restrictions on Antigua, Dominica

In a statement, the Bureau acknowledged the sovereign right of countries to regulate entry to their borders but said it was troubled that the decision, issued by the United States of America on December 16, 2025, was taken without prior consultation. CARICOM warned that the move could have adverse effects on legitimate travel, people-to-people exchanges, and the social and economic well-being of the two small island states.

The Bureau also raised concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the status of existing visas after January 1, 2026, and urged early engagement between the United States and the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica to clarify the scope and implications of the proclamation.

CARICOM said such dialogue would be consistent with the strong and longstanding partnership between the United States and the regional bloc, reaffirming its commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, shared interests and the rule of law.

The concerns follow a new U.S. proclamation, which continues and expands restrictions on the entry of certain foreign nationals into the United States. The order affects several Caribbean countries, as well as a number of African, Middle Eastern and Asian nations, citing national security and public safety concerns.

According to the proclamation, it is U.S. policy “to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks and other national security and public safety threats.” The document argues that weaknesses in foreign identity-management systems can limit the U.S. government’s ability to properly vet travellers seeking entry.

For the Caribbean, the proclamation applies to Haiti, Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica, with varying levels of restriction depending on the country.

Haiti and Cuba remain under existing restrictions imposed by an earlier proclamation issued in June 2025. That earlier order fully restricted entry for Haitian nationals and partially restricted entry for Cuban nationals. The December proclamation states that those measures will continue, framing the new order as an extension and modification of an existing policy framework rather than a reset.

Haiti remains subject to a full suspension of entry, covering both immigrant and nonimmigrant travel. Cuba continues to face partial restrictions, which also apply to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.

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Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica were newly added under partial entry restrictions. Under the proclamation, the entry of nationals from both countries is suspended for immigrant visas and for nonimmigrant travel on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas. The order also directs U.S. consular officers to reduce the validity of other nonimmigrant visas issued to nationals of the two countries, “to the extent permitted by law.”

CARICOM said it remains committed to dialogue and cooperation as it seeks to safeguard regional prosperity and the well-being of Caribbean citizens.