Few Antigua citizens may face US visa bond, says PM Browne

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has moved to reassure citizens following reports that some nationals could be required to post a visa bond when applying for a U.S. visitor visa.

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In a statement issued Tuesday, officials clarified that holders of existing U.S. visas are not affected and their visas remain valid. The new requirement is part of a U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program and applies only to a narrow group of new visa applicants who meet specific exceptions. Authorities emphasized that the bond does not automatically grant or deny a visa.

The U.S. has said the bond is intended to encourage compliance with immigration rules, particularly timely departure. The Antiguan government acknowledged that a small number of cases in the past—such as overstays or unpaid public expenses like hospital bills—have contributed to these concerns.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has directed officials to engage directly with the U.S. State Department. A formal diplomatic note has been submitted highlighting Antigua and Barbuda’s low visitor overstay rates, long-standing cooperation with U.S. authorities, and record of compliance with immigration and security measures.

The government said its goal is to ensure Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders are treated no less favorably than other CARICOM nationals and that visa processing remains fair. “Discussions are ongoing, serious, measured, and persistent,” the statement said, noting that while diplomatic outcomes are never guaranteed, there is room for a correction.

In the meantime, citizens traveling abroad were urged to respect immigration laws and meet personal obligations, as the actions of a few can affect many. The government pledged to continue updating the public and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the country’s interests.

The response from the government follows an advisory from the U.S. State Department, which states that as of January 21, 2026, the U.S. will require certain travelers—including nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Cuba—to post a refundable visa bond under a pilot program targeting short-term visitors (B1/B2 visas for tourism, family, or business). Bonds range from US$5,000 to $15,000 depending on the case, though approval for a visa is still possible.