Skerrit says US entry restrictions on Dominicans remain in force

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the United States has not suspended its December 16 proclamation imposing partial entry restrictions on Dominican nationals, but has provided key clarifications that allow most visa holders to continue traveling as normal.

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In a statement issued Tuesday, Skerrit said the Government of Dominica has been in continuous engagement with U.S. authorities since the proclamation was announced, treating the matter with “urgency, seriousness and respect for the sovereignty of the United States.” The restrictions are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

The proclamation places limits on entry for certain Dominican citizens, though Skerrit emphasized that the measures are more limited in scope than initially feared. According to clarifications received from U.S. officials, Dominican nationals who already hold valid U.S. visas — including tourist, business and student visas — may continue to travel to the United States and its territories, subject to standard immigration laws. Existing visas are not being revoked.

Dominicans without valid U.S. visas may continue to submit applications after January 1, but new visas cannot be issued while the restriction remains in place for those affected by the proclamation. U.S. authorities have not indicated any new or additional visa application requirements specific to Dominican nationals at this time.

Skerrit said the government initiated immediate discussions through the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dominica’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., engaging both the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown and the U.S. State Department. Dominica has also formally written to the U.S. president seeking clarification and urgent dialogue.

A first formal review of the measures is expected 90 days after January 1, 2026, with the restrictions remaining in effect until U.S. authorities determine that identified concerns have been addressed.

The prime minister placed the issue within the broader context of Dominica’s recent reforms to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, which he said have been the subject of sustained engagement with U.S. officials throughout 2024 and 2025. On October 14, 2025, Dominica became the first member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to enact comprehensive legislative reforms to its CBI framework.

Those reforms include enforceable residency requirements, stricter controls on name changes, enhanced due diligence and background checks, increased financial transparency, expanded powers to revoke citizenship and recall passports, and the establishment of an independent regulatory authority.

Skerrit said the government is confident that the reforms directly address the concerns referenced in the U.S. proclamation but has formally requested confirmation from U.S. authorities on whether any additional measures are required.

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Dominica, he said, values its long-standing relationship with the United States, including cooperation on maritime security, law enforcement and regional stability. Engagement with the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown and the State Department in Washington will continue, with the aim of reversing the restrictions.

“I assure the public that the Government is acting decisively, responsibly and in the best interest of Dominican citizens,” Skerrit said, adding that further updates will be provided as discussions progress.