Antigua and Barbuda seeks answers on reported U.S. travel list
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
Antigua and Barbuda is pushing back after reports emerged suggesting it may be placed on a U.S. «yellow list» of countries facing possible travel restrictions.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has taken the matter seriously, instructing Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders to seek immediate clarification from U.S. authorities. This is according to Caribbean Times.
Seeking clarification
«We have received no prior notice from any branch of the U.S. Government regarding this issue,» said Ambassador Sanders. «We are actively seeking clarification so that we can address whatever concerns may exist.»
The list reportedly relates to concerns over Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIPs)—programs that allow individuals to acquire passports in exchange for investment. Antigua and Barbuda, like several other Caribbean nations, offers such a program, but insists it’s run with the highest international standards.
«Our citizenship program is more thorough than even the U.S. visa application process,» said Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office.
«We use global screening agencies and check all applicants through INTERPOL and other international watchlists. We even reject applicants from countries the U.S. has sanctioned.»
The government says it’s concerned that the U.S. may be acting on outdated or incorrect information.
«We have aligned our financial rules with U.S. Treasury regulations,» Hurst added. «We don’t accept applications from countries on the U.S. banned list. So if there’s a problem, we need to know exactly what it is.»
The Prime Minister's Office has already sent a diplomatic note to Washington, expressing Antigua and Barbuda’s willingness to cooperate and clear up any misunderstandings.
«We value our relationship with the United States» said Prime Minister Gaston Browne in a public statement. «If there are concerns, we are ready to address them openly and transparently.»
No decisions have been made
Other countries, including St. Lucia, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis, are also seeking clarity after being linked to the same alleged list. St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Philip Pierre commented:
We’ve had no official notice from the U.S., and we’re trying to get more information. Our countries should not be left in the dark over something this important.
Interestingly, the U.S. State Department has denied the existence of a finalized list. A spokesperson told reporters:
There’s an ongoing review ordered by the President to ensure U.S. visa policy aligns with national security. But no decisions have been made at this point.
For now, travelers from Antigua and Barbuda face no new restrictions, and the U.S. continues to list the country at its safest advisory level—Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Still, the government is treating the issue seriously. With tourism and international reputation at stake, officials say they will continue pushing for answers.
«We’ve built a trusted name in global citizenship« said Ambassador Sanders. «We’re not about to let it be undermined by speculation.»
