Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica Join Cuba, Ivory Coast, Venezuela, Mauritania and Other Countries Facing Stringent Entry Restrictions to United States, Raising Deep Concern Among Travellers, New Update is Here

Published on December 18, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica have now joined the growing list of countries facing stringent entry restrictions to the United States, including Cuba, Ivory Coast, Venezuela, Mauritania, and several others. This new development has raised deep concerns among travellers worldwide.

These nations, once accessible to U.S. visitors for tourism, business, and family reunification, now face additional barriers under updated U.S. immigration policies. The latest update has left travellers uncertain about their future plans, as they now find themselves subject to severe visa limitations and entry bans.

With countries like Cuba, Venezuela, and now Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica in the mix, the ripple effect on travel, trade, and international relations is profound. Stay with us as we dive deeper into how these entry restrictions could reshape global travel for years to come.

Countries with Partial Entry Restrictions

The following countries face partial suspensions of entry and visa issuance. This typically affects tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F, M, J), and immigrant visas, but may not block all visa categories in every case. These restrictions are part of the expanded 2025 policy.

1. Angola
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Benin
4. Burundi
5. Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
6. Cuba
7. Dominica
8. Gabon
9. The Gambia
10. Laos (was partial but now full ban; included here for historical context)
11. Malawi
12. Mauritania
13. Nigeria
14. Senegal
15. Tanzania
16. Togo
17. Tonga
18. Turkmenistan
19. Venezuela
20. Zambia
21. Zimbabwe

(Total: 21 countries with partial restrictions)

Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica Added to List, Raising New Concerns

In a new move that has stirred up concerns across the Caribbean, President Donald Trump expanded the United States’ travel ban, adding Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica to the growing list of nations facing partial entry restrictions. This marks a significant shift, as it is the first time these two Caribbean nations have been included in the sweeping immigration measures, which now affect travellers from 39 countries globally.

The announcement, made via a presidential proclamation on Tuesday, outlines that these two Caribbean nations, along with 15 other countries, will now be subject to partial entry restrictions. This expansion is part of a broader effort to limit entry from nations that the U.S. government deems have insufficient security screening or inadequate information-sharing systems with U.S. authorities.

According to President Trump, the reason behind the addition of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica is their provision of citizenship to foreign nationals without a residency requirement. This means that individuals from countries already affected by the U.S. travel ban could potentially obtain citizenship in these Caribbean nations as a way to bypass U.S. immigration restrictions. The U.S. government is concerned that this loophole could allow individuals to gain status in these countries and attempt to enter the U.S. under the guise of holding citizenship from Antigua and Barbuda or Dominica.

This latest move more than doubles the scope of the original travel ban that was imposed in June. Initially, the ban targeted 19 countries, fully barring entry from nations such as Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Haiti, while partially restricting travel from countries like Cuba and Venezuela, both of which have significant diaspora communities in the Caribbean. Under the updated proclamation, the Caribbean nations now face the same restrictions, with new concerns about their access to the U.S. becoming a source of growing uncertainty in the region.

In addition to the Caribbean nations, seven other countries have now been fully banned from entry under the expanded measures, including five African nations and one from Asia and the Middle East. These nations are now subjected to the same comprehensive travel bans imposed on Afghanistan, Libya, and others previously listed.

For the Caribbean governments and citizens, the inclusion of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica on the restricted list has raised alarms. Both nations have long had close economic and cultural ties to the United States, with the U.S. being a top destination for tourism, education, trade, and remittances. Many citizens from these Caribbean islands rely on access to the U.S. for study abroad opportunities, business ventures, and family reunifications. With this new travel restriction in place, nationals from these countries are now faced with uncertainty over their future travel plans and connections to the U.S.

President Trump emphasized that these actions were part of the broader security screening concerns, specifically relating to the inability of some countries to provide adequate information on visa applicants or to cooperate sufficiently with U.S. agencies. As the U.S. continues to impose these immigration measures, many are left wondering how this will affect the Caribbean region’s broader relations with the United States.

As the travel ban expands, the Caribbean now finds itself at the heart of this growing uncertainty about future access to the U.S., which has long been a key partner for the region’s economic and cultural exchanges. With tourism, trade, and family connections tightly interwoven with the U.S., the impact of these restrictions will be keenly felt across both the Caribbean and the broader global community.

A Global Shift in Travel: U.S. Entry Bans Hit 39 Countries Hard!

The United States has imposed sweeping entry bans that will leave many nations grappling with limited or no access to one of the world’s most lucrative travel and tourism markets. With over 39 countries facing full and partial U.S. entry bans, millions of people around the globe are now wondering how these unprecedented travel restrictions will impact their future travel plans, business ventures, and family reunifications. The restrictions span tourist visas, work permits, and immigrant visas, making it a challenge for individuals from certain nations to travel to the U.S. in any capacity.

Full Entry Bans: Countries Facing Total Shutdown for U.S. Travel

In an effort to protect U.S. national security, terrorism, and visa overstays, the United States has placed a total ban on nationals from 20 countries, including Afghanistan, Libya, and Iran. These nations now face a complete shutdown for almost all U.S. visa applications, leaving millions of people from these countries in limbo. No matter the purpose—be it business, education, or tourism—the door to America is closed for these individuals unless they hold an existing valid visa.

The countries affected by this total travel ban are listed below:

1. Afghanistan
2. Burkina Faso (added in December 2025)
3. Chad
4. Republic of the Congo
5. Eritrea
6. Haiti
7. Iran
8. Libya
9. Mali (added in December 2025)
10. Myanmar (Burma)
11. Niger (added in December 2025)
12. Palestine (Palestinian Authority passport holders)
13. Sierra Leone
14. Somalia
15. South Sudan (added in December 2025)
16. Sudan
17. Syria (added in December 2025)
18. Yemen

This travel ban list is not static and can change. Countries with high terrorism threats, inadequate information-sharing systems, and insufficient vetting processes often find themselves placed on this list. For example, Iran and Syria have long been flagged as state sponsors of terrorism, pushing their nationals to the top of the total ban list.

The Impact on Tourism and Travel
Millions of would-be tourists, students, and business people from these countries now face a global travel crisis. The U.S. is one of the most important tourism hubs for people worldwide. These bans not only hurt tourism but also have lasting economic impacts on the countries affected. Industries like education, tourism, and international business are suffering losses as the global mobility system undergoes drastic changes.

Partial Entry Restrictions: How 21 Countries Are Affected by the U.S. Visa Limitations

The U.S. government has also placed partial entry restrictions on 21 countries. These nations face a limited ban on some visa types, affecting students, tourists, and work visa applicants, but not necessarily a complete travel ban. The U.S. has visa restrictions in place for nationals of these countries, meaning that only certain visa categories are restricted, while others, like diplomatic or business visas, might still be available under special conditions.

Countries under partial restrictions include:

1. Angola
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Benin
4. Burundi
5. Ivory Coast
6. Cuba
7. Dominica
8. Gabon
9. The Gambia
10. Malawi
11. Mauritania
12. Nigeria
13. Senegal
14. Tanzania
15. Togo
16. Tonga
17. Turkmenistan
18. Venezuela
19. Zambia
20. Zimbabwe

Why Partial Bans Matter:
The United States doesn’t impose full bans on these countries, but the restrictions still carry significant consequences. Tourist travel, business opportunities, and educational exchanges are severely limited, especially for young people seeking to study in the U.S. or families hoping to reunite with loved ones.

For example, Nigeria is one of the largest economies in Africa, and its nationals face travel restrictions that may affect thousands of students and business professionals who would otherwise contribute to the U.S. economy. Similarly, Venezuela, dealing with political instability, also faces limited access to U.S. visas.

Exceptions: Who Can Still Enter the U.S. Despite the Bans?

While bans and restrictions are harsh, there are exceptions. If you are a U.S. lawful permanent resident or a dual national holding a passport from a non-restricted country, you may still be able to enter the U.S. Individuals with existing visas may also enter, although future visa applicants from restricted nations face significant hurdles.

Humanitarian Exceptions:
For those with urgent humanitarian needs, including people seeking asylum or fleeing persecution, the U.S. might provide exemptions. However, these exceptions are often rare, and applicants must go through extensive vetting processes to prove the legitimacy of their claims.

What Does This Mean for International Travel and Business?

The global tourism industry is reeling from these bans. Many international travelers have cancelled plans to visit the U.S., while students and families are left stranded, unable to connect with loved ones or pursue education and career opportunities. For the business community, these bans create major disruptions to operations, especially for companies that rely on global talent and international markets.

This U.S. entry ban crisis has left both tourism officials and government agencies scrambling to find solutions. While these policies are officially justified by concerns over national security, the broader effects are undeniable.

Could These Entry Bans End Soon? Will Countries Get Removed from the List?

One of the most pressing questions is whether these bans will ever end. The U.S. government has stated that countries may be removed from the banned list if they improve their visa security and cooperation with U.S. authorities. Some countries have already started to meet the required conditions, and there is hope that they will eventually see their travel restrictions lifted.

In many cases, nations can work towards enhancing their vetting processes and cooperating more closely with U.S. agencies, improving their chances of being removed from the banned or restricted list. Countries like Nigeria, Venezuela, and Cuba may be among the next nations working towards lifting these entry bans if they meet the requirements.

The Future of Global Travel: What Lies Ahead?

In the coming years, international travel will likely continue to be influenced by national security concerns. As countries face growing immigration challenges and international political tensions, travel bans like these may become a mainstay in global travel policies.

As global mobility continues to shift, countries will need to focus on improving their visa vetting systems and international cooperation to avoid these harsh entry bans. In a world where open borders and global exchange are essential to economic growth, these restrictions represent a stark reminder of the importance of national security in the travel industry.