Antigua and Barbuda’s Hidden Deal with the US Could Change Travel Forever – What’s Really Happening Behind Closed Doors?

Published on December 20, 2025

In a significant development for Antigua and Barbuda, the government announced on Friday that it had successfully reached an agreement with the United States that would allow nationals holding valid U.S. visas to continue entering the country. This agreement applies to all U.S. visa categories, including B-1, B-2, J, and M visas, which cover tourist, business, student, and other types of U.S.-issued visas. Sir Ronald Sanders, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, confirmed that there will be no revocation of any existing visas for the country’s nationals until December 31, 2025.

Earlier this week, the government of Antigua and Barbuda confirmed that it had been in active discussions with U.S. authorities regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order, which had previously impacted nationals from Antigua and Barbuda, as well as from Dominica and Haiti. Trump’s order had raised concerns about the potential restrictions on these countries, following a broader immigration policy announcement that targeted nations offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs without residency requirements.

Background of U.S. Immigration Order and the Impact on Antigua and Barbuda

President Trump’s executive order, issued earlier in the week, included nationals from Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Haiti, subjecting them to either full restrictions or limited entry into the U.S. These restrictions stemmed from concerns related to the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs that several Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, offer. Under the CBI program, foreign nationals can acquire citizenship in exchange for substantial investments aimed at the socio-economic development of the respective country.

Trump’s order specifically noted that Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica had historically maintained CBI programs without residency requirements, which, according to the U.S. administration, posed challenges in screening and vetting individuals for immigration purposes. The order pointed out that such policies allowed for potential risks, such as the ability for foreign nationals to obtain passports from one country while bypassing travel restrictions set for their country of origin.

In his executive order, Trump outlined concerns about the potential for individuals to circumvent travel restrictions by purchasing CBI from a second country that was not subject to restrictions, thus evading U.S. entry limits. These concerns were based on past experiences where the CBI programs were deemed vulnerable to misuse, including the concealment of identities and assets, which could ultimately undermine U.S. security measures.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Diplomatic Response

In light of these concerns, the Antigua and Barbuda government expressed its intention to resolve the issue diplomatically. Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders, representing the island nation, met with U.S. officials to discuss the implications of the executive order. This meeting, which took place under the guidance of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, aimed to clarify the situation and address the issues raised by the United States.

During the meeting, several important matters were confirmed, and the officials agreed that the existing visa status for Antigua and Barbuda nationals would remain unaffected until the end of 2025. Furthermore, new visa applications submitted after January 1, 2026, would be subject to a new set of arrangements, which would involve the collection of biometric information from Antigua and Barbuda passport holders. This step would ensure full compatibility with U.S. biometric systems, streamlining the process of vetting applicants and reducing the risks associated with passport issuance.

Ambassador Sanders emphasized that the collection of biometric data would not differ from the current processes already in place for Antigua and Barbuda citizens, although the technology used would be updated to align with U.S. systems. This alignment is expected to apply to all citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, whether by birth, descent, naturalization, or investment.

A Focus on U.S.-Antigua and Barbuda Relations Moving Forward

Ambassador Sanders also expressed appreciation for the constructive approach taken by U.S. officials in resolving this issue. He acknowledged their commitment to continuing the cooperative relationship between the two nations, which has been built over many years. Despite the concerns raised by the CBI programs, Antigua and Barbuda recognized the U.S. government’s responsibility to protect national security and reiterated its commitment to working closely with U.S. authorities to ensure that its systems do not pose any risks to U.S. security.

Both the government of Antigua and Barbuda and the U.S. agreed that it is essential to preserve the legitimate travel of Antigua and Barbuda’s citizens while ensuring that the safety measures required for U.S. security are met. The ongoing diplomatic discussions are seen as a sign of the strength of the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, with both sides working to ensure that these exchanges continue without disruptions.

Ambassador Sanders concluded his statement by expressing satisfaction with the clarity achieved on the immediate concerns and reaffirming Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to continuing its efforts to facilitate strong bilateral relations with the United States. The government remains committed to resolving all outstanding issues and is determined to maintain open and effective communication with U.S. authorities as part of its long-term strategy to protect the interests of its citizens and ensure continued international cooperation.

The Future of U.S.-Caribbean Relations and Citizenship by Investment

While the U.S. has raised concerns about the risks associated with Citizenship by Investment programs, Antigua and Barbuda has expressed its intention to modernize its systems to meet international standards. This process includes enhancing the security and vetting of individuals seeking citizenship under the CBI program, which aims to address the concerns raised by the U.S. and other international partners.

Looking ahead, Antigua and Barbuda hopes that the ongoing discussions with U.S. authorities will lead to further alignment on immigration and security protocols. This alignment will be crucial not only for ensuring continued travel access for its citizens but also for fostering stronger economic and diplomatic ties with the U.S. and other international partners. By addressing the concerns raised by the U.S. and strengthening its security measures, Antigua and Barbuda can pave the way for greater stability in its international relationships and secure more favorable opportunities for its citizens and businesses.