Antigua and Dominica to Suffer Major Economic Losses as US Imposes New Travel Restrictions

Published on December 19, 2025

In a significant blow to two Caribbean island nations, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica now find themselves caught in the crosshairs of the US government’s expanded travel restrictions. The new restrictions, announced on December 16, 2025, have left tourism stakeholders, government officials, and local residents grappling with the potential economic fallout of these sweeping measures. The US travel ban, which will begin on January 1, 2026, limits entry for certain nationals of both countries, a decision that has already sparked concern throughout the Caribbean tourism industry.

The new policy, issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, is part of the United States’ ongoing strategy to address what it describes as “deficiencies” in the passport and visa screening systems of these nations. Antigua and Dominica have both been added to a growing list of countries facing restrictions, primarily impacting tourists, business travelers, and students seeking to visit the United States. As Antigua and Dominica prepare for the new travel constraints, it is clear that the impact of these measures will be far-reaching, especially in the tourism sector.

A Devastating Blow to Tourism-Dependent Economies

The United States has historically been a key source of visitors to the Caribbean, and the announcement of new visa limitations is a source of great concern. Both Antigua and Dominica depend heavily on tourism, with the US market being among their largest. According to official statistics from Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), the Caribbean region has witnessed a steady influx of US-based travelers, contributing significantly to the region’s economy.

For Antigua and Barbuda, which welcomed over 250,000 US visitors in 2024 alone, the consequences could be catastrophic. Tourism generates approximately 60% of the country’s GDP, making any disruption to travel from the US potentially devastating. Similarly, Dominica, which recorded nearly 75,000 US visitors last year, is now faced with the challenge of sustaining local businesses, especially during the peak tourism season, which coincides with the winter holidays when many Americans travel abroad.

Local hoteliers, restaurant owners, and tour operators in both nations are already expressing concern about the decline in bookings and the possibility of reduced revenues. In Antigua, for instance, industry leaders have warned that winter bookings could see a drastic fall, while in Dominica, the eco-tourism sector — which relies on American tourists — fears a major setback.

Diplomatic Tensions and Calls for Clarification

The new US restrictions have sparked diplomatic reactions from both Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has criticized the decision, calling it an unfair characterization of his country’s security practices. Browne has expressed disappointment at the lack of prior consultation and has pledged to engage in diplomatic talks with US officials to resolve the situation.

Similarly, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has called for greater clarity from the United States, stressing that Dominica has long been a trusted partner in international security efforts. Skerrit’s government is reportedly seeking urgent talks with US authorities to understand the full scope of the travel ban and to explore potential exemptions for students, business travelers, and medical tourists.

Both governments have pledged to take all possible steps to protect their national interests, particularly in the tourism sector, which remains the lifeblood of these economies. In a recent statement, Prime Minister Skerrit emphasized that Dominica would continue to work closely with its international allies to ensure that legitimate travel between the Caribbean and the United States could continue despite these restrictions.

The Ripple Effect: Implications for the Broader Caribbean Region

While the travel restrictions primarily affect Antigua and Dominica, the ripple effects of the US decision are likely to be felt across the broader Caribbean region. Caribbean nations are already grappling with over-tourism, climate change challenges, and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the US travel ban adds another layer of difficulty.

Some tourism experts are warning that other Caribbean islands may face similar restrictions in the near future, depending on the outcomes of ongoing security assessments by the US government. The impact of the ban could be felt most strongly in smaller nations like Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Barbados, which also rely heavily on American visitors for vacation packages and luxury travel experiences.

Furthermore, the economic strain caused by the US restrictions could limit opportunities for trade and investment between the Caribbean and the United States, particularly in areas such as agriculture, education, and medical tourism. Many Caribbean nationals travel to the United States for healthcare, and restrictions on travel could disrupt this essential aspect of the region’s medical infrastructure.

Will There Be Relief? The Need for Strategic Dialogue

Despite the current tensions, there is a growing call among Caribbean leaders for increased dialogue with the United States. Tourism bodies, including the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), have urged the US to consider alternative measures that would allow for the continuation of secure travel without resorting to blanket bans that harm local economies.

Leaders are also exploring the possibility of bolstering regional tourism initiatives to reduce dependency on the US market. Countries like Antigua, Dominica, and Saint Lucia are focusing on expanding tourism from Canada, Europe, and other emerging markets in an effort to offset the economic loss from the decline in US visitors.

However, this strategy will take time to implement. Tourism officials argue that new markets won’t be able to fill the vacuum left by American travelers in the short term. Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the urgent need for short-term solutions as international travel bans take effect.

The Path Forward: What Travelers Need to Know

As the travel ban becomes official in January 2026, travelers from Antigua and Dominica may face new challenges when attempting to visit the United States. Nationals of these countries will need to reapply for visas and may be subject to additional scrutiny when entering the US, potentially causing delays for both leisure and business travelers.

For now, local tourism boards recommend that travelers from the United States consider alternative Caribbean destinations or focus on regional tourism while the situation unfolds. Additionally, travelers planning trips to Dominica and Antigua should remain vigilant about travel restrictions and any changes to flight schedules that may result from the new restrictions.