Dominica Unites with St. Kitts And Nevis, Antigua, Grenada and Saint Lucia in Norway’s Shadow-Ban of Caribbean CBI Passport Holders Despite Visa-Free Travel Rights

Published on December 16, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Norway has implemented a controversial travel restriction that affects citizens from five Caribbean nations: Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Saint Lucia. Despite these countries having visa-free access to the Schengen Area, which includes Norway, individuals holding passports obtained through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs have been denied entry. The move, which began in August 2025, has sparked concern that it could be a precursor to similar actions by other Schengen nations. Here’s a breakdown of this issue and what it means for travelers and the tourism industry.

Who Is Affected by the Policy?

The countries whose citizens are impacted by this policy are Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Saint Lucia. These nations have long enjoyed visa-free travel to Norway, allowing their citizens to visit for up to 90 days without needing a visa. However, in recent months, Norwegian border authorities have refused entry to citizens holding passports issued under the CBI programs of these countries. This action has led to confusion and frustration among travelers who believed they were within their rights to travel freely to Norway and other Schengen Zone countries.

Why Is Norway Denying Entry?

Norwegian authorities have justified their actions through a legal interpretation of their immigration laws, specifically Section 17(1)(a) of the Immigration Act. This law allows border officials to deny entry if a traveler’s passport is deemed “invalid” due to non-compliance with Norway’s passport issuance standards. As CBI programs in the Caribbean often allow applicants to receive passports without physically appearing before the authorities, Norway has argued that these passports do not meet their legal requirements for travel documents.

While this policy does not officially change the visa-free status of these countries, it effectively nullifies the passport’s validity in practice. The refusal orders issued at the border state that the passport holder has failed to meet Norwegian standards for passport issuance, thereby deeming the document “not valid” for entry.

Where is This Happening and How Could It Spread?

This operational policy has been implemented exclusively at Norwegian borders, but there are growing concerns that other Schengen countries might adopt similar measures. If other countries within the Schengen Zone follow Norway’s lead, it could severely undermine the visa-free status of Caribbean CBI passport holders throughout Europe. This “legal trick” of invalidating passports could create a ripple effect that impacts travelers from Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua, Grenada, and Saint Lucia, making it much harder for them to travel freely in the Schengen Area.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

Travelers holding CBI passports from the affected countries have found themselves at the mercy of this internal policy. Many have been issued immediate deportation orders upon arrival, and the lack of an appeal process at the border has left them with limited options for redress. For those who rely on these CBI passports for business or leisure travel, this new development is a significant blow, especially given that they were previously able to travel freely under the Schengen Agreement.

The Impact on Caribbean Tourism

This policy is also likely to have a broader impact on tourism to Norway and other Schengen countries from the Caribbean. For countries like Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and Saint Lucia, tourism is a major source of income. The travel bans could deter tourists from visiting Norway, reducing the flow of visitors who might otherwise have spent money in local businesses, stayed in hotels, and explored the country’s attractions.

The Caribbean, on the other hand, is renowned for its tourism sector, offering beautiful beaches, rich cultural experiences, and historical sites.

Here’s a quick overview of the top attractions and activities in these affected countries that attract international tourists:

What Is the Bigger Picture and What Should Travelers Do?

While the official visa-free status of these Caribbean countries remains intact on paper, the practical implications of this new policy are profound. Travelers holding CBI passports from the affected nations must now consider additional preparations before traveling to Norway. These may include checking with Norwegian authorities or consular services to ensure that their travel documents will not be contested upon arrival. Moreover, the potential for this policy to spread to other Schengen nations means that CBI passport holders must stay informed about evolving travel restrictions.

In conclusion, while Norway’s actions may seem like an isolated case, they highlight a growing trend that could significantly impact Caribbean nations’ citizens who rely on CBI programs for mobility. As this situation unfolds, the broader implications for international travel, diplomatic relations, and the integrity of visa-free agreements remain to be seen.

Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Caribbean CBI Passport Holders

As this situation develops, the future of Caribbean CBI passport holders’ access to the Schengen Zone remains uncertain. While Norway’s actions may be seen as an isolated case, the potential for other Schengen countries to adopt similar policies could have far-reaching consequences. Affected travelers should be aware of the situation and take necessary precautions when planning travel to Schengen Area countries in the future. Meanwhile, the broader impact on tourism between the Caribbean and Europe highlights the need for further international dialogue and cooperation to protect the rights of travelers globally.