Jamaica Joins Bahamas, Haiti, Cuba, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and Other Caribbean Countries May Face Major Visa Delays and New Travel Bans to the US in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 11, 2025

In 2025, Jamaica joins Bahamas, Haiti, Cuba, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and other Caribbean countries may face visa delays and US travel bans due to political instability and overstay concerns. These countries are experiencing significant disruptions in travel as the US government implements stricter visa policies. Haiti has been hit with a full visa suspension, halting all visa categories, including tourist, business, and student visas. Similarly, Cuba and Venezuela face partial suspensions affecting non-immigrant visas, while Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Saint Lucia are under review for future restrictions. The increased scrutiny and delays are causing uncertainty for those hoping to travel to the US for business, education, or family reunification. This article explains the reasons behind these bans, their impact, and what this means for travelers in these Caribbean nations.

Jamaica – Overstay Risk Spotlight

Jamaica has drawn increased attention from U.S. immigration authorities due to rising rates of visa overstays by its nationals. A recent report cited more than 11,000 Jamaicans identified as suspected in-country overstayers in the United States. While there is no official full suspension of U.S. visas for Jamaicans, the heightened scrutiny means that Jamaican applicants for non-immigrant visas (such as tourist, business, or student visas) may face tighter screening, longer wait times, and possibly additional documentation requirements. Applicants should ensure their travel history is clear and their intent to comply with visa terms is well documented.

The Bahamas – High Overstay Flag on U.S. Visas

The Bahamas has not experienced a formal travel ban from the U.S., but it is under increased scrutiny due to concerns about visa overstay rates and processing delays. Bahamian nationals have an estimated overstay rate of around 4.4% among B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa holders, which has led the country to be monitored more closely. While U.S. visas are still being issued, applicants from the Bahamas may face additional scrutiny, longer interview wait times, and a more rigorous review process. This is especially true for individuals with prior U.S. visa overstays or irregular travel histories.

Haiti – Full Visa Suspension

Haiti is under a full suspension of US visa services. All categories of visas, including tourist, student, business, and family-based visas, have been halted. The suspension is due to ongoing political instability and high rates of illegal immigration. Haitian nationals seeking to travel to the US for education, business, or family reunification face significant disruptions, as they are unable to secure visas. The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince has halted most consular services, leaving applicants in limbo. Without clear timelines for resumption, Haitians are facing a prolonged period of uncertainty.

Cuba – Partial Visa Suspension

Cuba faces a partial suspension of US visa services, particularly affecting non-immigrant visas like tourist, business, and student visas. While some visas, such as diplomatic visas, remain available, other categories face severe delays or suspension. Cuban nationals seeking to visit the US for educational, professional, or leisure purposes are experiencing disruptions. The partial suspension has created an uncertain environment for many who hoped to travel for work or study, as they must now face a more difficult process and longer waiting periods.

Venezuela – Partial Visa Suspension

Venezuela has been subjected to a partial suspension of US visas, particularly impacting non-immigrant categories such as tourist, business, and student visas. The suspension is due to the country’s political instability and insufficient cooperation on immigration control. As a result, Venezuelan nationals are facing long waiting times, increased scrutiny, and uncertainty. While some visa categories remain available, those seeking to travel for education, business, or leisure are left in limbo, as visa applications are subject to delayed processing and more extensive background checks.

Antigua and Barbuda – Under Review

Antigua and Barbuda is currently under review for potential travel restrictions. The US government has raised concerns about the high visa overstay rates from the country. Although no formal suspension has been enforced, applicants from Antigua and Barbuda may face delays in obtaining visas and could experience heightened scrutiny. The US is monitoring the situation closely, and if the overstay issue persists, the country could face more significant restrictions in the future.

Dominica – Under Review

Dominica is under review for possible visa restrictions due to concerns over visa overstays. The US government is closely monitoring the country’s visa issuance and immigration controls. Although no formal suspension has been imposed, Dominican nationals may experience delays, additional scrutiny, and longer waiting times for visa processing. The US authorities have indicated that further restrictions could be applied if the current trends continue.

Saint Kitts and Nevis – Under Review

Saint Kitts and Nevis is also under review by the US for potential visa restrictions due to high overstay rates. While there is no official travel ban in place yet, nationals from this Caribbean nation may face delays and increased scrutiny when applying for US visas. The US has flagged the country for monitoring, and depending on how the situation evolves, Saint Kitts and Nevis could face future visa restrictions or processing delays.

Saint Lucia – Under Review

Saint Lucia is another country facing potential visa restrictions due to concerns over visa overstays. The US government has flagged Saint Lucia for review, and nationals may experience increased delays and more rigorous background checks when applying for US visas. Although no ban has been implemented, those hoping to travel for business, education, or leisure may encounter difficulties with the visa process, especially if the country’s overstay rates do not improve.

In 2025, Haiti joins Cuba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and other Caribbean countries may face visa delays and US travel bans due to political instability and overstay concerns.

Conclusion

Haiti has joined Cuba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, and other Caribbean countries may face major visa delays and new travel bans to the US in 2025, significantly disrupting immigration processes. The ongoing challenges with consular backlogs, extended wait times, and heightened scrutiny are creating significant barriers for individuals from these nations. As a result, applicants seeking to travel, work, or reunite with family members in the US are facing increased uncertainty and frustration. These disruptions, fueled by policy changes and resource limitations, have left African nationals uncertain about their ability to navigate the US visa process in the near future.