Sir Ron Sanders

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Prime Minister  Gaston Browne has taken diplomatic action regarding concerns about potential travel restrictions for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

He has instructed the country’s ambassador to Washington, Sir Ronald Sanders, to send a diplomatic note to the U.S. State Department.

The note requests clarification on whether Antigua and Barbuda will be included in a draft “yellow list,” which is said to involve tiered travel restrictions affecting 22 countries.

This move comes in light of a recent article from the New York Times citing unnamed U.S. officials who suggest that countries listed in the yellow tier—including Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis—would be given a 60-day period to address unspecified deficiencies. Should they fail to do so, their citizens may face increased travel restrictions, potentially being categorized as red or orange.

​Prime Minister Browne expressed his discontent with the situation during a national address, asserting that there is no objective justification for Antigua and Barbuda to be placed on a list that could hinder the travel of its citizens.

He emphasized the nation’s commitment to resolving any issues while highlighting the proactive measures the government is taking in response to these possible changes.

As discussions continue, the government of Antigua and Barbuda remains vigilant, anticipating further developments related to the draft list before it is officially presented to the White House.