Antigua and Barbuda Among OECS Nations Facing Possible U.S. Visa Ban Over CIP

Antigua and Barbuda and other OECS countries find themselves under scrutiny as concerns grow over their Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

A recently leaked memo from the U.S. government reveals that Antigua and Barbuda, along with three other countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)—Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia—may soon face U.S. visa restrictions.

This document, reported by The Washington Post, highlights the potential for travel limitations affecting citizens from 36 nations unless they comply with new U.S. immigration criteria within a tight 60-day window.

Dated June 14, 2025, and signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the memo expresses grave concerns regarding the implications of selling citizenship without sufficient residency requirements.

The U.S. government flagged issues related to national security, such as insufficient civil documentation systems, notable visa overstays, and allegations of “anti-American activities” involving some passport holders from these nations.

To avoid possible travel sanctions, affected governments are to submit an action plan detailing how they intend to address these new standards by next Wednesday at 8 a.m.

Antigua and Barbuda’s CIP serves as a critical revenue source for the nation, funding essential programs like Social Security and various state initiatives.

Despite the current challenges, the government has stood firm in its support for the program, asserting its importance for economic development while simultaneously working to strengthen its vetting processes over the years.