Antigua and Barbuda recorded a US overstay rate of 1.38%, which is relatively low compared to other Caribbean nations, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Entry/Exit Overstay Report for Fiscal Year 2023.
The United States of America is trying to reduce the number of people with overstays on their US visas by implementing several measures, including its latest bond of up to US$15k.
In the region, Jamaica’s overstay rate of 5.25% stands out, with over 12,000 Jamaican nationals overstaying their visas in 2023.
This figure represents more than triple the global average of 1.45%.
Specifically, the report monitors nonimmigrant visitors arriving only by air and sea and omits land border entries such as those from Canada or Mexico.
For non-Visa Waiver Program countries like Jamaica and most of the Caribbean, the average overstay rate was 3.2%, meaning Jamaica was significantly higher than this regional benchmark.
Haiti had the highest overstay rate in the region at 31.38%, with 27,269 travelers overstaying their visas out of 86,906 expected departures. Other Caribbean countries reported lower rates: The Bahamas at 1.43%, Trinidad and Tobago at 0.77%, Barbados at 0.52%, and Saint Lucia at 1.96%.
According to the report, an overstay is defined as a traveler who remains in the U.S. beyond their authorized period without an extension or status adjustment. It’s important to note that some overstays are classified as “suspected in-country overstays,” as not all occurrences are confirmed.
The report indicates that while over 565,000 overstays were recorded from nearly 39 million expected air and sea departures in FY 2023, 98.55% of travelers adhered to their visa terms.
However, an overstay rate above 2% raises concerns. High overstay rates may result in visa ineligibility, entry bans, and enhanced scrutiny for future travelers.
Thanks! Good reporting. Is the actual number of overstays for Antigua available like they are for Jamaica and Haiti?
We may not qualify for the new Visa scheme for overstaying but we certainly qualify due to our CIP program
People who overstay on their visas usually are just looking for greener pastures. Some found it abd some didn’t. It also means that our people tend to stay at home more than relying on the US
We need to know in that percentage rate, “how much are native born Antiguans and Barbudans?” That rate is by citizen of Antigua and Barbuda not by nationality. The government of Antigua and Barbuda needs to be very careful who they give citizenship too, because in the long run the native born of the country suffers the most.
You’re absolutely right. Many Jamaican s now hold Antiguan passports. So it is extremely important for them to check country of birth on the passports of those labeled as Antiguans my documentation.
This data helps preserve our reputation and tourism privileges. We should continue public education on visa compliance to keep rates low
The numbers make clear that a few bad apples can spoil it for many. Governments need to track and address the reasons behind overstays—whether it’s economic pressure, misinformation, or poor planning
I would rather live in the UK than the US. Europeans are tender and loving abd kind. Some of them. Not sure why people flocking to the US. I’ve never been there. And I dont wanna go.
A low overstay rate is great, but it doesn’t mean we are immune from the proposed US visa bond policy, especially with the focus on countries with CBI programs. Our government must use this data to aggressively advocate on behalf of our citizens to ensure that these new travel hurdles do not unfairly impact our people or our economy.
The first white pioneers from Europe who settled in the. Vast territory that became the USA overstayed their presence. therefore , the USA is a country of immigrants and it had becoming the most richest and powerful in the world thanks to the pioneers and the black slaves. and the native people.. The cause behing the present issue, is that the white majority of white Americans are afraid of becoming a minority in the future. The us in reality belongs to the native indians therefore every body else and their ancestors had overstayed their presence in the USA.
This is why I find it hard that the policies they are putting in targets us too. Only target the country that’s giving you trouble not us