Antigua and Barbuda Reports Low US Visa Overstay Rate Amid Regional Concerns

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.