The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has moved to calm public concern following reports that Antiguan and Barbudan nationals could, in limited cases, be required to post a visa bond when applying for a visitor visa to the United States.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the government emphasized that no bond applies to holders of existing U.S. visas, which remain valid under their current terms. Officials also clarified that while Antigua and Barbuda has been included in a U.S. Visa Bond Pilot Program, the measure applies only to a very narrow category of new visa applicants who meet specific exceptions. The bond, authorities stressed, does not apply to all travelers and does not guarantee or deny the issuance of a visa.
According to the statement, U.S. authorities have indicated that the bond is intended to encourage compliance with immigration rules, particularly timely departure. The government acknowledged that a small number of cases involving overstays and unpaid public expenses—such as hospital bills—have occurred in the past, noting that such actions can negatively affect legitimate travelers.
On the instructions of Gaston Browne, Antigua and Barbuda has re-engaged directly with the U.S. State Department at senior levels. A formal diplomatic note has been submitted outlining the country’s record, which officials say shows consistently low visitor overstay rates, significantly below those of several countries not subject to bond requirements. The government also highlighted its long-standing cooperation with the United States on immigration compliance and security matters.
The administration said its objective is to ensure Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders are treated no less favourably than nationals of other CARICOM countries, and that visa processing remains fair and reasonable.
“Discussions are ongoing, serious, measured, and persistent,” the statement said, adding that while outcomes in international diplomacy are never guaranteed, the government believes there is room for a correction to the measure.
In the meantime, citizens traveling abroad were urged to fully respect immigration laws and meet personal obligations, as the conduct of a few can affect the many. The government pledged to keep the public informed as talks continue and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the interests of Antigua and Barbuda and its people.
Please tell ppl the truth so ppl don’t waste money applying for a visa that would be nice. Get hard let them keep their refugees Please how they want to send us their refugees criminals
Tell trump black people are not going to work on any white owned farm let him send his.Grand Children to work on those farms.America agriculture is dead without migrant labour.
Encouraging to hear this is only the first phase. Consistency will determine whether the programme truly succeeds.
I am very Glad to see action, not just talk. I hope the materials reach the people who truly need them and the process stays fair and transparent
Housing security is a foundation for everything else education, health, and stability. This is a step in the right direction.
I’m happy current visa holders won’t be impacted
The USA will not change anything to make 268 visa applicants process much easier. Behind the scenes they will be telling the government which country to associate with or not.
They are not pleased 268 have a permanent Chinese embassy on island.
Why do we need this man who has no credibility to explain anything to us? We can read for ourselves. Maybe it’s for the benefit of the Laboratories, since it is said that educated people don’t support ALP.
The fact is, the DAWG is a complete failure. All his talks will never influence the US to do anything.
Antiguans and Barbudans,just sit it out where possible and get your voters card ready. When he calls an election, REMOVE the entire ALP cabal. Rest assured that the US WILL REMOVE Trump. These people aren’t spineless, compromised and corrupt like many Antiguans.
We do not need anyone to destroy this Country economy .