The United States has reduced the validity of B1/B2 visitor visas for nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica, downgrading them from 10-year, multiple-entry visas to single-entry visas valid for just three months.

The change, reflected in the U.S. Department of State’s Temporary Reciprocity Schedule, means approved applicants can now enter the United States only once within a 90-day period. Travellers who wish to return after that will need to apply for a new visa.

For years, citizens of both countries enjoyed 10-year, multiple-entry visas, allowing flexible travel for tourism, business, medical visits, and family engagements. The new restriction significantly limits that convenience and increases the frequency and cost of applications.

The U.S. visa system operates on reciprocity, meaning visa terms are based on how U.S. citizens are treated by the other country.

While Washington has not publicly explained the reason for the downgrade, such changes are typically linked to diplomatic, security, immigration compliance, or regulatory considerations.

The move comes amid ongoing U.S. scrutiny of Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programmes in the Eastern Caribbean. Although no official link has been confirmed, both Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica operate active CBI programmes.

The policy shift is expected to impact business travellers, families with U.S. ties, and frequent visitors who will now face tighter travel windows and repeated visa applications.

There has been no detailed public response yet from the governments of Antigua and Barbuda or Dominica.

For now, the longstanding 10-year U.S. visitor visa access for nationals of both countries has ended, replaced by a far more restrictive three-month, single-entry arrangement.