US Acknowledges Antigua and Barbuda’s Appeal Against Visa Restrictions

The United States has formally acknowledged receiving Antigua and Barbuda’s diplomatic appeal against the visa restrictions and bond requirements imposed on its citizens, but Washington has not yet indicated whether the measures will be reviewed or lifted.

Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant provided the update during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, saying Antigua and Barbuda’s representatives in Washington remain in contact with officials at the White House and the US State Department.

“Our Washington office has been in close contact with officials within the White House and the State Department on this matter,” Merchant said.

“They have acknowledged receipt of both communications from the Prime Minister and also to the Secretary of State, and we are just awaiting their responses.”

The communications form part of the Browne administration’s efforts to persuade Washington to reconsider the measures, which have affected Antiguans and Barbudans seeking to travel, study or relocate to the United States.

However, Merchant’s announcement represents only confirmation that the correspondence was received. It does not mean that the US government has agreed to remove Antigua and Barbuda from either programme or begin a formal review.

The visa restrictions took effect on January 1, 2026, following a US presidential proclamation that placed Antigua and Barbuda among several countries facing partial limitations.

Under the policy, the United States partially suspended the issuance of B-1 and B-2 business and visitor visas, F, M and J student and exchange visas, and immigrant visas to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda. Limited exceptions apply, including for lawful permanent residents, certain dual nationals and participants in major sporting events. US Department of State

Antigua and Barbuda was also added to the US visa-bond programme from January 21, 2026. Under that arrangement, an applicant who is otherwise eligible for a B-1 or B-2 visa may be required to lodge a refundable bond of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$15,000. The amount is determined during the visa interview. US Department of State

The bond is intended to encourage compliance with the conditions of the visa and may be returned if the traveller leaves the United States within the authorised period. However, it creates a significant upfront financial burden for affected applicants and does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

Washington has linked the wider restrictions to national-security screening and information-sharing concerns. US authorities have also raised questions about Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, particularly its historical operation without a residency requirement for successful applicants.

The US State Department’s country information states that passports issued through the programme are valid travel documents, but applicants may be required to provide additional documentation to establish their identity and nationality to the satisfaction of a consular officer. US Department of State

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has challenged Antigua and Barbuda’s inclusion, maintaining diplomatic engagement with Washington in an effort to secure the removal or easing of the measures.

For now, the restrictions and visa-bond requirements remain in effect while the government awaits a substantive response from the United States.