The United States has announced new visa and entry restrictions affecting Antigua and Barbuda, placing the country among several Caribbean nations listed under a presidential proclamation signed on December 16, 2025. The measures are scheduled to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026.

According to the White House, the decision is part of a broader effort to strengthen national security and public safety through enhanced screening and vetting of foreign nationals seeking entry into the United States. The proclamation states that some countries have information-sharing, identity-management, or vetting systems that the U.S. considers insufficient for effective traveller assessment.

Under the new policy, Antigua and Barbuda is subject to partial entry restrictions, including the suspension of immigrant visas and several non-immigrant visa categories, such as business and tourist visas, as well as student, vocational, and exchange visas. The proclamation also authorizes U.S. consular officers to reduce the validity of other non-immigrant visas already issued to Antiguan and Barbudan citizens, where permitted by law.

Other Caribbean countries are also referenced in the proclamation as being subject to similar or related restrictions, including Dominica, which faces comparable visa limitations. The White House notes that these measures are part of a wider list affecting multiple countries across different regions, rather than a policy directed at any single nation.

The proclamation makes clear that the restrictions do not apply to all travellers. Exemptions remain for lawful permanent residents of the United States, certain diplomatic and official travel, and individuals whose entry is determined to be in the national interest of the U.S. Each case may be assessed individually by U.S. authorities.

Further research and sources:
White House Presidential Proclamation on restricting and limiting the entry of foreign nationals, issued 16 December 2025. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/