The government of Antigua and Barbuda has moved swiftly to dispel growing speculation that the Caribbean nation might face travel restrictions from the United States, following media reports that the Trump administration could issue a new travel ban targeting countries with what it deems inadequate security and vetting systems. In a statement released Wednesday, officials from the twin-island nation assured American travelers and legal residents that there is no ban currently in place, nor has the U.S. government indicated any plans to impose one on Antigua and Barbuda. The clarification came amid a surge of concern prompted by a March 14 report from The New York Times, which revealed the existence of a draft list of 43 countries allegedly being considered for various levels of travel restrictions.
The Times article, citing unnamed sources and internal documents, categorized countries into three draft lists—red, orange, and yellow—based on perceived deficiencies in traveler vetting, passport security, and information-sharing with U.S. authorities. Antigua and Barbuda, along with other Caribbean nations including St. Lucia, Dominica, and St. Kitts and Nevis, was reportedly included on the “yellow” draft list. This classification, according to the report, would afford such countries a 60-day window to rectify any concerns before facing potential escalation to more severe restrictions. Despite the media attention and the ensuing public discourse, the Trump administration had not, as of March 19, taken any formal action to implement these reported measures.
Addressing the matter directly, Antigua and Barbuda emphasized its strong and ongoing cooperation with U.S. authorities, highlighting that it had received no official communication suggesting any changes to the current travel arrangement between the two countries. The government underscored that U.S. citizens and legal residents can travel to Antigua and Barbuda without requiring a visa and reaffirmed that American visitors continue to be “warmly welcomed.” Moreover, officials reiterated their commitment to upholding international standards in security and passport issuance, while also defending their citizenship-by-investment program, which has occasionally drawn scrutiny for allowing foreign nationals to obtain citizenship through investment.
While Antigua and Barbuda’s statement seeks to restore confidence among travelers, the broader context of the speculation adds a layer of uncertainty. Former President Donald Trump, now a prominent figure in U.S. politics once again, had made reinstating a travel ban a part of his campaign rhetoric. During his previous term, he famously enacted a controversial executive order that initially barred entry to citizens from seven predominantly Muslim nations, later revised and upheld by the Supreme Court. That ban was eventually rescinded by President Joe Biden upon taking office, but Trump has continued to express support for similar measures, citing national security concerns.
In the face of such speculation, Antigua and Barbuda remains firm in its stance that it is not currently subject to any travel restrictions from the U.S. and has no indication that such actions are imminent. By addressing the rumors head-on and reaffirming its diplomatic ties with the United States, the Caribbean nation hopes to put at ease both American travelers and its tourism-dependent economy. For now, Antigua and Barbuda’s doors remain open to visitors from the United States, as the government continues its proactive engagement to ensure seamless travel relations remain intact.
