Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit announced a suspension of planned U.S. travel restrictions. He thanked American officials for pausing the proclamation after talks with the U.S. State Department and the embassy in Barbados. Skerrit said the news should relieve public anxiety, allowing the historically strong relationship with Washington to continue. He confirmed that Dominicans holding any valid American visa can still travel after the new year.
The now suspended order would have limited entry for nationals from Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda. It cited security concerns linked to citizenship by investment programs that do not require residency. The U.S. argued these schemes complicate vetting processes and could be misused. The original proclamation aimed to block immigrant visas and common non-immigrant categories like tourist and student visas for citizens of those islands.
Skerrit stated his government remains ready to work with the United States on any issues as cooperative partners. He promised that more details on the suspension would come later. This follows a similar outcome for Antigua and Barbuda, whose ambassador confirmed existing visas remain fully valid with no revocations. New visa applications from both nations submitted next year will face revised procedures, likely involving updated biometric data collection to match U.S. systems.
The now suspended order would have limited entry for nationals from Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda. It cited security concerns linked to citizenship by investment programs that do not require residency. The U.S. argued these schemes complicate vetting processes and could be misused. The original proclamation aimed to block immigrant visas and common non-immigrant categories like tourist and student visas for citizens of those islands.
Skerrit stated his government remains ready to work with the United States on any issues as cooperative partners. He promised that more details on the suspension would come later. This follows a similar outcome for Antigua and Barbuda, whose ambassador confirmed existing visas remain fully valid with no revocations. New visa applications from both nations submitted next year will face revised procedures, likely involving updated biometric data collection to match U.S. systems.
