Security worries regarding citizenship-by-investment schemes have prompted the White House to broaden its existing travel restrictions.
How will new White House travel restrictions impact Caribbean travelers and Global Entry?
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This week, the administration included the Caribbean nations of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda in its list of countries facing entry limitations for their citizens.
These 2 islands are now part of a group of over a dozen nations added by President Donald Trump to the
The White House emphasized that the President is obligated to prevent potential threats from entering the country. They noted that the rules are tailored to each specific nation to foster better cooperation while acknowledging the distinct situation of every country involved.
According to the administration, the directive allows for several carve-outs, including exemptions for green card holders, current visa recipients, diplomatic staff, athletes, and those whose presence is deemed beneficial to U.S. interests.
The decision to place "partial restrictions" on Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda was specifically linked to their policies of granting citizenship through investment without requiring physical residency. Travelers looking for an airport discount may find their plans interrupted by these new vetting requirements.
Dominica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) responded by stating they are in active discussions with U.S. representatives. As reported by Dominica News Online, the government is seeking a formal explanation regarding the reach of these measures and how they'll impact students, families, and existing visa holders.
The ministry further noted that it intends to collaborate with U.S. officials to resolve any underlying concerns, safeguard the rights of its citizens, and keep the public informed with verified updates.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda told local media that the U.S. assessment of their residency programs is inaccurate based on current legislation. He expressed a commitment to providing the USA with the correct facts to resolve the dispute and eventually return to standard visa procedures. Even with an airport shuttle parking reservation ready, citizens of these nations currently face a more complex entry process.
Interestingly, the U.S. State Department (DOS) still maintains a Level 1 advisory for both Caribbean countries, suggesting Americans only need to take standard precautions when visiting. Moreover, U.S. passport holders can still travel to these islands without needing a visa.
Alongside the Caribbean additions, the updated policy introduced partial entry restrictions for several other nations, including Nigeria, Senegal, Angola, Tanzania, and Zambia, among others.
While the initial ban focused on "high-risk" territories like Iran, Yemen, and Somalia, this latest update expanded the list of countries facing full entry prohibitions to include Syria and South Sudan.
