By Sir Ronald Sanders
WASHINGTON, USA – The government of Antigua and Barbuda is aware of public concern following reports that Antiguan and Barbudan nationals may, in limited circumstances, be required to post a visa bond when applying for a visitor visa to the United States.
It is important to clarify several points.
First, no bond applies to holders of existing US visas. Those visas remain valid on their current terms.
Second, while Antigua and Barbuda has been included in a US Visa Bond Pilot Program, this measure applies only to a very narrow category of new visa applicants who qualify under limited exceptions while existing US visa restrictions remain in place. The bond does not apply to all travellers, and it does not guarantee or deny the issuance of a visa.
Third, it is important for the public to understand the context in which this information emerged.
No government on the list—including Antigua and Barbuda—was advised in advance of the US public announcement. Indeed, the announcement was made without prior notice, even to US embassies accredited to the affected countries. This understandably contributed to uncertainty and concern, which the government is now actively addressing through direct engagement.
United States authorities have indicated that the purpose of the bond is to encourage compliance with US immigration laws, particularly timely departure from the US. In that context, we must be candid: there have been instances of overstays and charges on the US public purse, including unpaid hospital bills, by a small number of our nationals, and these actions create difficulties not only for the individuals concerned but for all Antiguans and Barbudans who travel legitimately.
On the instructions of the prime minister, I have re-engaged directly with the US State Department at the highest levels.
A formal diplomatic note has been submitted, setting out Antigua and Barbuda’s record clearly and firmly. That record shows that our country’s visitor overstay rate is consistently low, significantly below that of many countries not subject to bond requirements. We have also emphasised Antigua and Barbuda’s long-standing cooperation with the United States on immigration compliance and security matters.
Our objective is straightforward: to ensure that Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders are treated no less favourably than nationals of other CARICOM countries, and that visa processing for our citizens continues on fair and reasonable terms.
Discussions are ongoing on removing restrictions for visas on legitimate Antigua and Barbuda travellers. These negotiations are serious, measured, and persistent. While outcomes in international affairs are never guaranteed, there is room to expect reason to prevail. The government is working strenuously to achieve a correction of this measure.
In the meantime, we urge all citizens travelling abroad to respect immigration laws fully and to meet all personal obligations, as the conduct of a few can affect the many.
The government will continue to keep the public informed and remains fully engaged in defending the interests of Antigua and Barbuda and its people.
