Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda Joins Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia in Shorter U.S. Visa Terms Due to Scrutiny of Citizenship Programs: What You Need to Know

In a significant shift, nationals from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda now face shorter U.S. visa terms, joining the ranks of Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. This change comes as part of a growing international focus on citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs in the Caribbean. The U.S. Department of State has updated its reciprocity schedules, limiting visa validity for citizens of these nations to just three months and restricting entry to a single use. This decision follows heightened scrutiny over the vetting processes in these countries’ CBI programs, which offer citizenship in exchange for substantial financial investments. Concerns have been raised about the thoroughness of background checks, with some applicants later linked to criminal activities or politically exposed backgrounds, prompting questions about the security and credibility of these programs. With other nations in the Caribbean continuing to maintain longer-term visas, this move reflects broader global concerns about passport security and the potential risks posed by weak vetting in investor citizenship schemes.

These changes are not isolated to Dominica alone. Antigua and Barbuda’s reciprocity schedule now reflects the same tighter conditions, limiting key visa categories to a three-month validity and a single entry. While several other Caribbean nations continue to enjoy longer validity and multiple-entry terms for some visitor visas, this shift highlights that visa requirements are subject to nationality-specific variations under the U.S. reciprocity framework.

It’s important to note that the validity period of a visa stamp, determined by the reciprocity schedule, is separate from the duration of stay permitted in the U.S. after admission. The length of a traveler’s stay is decided at the port of entry and is reflected on the I-94 record, not on the visa stamp itself.

Why the Change?

The tightening of visa terms for nationals of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda coincides with growing international scrutiny on citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs, often referred to as “golden passport” schemes. These programs, which allow individuals to acquire citizenship through significant financial investments, have been under investigation, particularly due to concerns over the integrity of the vetting processes.

Reports over the years have raised alarms that some individuals who obtained citizenship via these programs later appeared in law enforcement or sanctions-related contexts, raising questions about the effectiveness of background checks. U.S. government assessments and reports from European institutions have criticized the due diligence standards of these programs, particularly in the case of Dominica, where there have been concerns over insufficient screening procedures. In late 2025, news outlets reported that the U.S. decision to expand travel restrictions on Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda was linked to national security concerns regarding passport security and the effectiveness of their citizenship-by-investment programs.

Dominica’s Citizenship-By-Investment Program

Dominica has long operated a CBI program, enabling foreign nationals to gain citizenship by making substantial investments, typically through government fund contributions or approved real estate projects. This program has been a vital revenue source for the country, funding various public initiatives and development projects.

However, the program has faced ongoing scrutiny. Media investigations have questioned the transparency of the process and whether sufficient background checks were in place to prevent the issuance of passports to individuals with questionable backgrounds. These concerns have fueled discussions about the reliability of the CBI programs and the potential risks posed by weak vetting standards. While Dominica’s program continues to attract global investors, there is increasing pressure to enhance the integrity of these schemes.

Comparing Dominica’s CBI Program with Other Caribbean Nations

Dominica is part of a group of Eastern Caribbean nations offering similar CBI programs, including Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. These countries share the common goal of attracting foreign capital to support national development but differ in the specific investment options and pricing structures they offer.

Dominica’s program primarily focuses on contributions to government funds and approved real estate projects, with investment thresholds that have increased in recent years. Antigua and Barbuda also offers government fund contributions, alongside real estate investments, with different minimum contribution requirements. Other countries in the region, like Grenada and Saint Kitts and Nevis, provide similar pathways, with varying contributions depending on the type of investment.

In response to rising external pressure concerning oversight and the need for standardized procedures, Eastern Caribbean governments are working towards regional coordination. Efforts are underway to establish a unified regulatory framework that aims to strengthen governance, harmonize standards, and reduce the risks associated with “weak links” in the CBI system.

The Immediate Impact for Travelers

For affected nationals, the practical consequences of these updated U.S. visa rules are clear. Travelers from Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda may now find that their U.S. visa stamps are issued with shorter validity periods and limited to a single entry. These changes reflect the broader international concerns regarding the credibility of CBI programs, and they signal a shift in how major international partners assess these jurisdictions.

The United States has reduced visa validity for nationals of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda to three months with single entry, citing heightened scrutiny of Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs. The move aligns them with other Eastern Caribbean states facing similar restrictions amid growing concerns over passport security and vetting standards.

In conclusion, the United States’ decision to shorten visa validity for Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda signals rising global pressure on Caribbean citizenship-by-investment programs. As scrutiny over vetting standards intensifies, passport credibility and security safeguards will play a decisive role in shaping future international mobility and diplomatic trust.

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