The people of two CARICOM nations—Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica—will now be subjected to visa bond requirements as announced by the United States Department of State.
According to the release, the two countries are now among thirty-eight nations, including several African states, whose nationals are subject to this regime.
The new measures will take effect from January 21. The State Department stated that any citizen or national traveling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond of US$5,000, US$10,000, or US$15,000. The amount is determined at the time of the visa interview, and applicants are required to submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352 Immigration Bond.
Further, applicants who have posted a bond will only be permitted entry into the United States through three designated ports of entry: Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Last year, the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica held discussions with US officials following a proclamation by President Donald Trump that would have prevented nationals from the two countries from entering the United States. Following those discussions, the proclamation was suspended.