Dominica asks US to rethink visa restrictions after CARICOM talks in Washington

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has asked the United States to revisit visa restrictions affecting Dominica, raising the matter directly with US Department of State representatives during a meeting between Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders and the US in Washington, D.C. He said he told US officials there was no basis for the restrictions.

Speaking after the meeting, Skerrit described the wider talks as a step towards rebuilding US engagement with the Caribbean beyond security cooperation. He said Washington had made commitments in several areas to help Caribbean countries close development gaps.

Key facts

• CARICOM leaders met US representatives in Washington, D.C.; Skerrit spoke after the meeting, which he said took place the week before 24 October 2026.
• Skerrit raised the visa restrictions in a separate bilateral meeting with the US Department of State.
• He presented a proposal and was told the matter would go to senior officials before a response is sent to Dominica.
• No US decision has been announced, and no timeline for a reply has been given.

What is happening with the visa restrictions?

Skerrit said the restrictions were the top issue for his government in its dealings with the United States, and that he raised them “very respectfully but firmly”. He reiterated Dominica's position that there was no basis for imposing them.

He disclosed that he handed over a proposal to the US Department of State and was assured it would be discussed with senior officials before a response is communicated to Dominica. The source does not describe what the restrictions involve, when they took effect, which travellers they cover or how they are applied.

What else was discussed?

Skerrit welcomed the US intention to make development financing available through the Export-Import Bank of the United States. He said Caribbean countries would prefer grants for major development projects, but that affordable loans could be an important alternative for building and upgrading infrastructure.

He said any financing would need careful assessment on procurement procedures, repayment conditions and interest rates, and should match or better the rates offered by the World Bank. He also stressed that, for Dominica, the value of the meeting lay in the renewed engagement rather than in funds alone.

What this means for travellers

Any US visa restrictions affecting Dominica remain in place, and the source gives no details of their scope, so travellers should check current US entry requirements before making plans. No change to the rules has been announced as a result of the talks.

Dominica's government says it will continue engaging the United States and is waiting for a written response to its proposal. Skerrit described the US as a key ally and development partner, pointing to cultural ties, family connections and Caribbean students studying at American universities.