Dominica presses US over visa restrictions imposed on the island

Dominica's Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has taken the United States' visa restrictions on the island directly to US officials, holding a bilateral meeting with the US State Department while in the United States last week. The restrictions, in place since the start of this year, suspend most US visas for applicants from Dominica, and no decision on changing them has been announced.

Key facts

• The United States imposed partial visa restrictions on Dominica from 1 January 2026 under a presidential proclamation.
• The measures suspend most immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, including B-1/B-2, F, M and J types, and reduce visa validity periods.
• Applicants from Dominica may face mandatory refundable entry/visa bonds of US$10,000 to US$20,000.
• Washington cited security and vetting concerns over Dominica's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme.
• Skerrit raised the issue in a bilateral meeting with the US State Department during the United States-Caribbean Dialogue; a response is awaited.

What are the current US visa restrictions on Dominica?

Washington imposed partial visa restrictions on Dominica from 1 January this year under a presidential proclamation citing security and vetting concerns over the island's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme. Under that programme, Dominica grants citizenship to foreign nationals in return for a substantial investment in the island's socio-economic development.

The measures suspend most immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, including B-1/B-2, F, M and J types, and reduce visa validity periods. In addition, applicants from Dominica may face mandatory refundable entry/visa bonds ranging from US$10,000 to US$20,000 under broader US bond policies targeting high-overstay or CBI-linked jurisdictions.

What did the prime minister ask for?

Skerrit was in the United States for the United States-Caribbean Dialogue with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, and used the visit for a bilateral meeting with the US State Department. He said the visa restrictions were at the top of Dominica's list of issues and that he raised them respectfully but firmly.

The prime minister said he put a suggestion to the State Department and received a commitment that it would be discussed with principals, leaving it to them to decide how to respond. He told US officials that Dominica holds a firm view that there was "no basis for the imposition of the visa restrictions".

What happens next?

Skerrit said he is awaiting a response from Washington following the latest round of bilateral talks. He described the meeting as important, saying the United States remains an important ally and developing partner in the Caribbean, with longstanding cultural, family and student ties.

What this means for travellers

Until Washington decides otherwise, the restrictions stand: most immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for Dominica remain suspended, visa validity periods are reduced, and applicants may have to post a refundable entry or visa bond of US$10,000 to US$20,000. Travellers from Dominica planning a trip to the United States should check the visa category they need and the current application requirements before making plans.

No timetable has been given for a US response to the discussions, and no changes to the restrictions have been announced.