Jamaica travellers face tighter US screening as February visas drop 21%

The United States issued far fewer visas to Caribbean nationals in early 2026, with Jamaica seeing a 21.3% year-on-year fall in nonimmigrant visas in February alone. The declines are part of a wider global drop in US visa issuances under the Trump administration, which has also stepped up revocations of visas already granted.

Key facts

• February 2026 global US tourist and business visa issuances fell about 25% year-on-year; student and worker visas dropped about 30%
• Jamaica: 5,304 nonimmigrant visas in February 2026, down from 6,736 a year earlier
• Barbados fell 52.2% (822 to 393) and the Bahamas fell 37.8% (1,691 to 1,051)
• The four countries and territories examined received 6,799 nonimmigrant visas in February 2026, down from 9,307
• The administration said on 20 October 2026 that it had revoked more than 300,000 visas since January 2025
• Caribbean immigrant visa issuances fell by about 53%

What do the figures show?

US tourist and business visitor visa issuances worldwide dropped by approximately 25% in February 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier, while student and worker visa issuances declined by around 30%, according to an analysis of State Department figures. February is the latest month for which figures are available.

The downturn covers temporary and permanent visas alike. Issuances of immigrant visas across the Caribbean have fallen by approximately 53%, amid expanded US travel restrictions and tighter immigration policies.

How is Jamaica affected?

Jamaica accounted for by far the largest number of US visas among the four countries and territories examined. Issuances to Jamaican nationals fell 21.3%, from 6,736 in February 2025 to 5,304 in February 2026.

Steeper declines were recorded elsewhere in the region: Barbados saw a 52.2% reduction, from 822 to 393, and the Bahamas a 37.8% fall, from 1,691 to 1,051. Caymanians received 51 nonimmigrant visas in February 2026, down from 78 a year earlier, a 34.6% reduction driven overwhelmingly by B1/B2 visitor visas, which cover tourism, business and certain medical travel.

Why are issuances falling?

The drop comes as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration crackdown. On 20 October 2026 it announced that it had revoked more than 300,000 US visas since taking office in January 2025 — up from more than 175,000 revocations reported in August.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the administration had revoked visas faster than any of its predecessors and had "zero tolerance for foreigners here on visas who break the law". Measures introduced since 2025 include full or partial visa suspensions affecting nationals of dozens of countries, tighter restrictions on certain workers and students, and expanded vetting requirements including social media screening.

A worldwide pause in immigrant visa interviews, reported in August, was intended to allow consular officers to undergo additional training in assessing whether applicants might become dependent on US public benefits.

What this means for travellers

Travellers applying for US visas from Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean face reduced issuance volumes and, since 2025, expanded screening: student and exchange visa applicants have been required to make their social media accounts public for review, and the requirement has since been extended to additional visa categories. Cayman residents needing US visa appointments have had to travel to the US Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica.

Figures cover visas issued to nationals of each country and do not account for people applying on foreign passports, dual citizens, or travellers using existing valid visas or entering under the Visa Waiver Program. Applicants should allow extra time and check current requirements before making travel plans.