Saint Lucia travellers face partial US visa restrictions from 1 January 2026

Saint Lucia is among 19 countries whose nationals now face targeted restrictions on certain United States visas under Presidential Proclamation 10998. The measure took effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on 1 January 2026, and a further 19 countries are subject to a complete suspension of visa issuance — 39 nations affected in total. The US Department of State cited national security concerns as the reason for the policy.

Key facts

• Proclamation in force since 1 January 2026, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time
• 39 countries affected overall: 19 under full suspension, 19 under partial restrictions
• Saint Lucia is on the partial restriction list
• Partial restrictions cover B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas, F, M and J student and exchange visitor visas, and immigrant visas
• Exemptions apply to diplomatic visa holders, lawful permanent residents and Special Immigrant Visa holders

What is changing?

Under the proclamation, the United States has stopped issuing visas to nationals of 19 countries entirely and imposed narrower limits on another 19. For the partially restricted group, the suspension applies to specified visa categories rather than to every type of US travel document.

Which countries face partial restrictions?

Saint Lucia is one of 19 nations in this category, alongside Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Laos, Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sierra Leone, Turkmenistan and Vanuatu.

The categories covered are B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas, F, M and J visas for students and exchange visitors, and immigrant visas.

Which countries face a full suspension?

Visa issuance is fully suspended for nationals of Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tokelau, Venezuela, Yemen, Belarus, Myanmar (Burma), the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Holders of Palestinian Authority travel documents are included in this group as well.

Who remains eligible?

Some travellers keep the ability to obtain visas or enter the United States despite the proclamation. The exemptions listed cover holders of diplomatic visas, lawful permanent residents and Special Immigrant Visa holders. Dual nationals travelling on a passport issued by a country not named in the restrictions may also remain eligible, and participants in specific sporting events are covered by a limited exemption.

What else has the US changed?

The US Department of State has also updated its visa bond list, which covers 50 countries, including 30 African nations and Nigeria. Requirements vary by country and can reach $20,000 per applicant. Some countries have faced the bond requirement since August 2025, while Nigeria's took effect in January 2026.

What this means for travellers

Saint Lucian nationals planning a trip to the United States should check which visa category they need before making plans, since the restrictions apply to specific categories such as tourist and business, student and exchange visitor, and immigrant visas. The exemptions listed in the proclamation may still cover certain travellers.

The proclamation is already in force, and the source gives no end date or review point for the restrictions.