US Visa Freeze Sparks Alarm Among Caribbean Officials: "Travelers Can Continue Using Valid Visas"
A US State Department memo is set to pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries starting January 21, according to a report by Fox News. The decision has sent shockwaves through the tourism industry in the affected nations, with several Caribbean officials issuing urgent travel advisories for American tourists.
Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala, three of the US's top overseas source markets for tourism, are among the 75 countries facing the visa freeze. These countries together generated over 3.4 million non-immigrant arrivals in 2025. While the policy targets immigrant visas, officials from Antigua and Barbuda have clarified that there has been no change to entry or exit requirements for US citizens.
The pause in visa processing applies only to new applications and pending cases, allowing travelers with valid visas issued before January 21 to continue using them for entry. However, it remains unclear whether non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist and business visas, will face similar restrictions.
In a statement, the Honourable H. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment from Antigua and Barbuda, assured travelers that "Antigua and Barbuda is open for business" and promised to welcome visitors with its signature hospitality and exceptional service. The nation aims to keep bookings on track despite peak season, reassuring travel advisors and airlines.
The US State Department has confirmed the news on Twitter but has not issued an official press release at the time of publication. As the situation unfolds, travelers are advised to exercise caution and check for updates before planning their trips to affected countries.
A US State Department memo is set to pause immigrant visa processing for 75 countries starting January 21, according to a report by Fox News. The decision has sent shockwaves through the tourism industry in the affected nations, with several Caribbean officials issuing urgent travel advisories for American tourists.
Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala, three of the US's top overseas source markets for tourism, are among the 75 countries facing the visa freeze. These countries together generated over 3.4 million non-immigrant arrivals in 2025. While the policy targets immigrant visas, officials from Antigua and Barbuda have clarified that there has been no change to entry or exit requirements for US citizens.
The pause in visa processing applies only to new applications and pending cases, allowing travelers with valid visas issued before January 21 to continue using them for entry. However, it remains unclear whether non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist and business visas, will face similar restrictions.
In a statement, the Honourable H. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment from Antigua and Barbuda, assured travelers that "Antigua and Barbuda is open for business" and promised to welcome visitors with its signature hospitality and exceptional service. The nation aims to keep bookings on track despite peak season, reassuring travel advisors and airlines.
The US State Department has confirmed the news on Twitter but has not issued an official press release at the time of publication. As the situation unfolds, travelers are advised to exercise caution and check for updates before planning their trips to affected countries.
so basically they're just gonna freeze visas for like a bunch of countries but people with existing visas can still come? it's all pretty unclear right now... i'm not sure what the point of that policy even is. tourism is such a big deal for these countries and now it's just gonna be put on hold... 
! I'm just imagining all these poor Caribbean officials stressing out about tourist bookings and trying to save their economies 
. Meanwhile, Antigua and Barbuda is over here like "Hey, we got this! We're open for business, y'all!" 
And can we talk about the US State Department's Twitter announcement? 
Like, what even is that? "Oh, just a little pause in visa processing..." 
Anyway, to all my fellow travel enthusiasts out there, let's keep our fingers crossed (and our passports handy) 
Those Caribbean islands are gonna take a hit from this. Mark my words, people will start canceling their trips left and right. And what about all the bookings already made? 
It's chaos, plain and simple.
I'm kinda surprised by this visa freeze in the Caribbean nations... think it's a big bummer for tourism 
. I mean, who doesn't love visiting Antigua and Barbuda for that island vibe? 
The fact that travelers with valid visas can still use them is a good thing, I guess... but what about the ones who need new visas? 
We need to keep our islands afloat, fam 
, but it's hard not to feel like the whole tourism thing is being turned upside down 
. Anyone know what's really going on behind the scenes? 
. As a travel enthusiast, I know how important it is to have a smooth visa application process. The fact that travelers with valid visas issued before January 21st can still use them for entry is a big plus 
.
. Travelers should definitely check for updates before planning their trips to affected countries, and airlines should be prepared for potential changes in booking patterns 
.
. Fingers crossed that it's just a minor hiccup and they can get things sorted out ASAP! 
what's goin on now tho? US visa freeze? doesn't make sense... think it'll affect the whole tourism industry big time, lots of people gonna get cancelled 
can't believe some ppl are already warnin american tourists about cancellations 
