PM Browne Assures Public Existing US Visas Remain Valid as New Restrictions Take Effect
Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Thursday sought to reassure Antiguans and Barbudans that existing United States visas remain valid, as partial travel restrictions affecting the issuance of new visas take effect today.
In his 2026 New Year’s Address to the nation, Browne acknowledged public concern following recent decisions by the United States government restricting the issuance of new visas for nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, describing the reaction as understandable given the importance of U.S. travel to many citizens.
“Let me therefore speak plainly—and reassuringly,” Browne said, adding that “all existing United States visas held by Antiguans and Barbudans remain valid and will be honoured.”
The prime minister said his government has already begun “the careful and constructive work required” to establish a system through which new visas can be issued “in an orderly and systematic manner,” as the restrictions come into force.
Browne said Antigua and Barbuda would approach the situation through diplomacy rather than confrontation, noting that decisions taken by larger countries often have significant consequences for small states.
“Decisions taken elsewhere ripple across small states such as ours,” he said, while emphasizing that the government would continue to engage “respectfully, persistently, and in good faith.”
He reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s long-standing relationship with the United States, describing it as one the country values and expects “to continue to grow from strength to strength.”
“Our strength has never been found in gripes, but in competence; not in anger, but in steadfast diplomacy; not in retreat, but in resilience,” Browne said, outlining the government’s foreign policy posture amid shifting global conditions.
The prime minister also cautioned against alarmist responses to international pressures, saying national unity and calm leadership would guide the country’s engagement abroad.
“Unity at home is our first line of defense abroad,” he said.
