Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, says the government is aware of the public concern following reports that citizens may, in limited circumstances, be required to post a visa bond when applying for a visitor's visa to the United States.
In a statement, Sir Ronald said it was important to clarify several points, noting that no bond applies to holders of existing US visas and that those visas remain valid on their current terms.
He said while Antigua and Barbuda has been included in a US Visa Bond Pilot Programme, the measure applies only to a very narrow category of new visa applicants who qualify under limited exceptions, while existing US visa restrictions remain in place.
The diplomat said no government on the list, including Antigua and Barbuda, was advised in advance of the announcement by Washington.
Sir Ronald added that the Antiguan Government is now actively addressing the issue through direct engagement.
On Tuesday, the US State Department said Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica were the only two CARICOM countries whose citizens will now have to post a bond of up to US$15,000 when applying for a visa to enter the North American country.
The measure comes into effect from January 21. The other Caribbean country named is Cuba.
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