ST. JOHN'S, Antigua and Barbuda — Antigua and Barbuda has stepped up diplomatic efforts to persuade the United States to review new visa restrictions and visa-bond measures affecting Antiguan and Barbudan travellers.

The government has made further diplomatic representations to Washington following the publication of a US State Department final rule, placing the issue firmly on the bilateral political agenda.

Officials are seeking a review of the measures while emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong relations between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States.

The issue has implications beyond immigration policy, as travel requirements can affect students, businesspeople, families, tourism activity and other Caribbean-US connections.

Government officials are expected to continue discussions with US counterparts as Antigua and Barbuda seeks clarification and a possible reconsideration of the measures.

The diplomatic effort comes after Antigua and Barbuda's ruling administration secured a renewed mandate in the country's 2026 general election, giving Prime Minister Gaston Browne's government another term to pursue its foreign-policy priorities.

The visa dispute could become an important issue in Antigua and Barbuda's wider engagement with Washington, particularly as the government balances national interests with its longstanding regional and international partnerships.

Further diplomatic developments are expected as both governments consider the implications of the new travel measures.