Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) Representative Samantha Letang has thrown her approval behind the Government of Dominica’s prompt and proactive engagement with officials of the United States (U.S) on the recent travel restriction for Dominica visa holders.
“In response to the restricted entry of Dominican visa holders to the U.S, the DHTA also notes that this recently announced travel restriction affecting Dominican nationals and visa traveling to the United States, and we welcome the Government of Dominica’s prompt and proactive engagement on this matter,” she said during a statement.
According to her, the DHTA supports the government’s swift efforts to seek clarification and resolution, recognizing the urgency and the importance of maintaining ease of travel for business, tourism, education, and family connections.
“Continued diplomatic dialogue is essential to safeguarding regional mobility and minimizing potential economic and social impacts,” Letang stated. “The association remains hopeful that collaborative engagement will lead to a positive outcome in the best interest of Dominica and its people.”
Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda have been newly added to the list of countries facing U.S. entry restrictions under a proclamation signed Tuesday by President Donald Trump, expanding measures that already applied to Haiti and Cuba.
The proclamation, issued December 16, cites national security and public safety concerns, stating it is U.S. policy “to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks and other national security and public safety threats.” It argues that weaknesses in foreign identity-management systems can limit the U.S. government’s ability to properly vet travelers seeking entry.
For the Caribbean, the proclamation affects four countries: Haiti, Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica. Haiti remains under a full suspension of entry, applying to both immigrant and nonimmigrant travel, while Cuba continues to face partial restrictions that also cover both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are newly subjected to partial restrictions, with nationals from both countries barred from entering the United States as immigrants and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, and J visas. In addition, the proclamation directs U.S. consular officers to reduce the validity of other nonimmigrant visas issued to nationals of the two countries “to the extent permitted by law.”