The United States has imposed a travel ban that blocks most new visas for citizens of two Caribbean citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) programs—Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica—effective 1 January. The ban does not affect existing green‑card holders or visas issued before the cutoff, but it prevents any new visitor or other visa categories from being granted to holders of those passports.
Earlier this year Norway detained several individuals who had purchased Dominica passports, confiscated the documents and expelled the travelers. Norwegian authorities argued that the passports were “illegal” because the owners had no genuine connection to the issuing country. The incidents illustrate a growing scrutiny of Caribbean CBI passports, especially when holders travel to Schengen or other European states.
What the bans mean for Caribbean CBI holders
- U.S. travel ban – New visas for Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are denied; existing visas remain valid.
- Norwegian detentions – Passports were seized and travelers were deported, raising concerns about the legality of “passport‑only” ownership.
- Potential EU ETA checks – An upcoming European Travel Authorization (ETA) system may require travelers to disclose the source of their passport, increasing the risk of denial or detention for purchased passports.
Safer alternatives under consideration
Uruguay – Direct permanent residency
- Income requirement: Proof of a monthly income of at least US $1,200 (salary, business revenue, or passive income).
- Application timeline: Residency can be granted in as little as three days after a brief stay in Montevideo.
- Residency conditions: The residency is “paper” only; holders must visit Uruguay at least once every three years.
- Path to citizenship: After three years (five years for single applicants) and with sufficient ties to the country, residents may apply for Uruguayan nationality.
- Benefits: Uruguay offers unrestricted travel throughout Latin America (Mercosur region) and has not been subject to recent travel bans.
Cyprus – Golden‑visa residency and fast‑track citizenship
- Investment requirement: Purchase of residential property valued at €300,000 (ownership, not a donation).
- Residency: Paper residency is granted upon investment; it can be maintained without physical presence.
- Citizenship routes:
- 3‑year fast track: Requires a university degree and a B2‑level proficiency in Greek (or another official language) plus demonstrated integration.
- 4‑year track: Slightly lower language or integration requirements.
- 7‑year regular naturalisation: Standard route with no special qualifications.
- Processing time: Approximately 8 months from application to residency approval, considerably faster than many other EU programs.
- Tax advantages: The Cyprus scheme includes favorable tax treatment for residents, though specifics depend on individual circumstances.
Vanuatu – Low‑profile investment citizenship
- Reputation: Vanuatu’s CBI program is less visible than the Caribbean schemes and therefore faces less scrutiny from European authorities.
- Investment return: The program typically offers a US $50,000 refundable contribution, making it cost‑effective for families.
- Travel benefits: Vanuatu passport holders enjoy visa‑free access to many countries, though it does not provide EU entry.
Practical considerations for investors
- Avoid Caribbean passports for EU travel until the legal landscape stabilises; they may be flagged under future ETA systems.
- Prioritise jurisdictions with strong legal standing (e.g., Uruguay for Latin America, Cyprus for EU access) if global mobility is essential.
- Assess residency obligations—Uruguay requires a visit every three years, while Cyprus residency can be maintained on paper.
- Plan for citizenship timelines; Uruguay offers a relatively quick path to nationality, whereas Cyprus citizenship depends on education, language proficiency, and integration.
- Monitor regulatory updates—both the U.S. travel ban and potential EU ETA requirements could evolve, affecting the viability of any CBI passport.
Investors seeking reliable, long‑term travel freedom should weigh the income and investment thresholds, residency obligations, and the geopolitical risk profile of each program before committing funds.
