WASHINGTON, D.C. – THE Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has confirmed that it has not received any formal or informal communication regarding a potential U.S. travel ban, despite a recent article published by The New York Times.
The article, which has raised concerns, cited a draft memo from the U.S. government suggesting that travel restrictions could soon be imposed on 43 countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis. According to the report, the Trump administration has categorized several nations into a three-tier security list, warning that those failing to comply with security measures may face restrictions.
In response to the article, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew reassured the public that there has been no official notification from U.S. authorities. In a social media post accompanying a government statement, Dr. Drew wrote: “I want to assure the people of St. Kitts and Nevis that your Government has received no formal or informal communication regarding the alleged U.S. travel restriction draft list.”
He further emphasized the government’s dedication to transparency, international cooperation, and strengthening its diplomatic relationship with the United States.
In a statement issued this evening, the government acknowledged the New York Times report and confirmed that its embassy in Washington, D.C. has engaged with U.S. officials. The statement read: "Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew confirmed today that no formal or informal communication has been received from the U.S. Government regarding the alleged inclusion of St. Kitts and Nevis on a so-called ‘Yellow’ list…However, the Government is not aware of any such concerns raised by U.S. counterparts”.
The government also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with U.S. officials, particularly regarding reforms to the Federation’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme since 2022. Some international media outlets have suggested that small nations like St. Kitts and Nevis are being scrutinized due to security concerns associated with the CBI programme, which allows foreign nationals to obtain citizenship and use the country’s passport.
Addressing these concerns, the government pointed to a high-level meeting held in January in the United Kingdom, where Prime Minister Drew met with senior U.S. State Department and Treasury officials. Following that meeting, a consultant was appointed to draft a sub-regional regulatory framework for CBI programs across the five Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) territories that operate similar initiatives.
The government reiterated its commitment to "transparency and accountability", assuring citizens that it will continue to engage constructively with international partners on matters of national security and economic development.
Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained a strict stance on immigration, vowing to enforce mass deportations of illegal and criminal migrants.
