BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — THE Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has confirmed that it has not formally received any notification placing the Federation on a list of 36 countries potentially facing travel restrictions to the United States.
In a statement issued to the media, the government acknowledged recent reports published by international media outlets over the weekend, which have since been picked up by local news agencies, including SKNVibes News.
According to the official release, the government "has taken note of reports now circulating on various platforms suggesting that the United States of America has imposed or is preparing to impose a travel ban that includes the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, and which may affect the ability of our citizens to enter the United States.
However, the government emphasized that no official communication has been received through its embassies or any other diplomatic channels.
“While we understand the concerns that such reports may naturally generate, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis wishes to make it absolutely clear that no official correspondence or communication has been received from the United States Government, whether through our Embassy, Consular representatives, or any other channel, indicating the existence or impending issuance of any such travel ban or restriction that targets St. Kitts and Nevis or the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis,” the statement read.
On Saturday (Jun. 14), The Washington Post, and The Independent, followed by Reuters reported that a leaked State Department memo identified 36 countries—four of them Caribbean nations—as being considered for U.S. travel restrictions for allegedly failing to meet certain benchmarks set by the U.S. government.
The memo, reportedly signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was said to have been circulated to American diplomatic missions worldwide.
Among the countries mentioned were St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and St. Lucia, along with several nations in Africa and the Middle East.
St. Lucia’s Prime Minister, Phillipe J. Pierre, announced on Monday (June 16) that his government had not received any official notice from the United States regarding travel restrictions for its nationals.
According to NPR, the leaked memo “demands” that diplomats provide details by Wednesday on “how they will begin to address U.S. concerns and comply with new State Department requirements.”
Issues reportedly flagged by the U.S. include the management of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes, the timely provision of documentation to U.S. authorities, the repatriation of deportees, and concerns over visa overstays by citizens of the listed countries.
In response, the St. Kitts and Nevis government stressed: “As a responsible Government, we take any and all indications of potential threats to the rights and mobility of our citizens seriously. Although no formal notice has been issued or received, the mere circulation of such a report is concerning enough.”
As such, the government confirmed it “is actively engaging its diplomatic and international partners to determine the source, credibility, and veracity of the claims now in circulation.”
Citizens and residents are urged to rely solely on official government communications for accurate and timely updates on the matter.
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