Following a preliminary message on January 14, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been engaged in high-level bilateral discussions to provide a necessary “clarity check” for the citizens of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Foreign Minister Fitzgerald Bramble says Non-immigrant visas, which facilitate tourism, family visits, medical treatment, sports, business, and study, are entirely unaffected by this announcement. For the vast majority of Vincentians traveling for temporary purposes, the status quo remains unchanged.
Crucially, current visa holders and active non-immigrant applicants face zero changes to their status or their ability to travel.
“It is important to recognize that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is not being uniquely targeted; rather, we are part of a broad administrative recalibration of U.S. border policy. We are one of 75 countries globally, and one of 12 CARICOM members, included in this adjustment”.
Bramble said following a direct conversation with U.S. Chargé d’affaires Karen Sullivan, it has been confirmed that this pause will commence on January 21, 2026.
While the term “indefinite” is used, in diplomatic terms, this describes a policy state subject to future bilateral negotiation rather than a permanent closure. It is a fluid administrative status that can be revisited as international conditions and immigration data evolve.
This policy shift underscores the importance of traveler compliance. Adhering strictly to the terms of visitor or student visas—specifically regarding allotted stay durations—is the most effective way for citizens to protect their future travel privileges.
The Ministry’s official stance reinforces this commitment to legal integrity:
“St. Vincent and the Grenadines respects every country’s right to determine their immigration laws and practices. We encourage our citizens to adhere to the laws of any country which they visit or residing.”