EU Gives 5 Caribbean Nations Until 2028 to End Passport Sales or Lose Visa-Free Travel
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 18
EU Gives 5 Caribbean Nations Until 2028 to End Passport Sales or Lose Visa-Free Travel
1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 18
Summary
Brussels told Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia to phase out citizenship-by-investment programs by June 1, 2028, or risk suspension of visa-free access to the EU.
The warning follows new EU rules treating such schemes as grounds to revoke visa-free travel, after the bloc said high volumes, fast processing, low rejection rates and weak applicant links to the countries still pose security risks.
The five states have issued more than 100,000 passports, with entry prices starting at $200,000; applicants usually need not live there, and most 2024 buyers in at least four programs came from countries that require EU visas.
The prime ministers are preparing a joint mission to Brussels, arguing the programs fund vulnerable island economies—averaging 6.5% of GDP from 2019 to 2023 and topping 30% in Dominica in 2022.
Pressure has widened beyond Europe: the UK has imposed visas on Dominica and Saint Lucia, Canada did so for Antigua and Barbuda, and the US has tightened screening while backing stronger regional biometric checks.
As the EU's 2028 deadline looms, are Caribbean 'golden passports' becoming a worthless investment for the global rich?
With 'golden passports' under global fire, what is the next economic lifeline for the world's small island states?
Is the EU's security ultimatum a necessary defense or economic coercion against small nations dependent on selling citizenship?
Caribbean Citizenship-by-Investment Programs Face EU Deadline: Economic Lifeline at Risk Amid Security Crackdown
Overview
The European Union has issued a strong ultimatum to Caribbean nations over their Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) programs, creating urgent challenges for these small island economies. Caribbean leaders are now holding critical discussions to understand and address the potential economic fallout, as the EU's stance threatens to disrupt vital financial inflows that support public services and infrastructure. In response, these nations are exploring ways to diversify their economies and reduce reliance on CBI programs, aiming to ensure long-term stability and resilience amid growing international pressure and uncertainty.