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EU Threatens Caribbean Nations With Travel Curbs Over Citizenship Programs
cnbc · 2026-08-06
The European Union has warned five Caribbean countries to terminate their citizenship-by-investment programs or face the loss of visa-free travel to the Schengen area.
What Happened
EU Ultimatum on Golden Passports: The European Union has issued a formal notice to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Kitts and Nevis, demanding the closure of their citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs. Failure to comply with these demands by 2028 could result in the revocation of visa-free access to the 29-country Schengen area for citizens of these nations.
Economic Impact and Sovereignty: Caribbean leaders argue that these programs are essential pillars of their non-tax revenue bases and cannot be easily replaced. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda emphasized that these nations are coordinating a response to address the EU's concerns while protecting their economic interests.
Divergent Perspectives on Compliance: While some immigration experts view the EU's stance as a firm ultimatum, others believe it serves as a starting point for future negotiations. Legal advisors suggest that the Caribbean nations may seek to implement stricter due diligence or security measures to satisfy European regulators rather than abandoning the programs entirely.
Global Investor Motivations: Despite the potential loss of visa-free European travel, demand for these passports remains steady among high-net-worth individuals. Many investors utilize these programs for personal security, political risk management, or travel flexibility rather than solely for access to the Schengen region.