The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step toward tightening its visa-free travel policies, potentially impacting countries like Antigua and Barbuda. The European Parliament recently approved new legislation that allows the EU to suspend or revoke visa-free privileges for any of the 61 nations currently benefiting from such arrangements. This move comes in response to concerns over security risks, human rights violations, and criminal activities linked to certain countries. Antigua and Barbuda, which operates a citizenship-by-investment program often referred to as a ‘golden passport’ scheme, may face heightened scrutiny under these new rules. The EU has warned that such programs could be exploited by sanctioned individuals or criminals, prompting stricter oversight. The legislation introduces specific thresholds for action, such as a sharp rise in overstays or asylum rejections, and allows the EU to sanction individual officials rather than entire populations. While the measure still requires final approval from the EU Council, it is expected to come into force 20 days after publication in the EU’s Official Journal. Officials in St. John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, are closely monitoring these developments as the EU strengthens its oversight of visa-free travel agreements.