The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) has expressed strong support for the Dominican government’s immediate diplomatic outreach to United States officials following the imposition of new travel restrictions targeting Dominican nationals. Samantha Letang, representing the DHTA, characterized the government’s engagement as both “prompt and proactive” in addressing the recently announced visa limitations.
In an official statement, Letang emphasized the association’s endorsement of governmental efforts to seek urgent clarification and resolution. The tourism body recognizes the critical importance of maintaining unimpeded travel channels for multiple sectors including business tourism, educational exchanges, and family connections between the two nations.
Letang further articulated that sustained diplomatic dialogue remains imperative for preserving regional mobility while mitigating potential economic and social repercussions. The association maintains optimism that collaborative engagement between the governments will yield a favorable outcome serving Dominica’s national interests.
The travel restrictions originate from a presidential proclamation signed on December 16th, which cites national security concerns and weaknesses in foreign identity-management systems as primary justifications. The policy expansion now encompasses four Caribbean nations: Haiti faces comprehensive entry suspension for both immigrant and nonimmigrant travel, while Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica confront partial restrictions.
For Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, the new measures specifically bar entry for immigrants and nonimmigrants holding B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visa categories. Additionally, the proclamation instructs U.S. consular officers to reduce validity periods for other nonimmigrant visas issued to nationals of these countries to the maximum extent permitted by law.