By Val Matthias. Updated 8:47 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has announced his government’s formal request to the United States for visa waiver privileges for Vincentian nationals seeking entry as visitors, based on the country’s strong diplomatic record, high quality travel documentation, and exemplary diaspora conduct.
Speaking at a Unity Labour Party (ULP) political meeting in Bequia, the Prime Minister disclosed that the request was formally submitted via letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 22, 2005 [sic]. The prime minister meant 2025. The proposal, he said, was grounded in the “unique circumstances” of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and the evolving global migration landscape.
Reading from a letter “I am formally requesting that favorable consideration be granted for our nationals to be accorded a waiver of visa to enter the United States of America as visitors,” the Prime Minister stated, emphasizing that such entry would remain subject to standard conditions.
Dr. Gonsalves highlighted SVG’s distinction as the only English speaking Caribbean country maintaining diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan), rather than the People’s Republic of China. He also underscored that SVG does not participate in citizenship-by-investment schemes, which he described as “euphemistically titled” programs that some other states use to sell passports.
The Prime Minister said that Vincentians already enjoy visafree access to several major jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, the 27 member European Union under the Schengen Agreement, and the United Arab Emirates. He noted that these countries have expressed satisfaction with the integrity of SVG’s passports and civil documents, such as birth and marriage certificates.
“Our nationals have not abused their visa free status,” he said. “They are overwhelmingly law-abiding and hardworking”.
Dr. Gonsalves also referenced the geographic proximity of SVG to the United States, stating that “St. Vincent and the Grenadines cannot be shifted or moved,” and that the U.S. will always have a significant presence in the lives and livelihoods of Vincentians.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the U.S. State Department had referred the visa waiver request to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and that a meeting was scheduled for late September with a DHS official. However, the meeting was postponed due to an emergency on the part of the U.S. official. He assured the public that discussions are ongoing and that the matter remains on the U.S. government’s agenda.
“I do not know whether the United States will accede to our request,” he said, “but I have had relevant conversations with officials, and I am keeping in touch.
Dr. Gonsalves warned against political opponents attempting to undermine SVG’s existing visa free arrangements with Canada, Britain, and Europe.
If successful, the visa waiver would significantly ease travel for Vincentians visiting the United States, reducing administrative burdens and costs associated with visa applications. It could also strengthen diaspora ties, facilitate business and educational exchanges, and enhance SVG’s standing in bilateral relations.
The proposal aligns with global trends favoring mobility for citizens of countries with strong governance, secure documentation, and low immigration risk profiles. According to the Henley Passport Index, SVG’s passport ranks among the top in the Caribbean for visa free access, reflecting international confidence in its travel systems.
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