In a significant shift, the UK Home Office has mandated visa applications for Dominicans due to concerns surrounding Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI). “Clear abuse” of the CBI initiative in Dominica and Vanuatu was cited, with instances of citizenship granted to individuals perceived as threats to the UK. As of July 19, the new visa protocol applies not only to Dominica but also to Honduras, Namibia, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu. Nationals from these countries even transiting through the UK must secure a Direct Airside Transit Visa.
There is, however, a silver lining: a four-week visa-free transition window for those with confirmed UK bookings made before 3:00 pm BST on July 19, 2023. Diplomats from the affected nations stationed in London have been reassured of visa provisions. UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman emphasized that this measure is purely for border security and not indicative of strained diplomatic relations.
The background for these moves is multifaceted. Besides the concerns about CBI, the surge in asylum applications from countries like Honduras and Namibia has been noted. These changes precede the anticipated incorporation of these Caribbean nations into the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system by year’s end.
This strategy mirrors Canada’s past actions. In 2017, Canada had similarly withdrawn visa-free agreements from OECS nations in two phases, prioritizing national security. Interestingly, by June 2023, Canada reinstated visa-free travel for selected nations, offering a potential blueprint for future UK actions. The ETA introduction is an online system mandating travelers without visas to acquire an electronic permit, similar to systems previously introduced by countries including Canada.
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