Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that his government will present proposed legislative changes to Parliament next month in a bid to preserve visa-free travel to the European Union.

Speaking after talks with EU officials, Browne urged that any new measures imposed by the bloc should remain within the scope of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.

“If the European Union feels compelled to implement new measures, we propose that these should not extend beyond the Electronic Travel Authorization framework,” he said, adding that such a system would allow the EU to manage entry without imposing full visa requirements.

Browne underscored the importance of maintaining visa-free access for Antiguan and Barbudan passport holders, describing it as vital for the country’s global mobility and economic stability.

The EU is reviewing its visa waiver policies amid growing concerns about irregular migration, security risks, and citizenship-by-investment programmes.

A revised visa suspension mechanism now includes expanded criteria, including the impact of ‘golden passport’ schemes in third countries.

Antigua and Barbuda’s government says it remains hopeful for a solution that meets EU standards while safeguarding citizens’ travel freedoms.