Grenada’s Foreign Minister Joseph Andall has expressed disappointment over comments from some nationals following discussions about the government’s efforts to strengthen travel links with African countries and expand visa waiver arrangements.

In recent weeks, some Grenadians have raised concerns on social and traditional media, suggesting that allowing more nationals from African countries to travel to
Grenada could lead to increases in crime, illegal immigration and online scams.

Addressing
the issue during a press briefing on June 17, Andall criticised what he
described as negative perceptions towards Africans and said Grenada’s approach is based on diplomacy, economic opportunities and international engagement.

“When we hear people who look like us impute that people from the mother continent should be barred from coming into Grenada, we can only shake our head at the ignorance of such people,” Andall said.

He said Grenada’s visa policy is part of a wider foreign policy strategy aimed at improving connectivity, strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for tourism, trade and investment.

Andall clarified that Grenada does not currently have a visa waiver agreement with Nigeria, despite some public discussion suggesting otherwise.

Grenada currently has visa waiver arrangements with a number of African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Morocco, Egypt, The Gambia, Malawi,
Mauritius, Seychelles, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Lesotho.

The minister said visa arrangements do not mean that citizens of those countries can enter Grenada without oversight.

“Granting a visa or having a visa waiver agreement with any one country does not mean that the gates are open for any and anybody to come in as and when they see fit,” he said.

Andall said immigration and border agencies remain responsible for screening travellers and addressing any security concerns.

Chief Immigration Officer Inspector Purcell said all travellers entering Grenada are subject to screening at the border.

“I just want to share with the general public at this time that at the border, we do screening of every single person that intends to cross the border to engage with our population,” Purcell said.

The foreign minister also warned against judging entire populations based on the actions of individuals.

“I would just like to caution for us to not fall into this trap of blaming an entire country or blaming an entire people because of the bad actions of a handful. It may be more than a handful, but I’m quite confident that the vast majority of Grenadians, the vast majority of Americans, the vast majority of Nigerians are law-abiding citizens. You will find your bad apples everywhere,” he stated.

The minister highlighted that Grenadians currently enjoy visa free or visa on arrival access to more than 100 countries.

Andall said there are significant opportunities for Grenada through stronger links with Africa, noting that the continent has many high-net-worth individuals interested in travelling to the Caribbean.

He pointed to the success of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum, hosted in Grenada in July 2025, saying the country’s hotel sector benefited significantly from hosting the event.

The minister said Grenada’s continued engagement with African countries is also
aimed at expanding business, tourism and investment opportunities.

He said visa waiver agreements are negotiated carefully, taking into account security measures, reciprocity and the country’s national
interests.