Dominican Republic – Covid-19 – Immigration update

To check the real time evolutions concerning international mobility all over of the world, discover the GoWork – COVID-19 Digital Card.

Update: September 23rd, 2020

Negative COVID-19 test no longer required for entry 

What is the change?

The Dominican Republic has dropped a COVID-19 testing requirement for those entering the country. Up until recently, all people entering the country were required to carry test results with them or have administered at the airport if they were not tested prior to travel.

Key Points:

  • Negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) no longer required for entry.
  • Travelers are still subject to other COVID-19 health screenings, including temperature checks, at the airport.
  • Any person leaving the Dominican Republic may be asked to fill out the following health declarations and customs forms: Passenger Locator Form (English/Spanish); Traveler Health Affidavit (English/Spanish); Traveler Instructive Commitment (English/Spanish.)

The Dominican Republic extended its state of emergency until Oct. 18 and curfew until September 27. The curfew is strictly enforced and is different in each city. Travelers must carry their airline ticket, travel itinerary and passport while en route to and from an airport. Anyone visiting immigration centers should be prepared to follow health protocols currently in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Update: May 27th, 2020

Government entities to reopen, pending immigration appointments to be rescheduled 

What is the change?

The president has announced a four-phase plan to reopen the economy, including reopening government entities.

Key Points:

  • Phase 1 will include all government entities returning to work at 50% capacity.
  • As of May 20, Dominican Migration (DGM) will begin rescheduling all appointments that were postponed owing to COVID-19.
  • Those with postponed appointments will receive a notice from the DGM via email and they may also check the DGM website for information.
  • Borders will remain closed until July 1.
  • The DGM has begun operating with a strict sanitary protocol that consists of the following:
    • Reduced number of daily appointments scheduled (no more than a 100 per day).
    • Temperature checks for all applicants before they enter the building.
    • Mandatory use of face masks.
    • Only 30 persons are allowed in the service area.
  • Applicable payments and fines will depend on each case; however, from March 19 to May 20 no fines or payment deadlines will apply.

The government implemented measures in March to mitigate the spread of the virus, including travel restrictions, border closures and postponement of immigration processes.

Update: March 24th, 2020

Border closed, flights suspended 

What is the change?

The government has closed its border and implemented further travel restrictions and measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points

  • Border closure. The border is closed to nationals from all countries for 15 days, from March 19 until April 2, this includes all inbound land, sea and air travel. Exemptions include foreign nationals who are being repatriated and for the export and import of goods.
  • Cruises suspended. All cruises to and from the Dominican Republic have been suspended from March 16 until April 16.
  • Self-quarantine for select travelers. Those who have traveled to the EU, China, South Korea, or Iran within the last two weeks are required to self-quarantine for 15 days.
  • Immigration processing. Effective March 23, The General Immigration Direction (DGM) has limited immigration processing until further notice. Scheduled visa appointments will be postponed and rescheduled. While offices are open, they are still issuing and renewing resident permits, and are not postponing appointments for these services. Consulates abroad, however, are closed until further notice.

The most recent measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will suspend all inbound and outbound travel until at least April 2 with few exceptions. Employers should expect delays in immigration processing in the coming weeks. Deloitte will continue to follow developments and alert clients of any changes.

Sophie Carlei

Sophie est Managing Director au sein de l’équipe Mobilité Internationale de Lyon et dirige l’équipe immigration. Elle conseille les groupes français et internationaux et intervient tant pour des clients travaillant dans […]

Fatia Bouteiller

Fatia Bouteiller a rejoint Deloitte Société d’Avocats en 2017 pour renforcer l’équipe Immigration. Fatia dispose d’une expérience de 15 ans en mobilité internationale dans les domaines du droit de l’immigration, […]