Dominican Republic
Travel restrictions
The Dominican government allowed the resumption of commercial aviation effective July 1st 2020.
As of September 15th 2020, tourists arriving in Dominican Republic will no longer need to show a negative PCR test completed prior to entering the country. Instead, a non-invasive breath test will be performed randomly for diagnosis.
All international tourists arriving on commercial flights and staying at a hotel will be granted during the check-in process a temporary, free health coverage plan that provides coverage for emergencies in the event of an infection or exposure to COVID-19 while in-country. The coverage includes medical attention by specialists, medical transfers, transfer of a relative, penalty for airfare changes, lodging for prolonged stays and more. This insurance will be provided at no cost to visitors arriving on or before July 31st, 2021 and will be 100% paid for by the Dominican government.
As of January 26th, 2021, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is offering complimentary viral antigen testing to all international visitors staying at a hotel to meet the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) travel protocols requiring all travelers ages two and above returning to the United States to present proof of a negative PCR or viral COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours prior to departure. The complimentary viral test offering will be administered at hotels across the country to travelers who qualify for the Free Health Coverage Plan.
On December 23rd 2020, the Dominican government instituted restrictions on airports in Punta Cana, Santiago, and Santo Domingo permitting only ONE person to accompany travelers inside the airport for arrivals or departures. One additional person can accompany travelers by vehicle but will not be allowed access inside the terminals. Cell phone use is not permitted inside the airports.
Airports remain fully operational, however flights to and from the United Kingdom have been suspended.
Starting January 1st 2021, all passengers are required to fill out an E-Ticket when entering or exiting the Dominican Republic. For each entry and exit a new E Ticket is required and the code generated upon form completion can be presented at the airport on a digital device.
As of June 28th 2021, all passengers arriving in the Dominican Republic from Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia and United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival or a vaccination card no less than 3 weeks after the last dose was placed. This measure also applies to all passengers coming from the mentioned countries above arriving to the Dominican Republic from another country, and to those who have been in those countries in the last 14 days.
The Ministry of Health advises of mandatory quarantine or self-quarantine for COVID-19 positive patients.
Measures taken by the government
On July 20th 2020, the President of the Dominican Republic signed a decree establishing a State of Emergency for 45 days.
Social distancing protocols have been established for a variety of activities and masks are required by law in public spaces.
Large events and public gatherings of all kinds are suspended.
Beginning July 7th 2021, the government of the Dominican Republic has issued a revised curfew for the country:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., with a grace period for transit until 12:00 a.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., with a grace period for transit until 9:00 p.m.
Failure to follow the curfew, including for U.S. citizens, may result in arrest and/or fines. Full details can be found on https://presidencia.gob.do/ (Spanish only).
Testing
Both PCR and antigen testing are available from a variety of private laboratories and facilities. The U.S. Embassy has prepared a list of private testing providers in the Dominican Republic: https://do.usembassy.gov/embassy/u-s-citizenship-services/covid-19-testing-in-the-dominican-republic/
Local service providers can administer a COVID-19 test, with results typically available within 72 hours. However, turnaround could be impacted by the increased demand – particularly for PCR tests.
Some resorts and hotels may offer testing onsite as well as some clinics or labs on this list may offer “home visits” at an additional cost.
Test results are typically provided in both written and electronic form.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
A national hotline for questions relating to COVID-19 if you have been exposed or are experiencing severe symptoms has been created.
Call *462 for further instructions, but note that English-speaking operators are limited.
Source:
US Embassy in Dominican Republic https://do.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Published on July 20th 2021 (checked on July 28th 2021)
Dominican Republic Ministry Of Tourism: Latest Updates https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/
Published on July 21st 2021 (checked on July 28th 2021)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx