Dominican Republic: Authorities to extend existing COVID-19-related curfew through Feb. 22 /update 26

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have announced that the existing restrictions in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be extended from Feb. 9 through Feb. 22. The current weekday 1900-0500 curfew and weekend 1700-0500 curfew will remain unchanged. The curfew includes a grace period until 2200 on weekdays and 2000 on weekends exclusively for individuals to return to their residences. Only persons providing essential services, those with medical emergencies, and international passengers traveling to the airport and their drivers may be outside their homes or accommodations during curfew hours.

Other measures and operating protocols will also remain unchanged through Feb. 22:

• Restaurants, bars, gyms, and grocery stores may operate at 60-percent capacity. Restaurants and bars may only seat a maximum of six people per table.

• Churches and religious institutions may offer services three times per week provided that COVID-19 regulations are adhered to.

• Public sector offices must close by 1500, operating at 40-percent capacity.

• Authorities continue to urge individuals to adhere to physical distancing practices by keeping at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) from each other.

• Industry-specific sanitization and operating protocols are in place in some sectors.

• The use of protective facemasks is mandatory in public.

• Group gatherings are to be limited to no more than 10 people in public spaces.

• Restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public spaces.

• Nonessential services such as gyms, cinemas, theaters, parks, and outdoor recreational areas are suspended.

• Event facilities, such as convention centers and auditoriums, galleries, sports stadiums, arenas, and cultural and entertainment establishments that encourage large group gatherings, remain mostly closed.

International Travel
Travelers from the UK are required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. UK arrivals without a negative PCR certificate will be tested upon arrival and must complete a seven-day quarantine at a government facility at their own expense. This requirement follows an earlier temporary suspension of UK flights in response to a variant strain of COVID-19 in the UK.

Other standard travel protocols remain in place. All travelers must complete an entry and exit form, which combines the traveler's Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration, and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms; the form can be completed up to 72 hours before arrival or departure, as the case may be. Currently, travelers may complete a physical or digital form; however, effective April 1, the digital e-ticket form will be mandatory. Except for travelers from the UK, authorities do not require arrivals to present a negative PCR test result; however, travelers arriving by air may be randomly selected for rapid testing upon arrival at the airport. Persons testing positive will be required to enter quarantine. The period of quarantine will be determined at the discretion of the local authorities.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by local health and safety measures. Reconfirm all transportation arrangements.

Resources

World Health Organisation (WHO)
Dominican Republic - COVID-19 Updates
Ministry of Tourism - Travel Resource Center
Digital e-ticket Form