Dominican Republic: Authorities tighten COVID-19 measures in Greater Santo Domingo as of late May and extend other restrictions through June 11 /update 32

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have tightened restrictions and introduced a longer curfew in the Greater Santo Domingo area as of late May. Officials have also extended the existing domestic measures in the rest of the country to combat the spread of COVID-19 through at least June 11.

A nightly curfew is in effect 20:00-05:00 Monday-Sunday in the Greater Santo Domingo area, with a grace period until 23:00 to allow individuals to return to their accommodations. The sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited 17:00-05:00 in public and private spaces. Additionally, public and private establishments are allowed to operate at a 50 percent capacity limit following industry-specific protocols.

In the rest of the country, the weekday curfew will continue 22:00-05:00, and the weekend curfew remains 21:00-05:00. The curfew includes a grace period until 00:01, 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.

The following previously established measures and operating protocols will also remain unchanged nationwide through June 11:

• Restaurants, bars, and grocery stores may operate at 50 percent capacity. Restaurants and bars may only seat a maximum of six people per table.

• 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.

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

• 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
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. Authorities do not require arrivals to present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test; 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 duration of the quarantine period is determined by 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 Organization (WHO)
Dominican Republic - COVID-19 Updates
Dominican Republic - Office of the President (Spanish)
Ministry of Tourism - Travel Resource Center
Digital e-ticket Form