Dominican Republic: Authorities relax COVID-19-related weekend curfew for most provinces through June 23 /update 35

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have relaxed weekend curfew restrictions for most provinces while continuing other domestic COVID-19-related measures until at least June 23.

In the National District and in 24 provinces, a 18:00-05:00 curfew is in force, including on Saturdays and Sundays; weekends previously saw stricter curfew hours. Individuals needing to return to their accommodations or residences are accorded a three-hour grace period to do so.

The remaining seven provinces of Duarte, Espaillat, La Altagracia, La Vega, Samana, Santiago, and Puerto Plata continue to have shorter curfews. The 22:00-05:00 weekday curfew and the 21:00-05:00 curfew on Saturdays and Sundays remain in effect, as does the grace period until 00:01 for individuals to return to their residences.

Certain individuals are exempt from curfew restrictions. These include those providing essential services, including medical, security, pharmaceutical, media, and transport services, among others. Those with medical emergencies and international passengers traveling to and from the airport and their drivers may also be outside their homes or accommodations during curfew hours.

The ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public spaces and in private spaces designated for public use remains in effect nationwide between the hours of 15:00-05:00 daily. Most public and private establishments are allowed to operate at a 50 percent capacity limit in accordance with industry-specific protocols. Organizing, promoting, or hosting large events, parties, or activities remains banned.

The following previously established measures and operating protocols also remain unchanged nationwide:

• 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.

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

International Travel Restrictions
Standard travel protocols remain in place. Travelers arriving from South Africa, India, or Brazil will be required to present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Authorities do not require other arrivals to present negative test results; however, some travelers arriving by air will 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. Individuals who present either a negative PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours prior to travel and/or proof of full vaccination are exempt from random testing.

All travelers must also 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 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