Dominican Republic: Government lifts curfew in Santo Domingo city and La Altagracia Province as of Aug. 16 /update 41

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have ended the 23:00-5:00 nightly curfew in Santo Domingo city (National District) and La Altagracia Province as of Aug. 16. However, the curfew remains in effect throughout the rest of the country.

Both the national capital and La Altagracia Province have been allowed to end the curfew because at least 70 percent of residents in those areas have been fully vaccinated, meeting the target set by the government for easing COVID-19-related measures. As part of the easing of restrictions in the National District and La Altagracia Province, capacity limits for most public establishments have also been raised to 75 percent.

In the rest of the country where the curfew remains, officials allow a two-hour grace period for individuals needing to return to their accommodations or residences. Exemptions from the curfew are in place for those providing essential services, including medical, security, pharmaceutical, media, and transport services, among others. Those with medical emergencies, as well as international passengers traveling to or from the airport and their drivers, may also be outside their homes or accommodations during curfew hours.

The previous ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public and private spaces has been repealed, though alcohol sales and consumption are still effectively prohibited during curfew hours. Alcohol sales in Santo Domingo city and La Altagracia Province are prohibited 00:01-05:00. Most public and private establishments nationwide are allowed to operate at up to 50 percent capacity in accordance with industry-specific protocols. In Santo Domingo city and La Altagracia Province, establishments may operate at up to 75 percent capacity.

Facilities catering to tourists, such as hotels, may be allowed to operate at greater or even full capacity throughout the country as per special guidelines from the Ministry of Tourism. Organizing, promoting, or hosting large events, parties, or activities remains banned without special permission from authorities.

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

• Restaurants, bars, and grocery stores may operate at up to 50 percent capacity (75 percent in the National District and La Altagracia Province). 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. Unvaccinated travelers under the age of five arriving from Australia, Brazil, the DRC, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, and the UK must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival to enter the Dominican Republic. Fully vaccinated travelers arriving from these areas may provide proof of full vaccination in lieu of a negative test result.

This measure also applies to those with travel histories in the aforementioned countries during the 14-day period prior to their arrival in the Dominican Republic. Authorities do not require other arrivals to present a negative test result. Nevertheless, some travelers arriving by air are randomly selected for rapid testing upon arrival at the airport; persons testing positive will be required to enter quarantine. Individuals who present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival 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 entry and exit form can be completed up to 72 hours before arrival or departure.

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
Ministry of Tourism - Travel Resource Center
Digital e-ticket Form