Dominican Republic: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related restrictions mostly unchanged as of Sept. 28 /update 43

Event

As of Sept. 28, COVID-19-related restrictions in the Dominican Republic remain mostly unchanged, as compared to those in place in late August. A state of emergency is in effect through at least Oct. 13.

Domestic Restrictions
A 23:00-05:00 curfew remains in place nationwide, except in Santo Domingo city (National District) and the provinces of Altagracia and Pedernales. More than 70 percent of residents in the aforementioned areas have been fully vaccinated, meeting the target set by the government for easing COVID-19-related measures. As part of the relaxation of restrictions in these three areas, capacity limits for most public establishments have been raised to 75 percent.

In the rest of the country where the curfew remains in effect, 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.

Facilities catering to tourists, such as hotels, may be allowed to operate at up to 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. Restaurants and bars may only seat a maximum of six people per table. Most public and private businesses nationwide are allowed to operate at up to 50 percent capacity in accordance with industry-specific protocols (except in National District, La Altagracia, and Pedernales).

• 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, galleries, sports stadiums, arenas, and other establishments that encourage large group gatherings, remain mostly closed.

International Travel Restrictions
Unvaccinated travelers over 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 arrivals from other locations 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 result from a COVID-19 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 - Office of the President Ministry of Tourism - Travel Resource Center
Digital e-ticket Form