Dominican Republic: Authorities eliminate curfew as of Oct. 12, to require full COVID-19 vaccination for entry to most establishments effective Oct. 18 /update 44

Event

As of Oct. 12, officials in the Dominican Republic have ended the COVID-19-related state of emergency in effect since July 2020. As part of the ending of the state of emergency, authorities have lifted the nightly curfew in provinces where it was still in effect. Additionally, effective Oct. 18, officials will require proof of full vaccination for those over the age of 12 to access certain establishments, such as indoor workplaces, schools and universities, gyms, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, clubs, and public transportation. Those not fully vaccinated will need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test result no older than seven days. Other measures, such as the requirements to wear a facemask and practice social distancing in public spaces, remain unaltered.

Domestic Restrictions
The previous nightly curfew is no longer in effect. However, proof of full vaccination will be required to access a variety of public and private establishments effective Oct. 18; capacity limits for most establishments are set at 75 percent. 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 use of protective facemasks and adherence to social distancing measures remain mandatory in public.

International Travel Restrictions
Unvaccinated travelers over the age of five arriving from Australia, Brazil, the D.R.C., India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, and the U.K. 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 (e-Ticket) 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