Dominican Republic: Authorities ban entry by individuals from certain southern African countries as of Dec. 7 due to concerns over COVID-19 Omicron strain /update 46

Event

As of Dec. 7, authorities in the Dominican Republic have banned the entry by travelers who have been in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, or Angola within 14 days prior to their arrival. The measure is in response to concerns over the newly discovered Omicron strain of COVID-19. Other pandemic-related restrictions on domestic activity and international travel remain unchanged as compared to those in place in November.

Domestic Measures
Officials require proof of full vaccination for individuals over the age of 12 to access certain establishments and facilities, such as indoor workplaces, schools and universities, gyms, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, clubs, and public transportation. Those not fully vaccinated must produce a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within the previous seven days. Requirements to wear a facemask and practice social distancing in public spaces also remain in place.

Additionally, 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.

International Travel Restrictions
Aside from the new measure aimed at limiting the spread of the Omicron strain, international travel restrictions in the Dominican Republic are largely unchanged. Travelers over the age of five who in the 14 days prior to arriving in the Dominican Republic have been in Australia, Brazil, the DRC, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, or the UK must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival. Fully vaccinated travelers arriving from these areas may provide proof of full vaccination in lieu of a negative test result.

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