Dominican Republic: Government shortens nightly curfew effective July 14 as part of Phase 2 of plan to ease COVID-19-related restrictions /update 39

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have eased the existing nightly curfew along with alcohol consumption regulations effective July 14 as part of Phase 2 of the nation's plan for relaxing COVID-19-related controls. Under the modified restrictions, new nationwide curfew hours run 23:00-05:00 Monday through Friday and 21:00-05:00 on weekends; previous curfew hours ran 22:00-05:00 on weekdays and 19:00-05:00 over weekends. Officials still allow a two-hour grace period for individuals needing to return to their accommodations or residences. Exemptions from 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 new curfew hours are expected to run at least through July 21.

The ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public spaces and in private spaces designated for public use between the hours of 18:00-05:00 has been repealed; however, such sales and consumption remain effectively prohibited during the new curfew hours. 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. Unvaccinated travelers arriving from Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, and/or the United Kingdom must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in order to enter the Dominican Republic; fully vaccinated travelers arriving from these areas may provide proof of full vaccination in lieu of the test result. Authorities do not require other arrivals to present negative test results. 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 either a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival 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