Dominican Republic: Authorities to require a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for individuals to enter multiple businesses, effective Jan. 31. /update 47

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have issued orders to require individuals aged 18 and older to have a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or have a negative PCR test taken within the previous seven days to be allowed entry into multiple businesses, starting Jan. 31. Other nationwide restrictions continue.

Domestic Measures
Until Jan. 30, officials will continue to require proof of full vaccination (two-shots) 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 remain 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
A ban on entry for travelers who have been in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland, or Angola within 14 days prior to their arrival to the Dominican Republic remains in place.

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, officials randomly select some travelers arriving by air 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