Latest News:
International Restrictions:
*Entry rules in response to coronavirus: The Dominican Republic has resumed inbound passenger flights from the UK. Passengers from the UK are allowed to arrive in the DR. Travellers may be subject to a COVID-19 test upon arrival. If a passenger tests positive for COVID-19, they will be required to isolate in an authorised location. If you were planning to travel to or transit through the Dominican Republic, check with your travel provider. Further updates will be published when they are available.
You should comply with additional screening and other social distancing measures put in place by the authorities and follow instructions from the airport authorities. These regulations may be subject to change at short notice and you should check with your travel provider before your journey.
You will need to fill in a COVID Traveller’s Health Affidavit before travel to the Dominican Republic. This forms part of an online form, which includes the COVID Traveller’s Health Affidavit, the Customs Declaration and the International Boarding / Disembarking forms. The form can be completed via the Dominican Republic’s Electronic Ticket Portal, before your journey. For further information please check the Dominican Republic Travel Center website.
*Testing on arrival: All passengers will have their temperature tested. The Dominican authorities will also administer a rapid diagnostic breath test to a percentage of randomly-selected passengers on arrival. Passengers may be subject to COVID-19 PCR test. Passengers showing COVID-19 symptoms will also be tested. If a passenger tests positive for COVID-19, they will be required to isolate in an authorised location.
*Data collection: As part of the immigration and customs process, you will be asked to fill out a Travellers Health Affidavit online, confirming whether you have any coronavirus symptoms and providing your contact details. See Customs section below for more details. Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in the Dominican Republic: A national State of Emergency has been declared and a curfew is in place nationwide. The nationwide curfew is from 10pm to 5am Monday to Friday and from 9pm to 5am on Saturday and Sunday. Transit is permitted for the first two hours of curfew, i.e. until 12am Monday to Friday and for the first three hours of curfew until 12am on Saturday and Sunday, only in order to travel home.
There are some limited exceptions to the curfew, including those seeking assistance in a medical emergency, and international passengers and their drivers travelling to and from an airport. You may be arrested by police if you breach curfew, unless you meet one of the approved exemptions. Changes to the curfew and measures under the State of Emergency may happen at short notice. You should monitor local media and comply with any instructions from police or the Dominican authorities. You should follow the Dominican rules listed below and check this page and the British Embassy social media channels on Twitter and Facebook regularly for updates.
• it is mandatory to wear a mask in public places or private spaces open to the public
• when leaving home everyone should follow social distancing rules (2 metres away from any other person)
• public transport will operate at a reduced capacity and those boarding must observe social distancing rules, and wear masks.
• The Dominican authorities particularly encourage those over 60 years old or with underlying health conditions to stay at home except for essential trips
The Dominican Republic authorities will seek to prosecute people who breach COVID-19 protocols, including those who break quarantine protocols will result in a serious penalty, up to a maximum fine of RD$100,000 and/or prison sentence.
Further information is available from the Dominican authorities, in English and in Spanish.
*Accommodation: Hotels have now reopened and the Dominican Government has set out detailed rules for hotel operations during COVID. You should comply with any government or hotel social distancing measures.
*Public places and services: No gatherings of more than ten people are permitted in public spaces, or private spaces open to the public. Restaurants are limited to a maximum of 60% capacity and no more than six people on a table. Events have been suspended, including sports fixtures, cultural and artistic events, conventions and fairs, and any other events which could lead to concentrations of people.
Entertainment activities and athletic training and sports are permitted only if they can be practiced in strict compliance with social distancing rules and with limits on their percentage capacity. Indoor gyms are open with strict COVID protocols.
Social events or activities that involve the participation of more than 10 people in any area for public use require a permit from the Public Health Ministry. To get this permit, responsible parties should submit a request for authorization in writing, with a minimum of seven days in advance, that must include the general information of the event or activity, including the place, setting, photo of the space and responsible persons. You can submit the request at the Ministry of Public Health’ headquarters or through its Provincial Offices or Health Areas.
Government advice remains that celebrations such as weddings or birthday parties should be postponed, people should stay at home except for work or necessary trips and that everyone should apply hygiene precautions if they go out, washing hands, clothing and shoes when they return home. Local or regional authorities may impose additional restrictions. You should comply with any instructions or notices, including the closure of beaches or other public areas.