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Punta Cana Covid 19 - 2021
Contents

INFORMATION UPDATED AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 2022

CURRENT RESTRICTIONS

All restrictive measures imposed by COVID-19 are suspended as of February 16, 2022, and it will be up to each individual to take his or her own measures to safeguard his or her health responsibly, but without restrictions.

Individuals are responsible for measures such as the use of face masks, the presentation of vaccination cards for access to public places, and restrictions in public spaces.

As a result of our stringent safety measures and effective vaccination plan, hotel occupancy has now reached 100 percent, further establishing the Dominican Republic as a global model of tourism recovery in the midst of the pandemic.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Most visitors (for example, from the United States, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Panama, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Puerto Rico, and so on) are not required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. Upon arrival, airports and other points of entry will administer a quick, aleatory test to a percentage of passengers, as well as all those who exhibit symptoms. This procedure does not apply to passengers under the age of seven. Passengers who present a vaccination card or a negative PCR or antigen test performed within 72 hours of their arrival in the Dominican Republic will be exempt from the random test. All passengers will be required to perform a temperature check as well.

Passengers who exhibit symptoms or have positive test results will be isolated and treated at authorized locations. Prior to departure, travelers should confirm with their airline provider and airport of origin any testing or other related requirements for inbound flights to the Dominican Republic, as well as any necessary requirements upon arrival in their country of origin.

Note: It is not required to present the vaccination card upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, to enter the resorts, establishments, and tourist transportation regulated by the Ministry of Tourism. However, it is required to present the vaccination card with 2 doses of the vaccine applied or PCR test performed at least 7 days before to enter establishments outside the hotels and tourism complexes. Therefore, visitors over 12 years of age must carry their vaccination cards with them to leave the tourism complexes or resorts.  See more details in “CURRENT MEASURES FOR ALL SECTORS REGULATED BY THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND THE CIVIL AVIATION BOARD“.

Passports: All foreign citizens who enter the Dominican Republic, exclusively for tourism purposes, must have a valid passport during their stay and departure from the country. This exceptional measure is valid until December 31, 2021.

Based on the ever-changing nature of the COVID-19 virus, we recommend connecting with your airline or travel agent directly to discuss any protocols that may apply to your country. As needed, we also recommend visiting the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for any updates to international markets and their required procedures. IATA cannot guarantee its accuracy and can accept no liability for any errors or omissions.

E-TICKET

All foreign and Dominican passengers entering or leaving the Dominican Republic on commercial flights must complete the free electronic entry and exit form, which combines the Traveler’s Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration, and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms. The form is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Russian and can be accessed through the following link:

Read our article on completing the e-ticket immigration form: E-Ticket Dominican Republic: A Required Form for Vacationing in Punta Cana

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MEASURES FOR THE TOURISM AND HOTEL SECTOR

MEASURES BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VALID FOR THE TOURISM AND HOTEL SECTOR UNTIL REVISED BY THE CORRESPONDING AUTHORITIES.

  1. The occupation level in hotel establishments is allowed up to 100%.
  2. The capacity in the vehicles destined by the tourist establishments for their employees or tourists, is allowed up to 90%.
  3. The level of occupation in the excursions, the marine transport, the activities of ranch, horse and aquatic parks is allowed up to 85%.

CURRENT MEASURES BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

As a result of our stringent safety measures and effective vaccination plan, currently, hotel occupancy has increased to 85%, further solidifying Dominican Republic as a world example of tourism recovery amidst the pandemic.

100% of the Tourism sector personnel (hotels, airports, restaurants, transportation, etc.) have been vaccinated. Vaccinations in the Dominican Republic are scheduled to conclude before the end of 2021. A vaccination program is currently underway to administer the third dose to all employees in the tourism sector. More than 150,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines for COVID-19 will be administered, seeking collective immunity for all those who provide tourism services in the country. With this vaccination program we will continue to strengthen the safety and health of all those who work in the sector in order to guarantee the safety and health of all tourists who visit us. The hotels, restaurants and partners will continue to work hand in hand with the authorities. 

Dominican Republic has a robust health care system that has been able to quickly detect cases of COVID-19 in the country. For more information about the coronavirus in Dominican Republic, please visit the Ministry of Public Health’s website. (https://www.msp.gob.do/web/) or download the COVID-RD mobile phone application, available on the App Store and Google Play, that works as a passport in which, through a QR code, visitors can report their condition and access many services and information.

For MITUR, the well-being and safety of visitors remains a priority, so it will continue to work in coordination with the other relevant authorities to further strengthen the country’s preventive measures against coronavirus. 

Social Distancing: Airport terminals have established guidelines requiring social distancing as well as the mandatory use of face masks for employees and passengers. Outside of the airports, social distancing of at least 6.5 feet (2 meters) and the use of face masks in public places are required for the general and traveling public within indoor spaces and in areas where social distancing is not possible. These locations include but are not limited to airport terminals, within indoor and outdoor shopping areas, while using public transportation, when seeking medical attention within a hospital or clinic, among others. Social distancing is also required at the beach, and within pool and jacuzzi areas. Facial masks are optional for adults at the beach area, and not recommended for children. All equipment, including life jackets, snorkel, kayaks, pedal boats, etc. will be disinfected after each use. Please contact your hotel, preferred restaurant or tour operator for specific details regarding their protocols. The use of face masks is mandatory in public places and private places of public use in the national territory, as well as the other measures and protocols of social distancing adopted by the corresponding authorities; its non-compliance will be sanctioned.

Elimination of Curfew

As of October 11, 2021, the curfew and restrictions on the freedoms of transit, association and assembly will no longer be in effect in the national territory.

Entry to the Dominican Republic

Entry to the Dominican Republic, both for foreigners and Dominicans, will continue with the same established sanitary protocol, as we have had a positivity rate of less than 1% in the tests that were performed at airports and in the more than 1.5 million tests performed in hotels.

CURRENT MEASURES FOR ALL SECTORS REGULATED BY THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND THE CIVIL AVIATION BOARD

Presentation of vaccination cards upon arrival in the Dominican Republic

In accordance with the protocols approved by the Civil Aviation Board within the framework of its faculties, the presentation of vaccination cards will NOT be required for passengers arriving in the Dominican Republic.

Admission to hotels, resorts and services offered therein

To enter the hotels and services offered within them and to enter hotel complexes, it will not be necessary to present the vaccination card against COVID-19, nor the negative PCR test, taking into consideration the application of the strict Protocols of Risk Management previously approved for the sector.  

Presentation of vaccination card or PCR test in establishments outside hotels and tourism complexes

To enter bars, restaurants, discotheques, clubs, shopping centers, stores, casinos, gyms, sports centers and any other entertainment center, which are not inside hotels or hotel complexes, any person over 12 years of age will be required to present an identity document and their COVID-19 vaccination card, both in original or in legible, physical or digital copy to the corresponding public or private authority or the person designated for this purpose. In the case of not having the two doses of the vaccine applied, they must present an original PCR test in a recurrent manner, whose result has been negative, performed a maximum of 7 days before by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance or a laboratory authorized by it.

Protocol for sectors regulated by the Ministry of Tourism

All sectors regulated by the Ministry of Tourism must continue to apply the National Health Risk Management Protocols for COVID-19. The non-adherence or non-compliance to said protocol on the part of the actors to which it applies will entail the actions and sanctions to their detriment established in the regulations in force. 

Protocol of activities of establishments and tourist transportation

Activities related to land tourist transportation, cruises, travel agencies, tour operators, horse ranches, tourist rides, zip line, aquatic or recreational theme parks and paintball, maritime transportation and water sports, diving school and parasailing, will follow the same treatment indicated for hotel establishments, always safeguarding compliance with the provisions of the sectorial protocol issued for such purposes.

Use of face masks and social distancing

For all tourist services and activities, the provisions on distancing and the mandatory use of masks in enclosed spaces are maintained.

Authorization to carry out activities involving crowds of people

Activities involving crowds of people must be duly authorized by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance. https://www.msp.gob.do/web/

Inspections to ensure compliance with protocols

The Ministry of Tourism has the authority to conduct visits, inquiries, and site inspections to ensure compliance with the referred Protocol for Health Risk Management Against COVID-19. 

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MEASURES TO CONTINUE COMBATING COVID-19

The following measures are applicable in public areas:

  1. The mandatory use of face masks, frequent hand washing and respect for physical distancing are maintained, as well as the other sanitary protocols in force.
  2. Persons may be received only up to 75% of the total capacity of the establishments for public use, always in compliance with the sanitary protocols.
  3. For the celebration of activities that imply agglomeration, the authorization of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance must be obtained.
  4. The prohibition of the sale of alcoholic beverages in grocery stores, discotheques, bars, casinos and amusement centers is confirmed from Monday to Friday after 12:00 a.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays after 2:00 a.m.

In all the cases listed below, persons over 12 years of age must present an identity document and their vaccination card with at least two doses of the vaccine against COVID-19, both in original or legible physical or digital copy, to the corresponding public or private authority or to the person designated for that purpose:

  1. To attend in a face-to-face manner workplaces with enclosed spaces and collective use.
  2. To attend in person study centers of all levels, whether public or private.
  3. To use any means of public transportation, whether urban or interurban.
  4. To enter restaurants, bars, grocery stores, discotheques, clubs, shopping malls, stores, casinos, gyms, sports centers, and any other entertainment center.

In all the previous cases, persons over 12 years of age who have not received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine must submit a recurrent original PCR test, with a negative result, performed no more than 7 days previously by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance or by a laboratory authorized by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance. This provision will cease to be applicable to each person 14 days after receiving his/her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In exceptional cases, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance may grant special permission to those persons who are unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for medical reasons.

The falsification of the required vaccination cards, PCR tests for COVID-19 and special permits from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance may be prosecuted and sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code of the Dominican Republic. In this sense, any person or establishment, of those indicated in this article, that detects a possible falsification of these documents shall immediately notify the competent authority, in order to initiate the pertinent investigations and apply the corresponding sanctions.

Failure to comply with the aforementioned measures may result in the temporary closure of establishments.

Failure to comply with the aforementioned measures may be sanctioned with fines.

VISITING HOURS FOR NATIONAL PARKS & OVERNIGHT STAYS

Visiting hours for protected areas and national parks will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Salto El Limón, Saltos de Jima, and 27 Saltos de Damajagua are open to the public. The Armando Bermúdez National Park (Pico Duarte), Montaña La Humeadora (Valle de Dios) and José del Carmen Ramírez (Valle del Tetero) National Park are open to the public to stay overnight by prior visit permit 15 days in advance, by contacting yaristy@ambiente.gob.do. Only 100 visitors can stay in the parks per night. To visit the protected areas, you must enter with local guides that are certified by the Ministry of the Environment. 

ADDITIONAL MEASURES

The country reactivated its tourism operation by opening its borders by air. The measures include:

  • Reactivation of commercial flights to and from the country’s airports.
  • Hotels restarted operations with the use of contact-free technologies and strict protocols to offer a clean, safe environment and promote social distancing.
  • It is mandatory to keep social distancing and to wear face masks in all public spaces, such as banks, supermarkets and offices, among others.

Ports, marinas and anchorage facilities to receive yachts, ferries, and cruise ships are open.

Public transportation will operate with at least 1.5 meters of separation between users and a limited capacity.

Private transportation companies and malls are operating normally, except for casinos. All commercial establishments operating on closed environments must assure a separation of 1.5 meters between clients and the mandatory use of face masks, as well as the compliance of new sanitary measures announce by Public Health officials.

Public beaches remain open to the public and will be guarded to avoid crowds, while still practicing social distancing.

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