Dominican Republic To Remain Open For Tourism With No Testing Or Vaccination Requirement
The Dominican Republic will not require tests or vaccination passports to enter hotels, tourist attractions, or bars and restaurants despite fears.
According to local media on October 8th, the Ministry of Public Health announced people would need to present vaccination certificates to enter gyms, bars, sports venues, entertainment centers, schools, and workplaces.
However, the Ministry of Tourism announced tourists wouldn’t need to show proof of vaccination to enter the country this weekend.
Furthermore, travelers won’t need to provide proof of vaccination to enter bars, hotels, restaurants, public places, and educational centers.
The statement says, “To enter the hotels and services offered within these and the hotel complexes to their guests, it will not be necessary to present the vaccination card against Covid-19, as well as the negative PCR test, established in Resolution No. .00048, dated October eight (8), 2021, issued by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance.”
Costa Rica, another population destination for Americans throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, has launched a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine passport.
Travelers require the vaccine passport to enter a wide range of establishments inside the nation, severely hindering anyone looking to visit the country without being fully vaccinated.
The Current Entry Requirements
The Dominican Republic is currently one of the least restricted countries worldwide for U.S travelers. Most travelers don’t need to present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, which is a rarity right now.
Airports will perform a quick aleatory breath test on a percentage of passengers and passengers showing symptoms of COVID-19.
Additionally, passengers presenting a vaccination card no less than three weeks after the final dosage or a 72 hour negative PCR test are exempt from the aleatory breath test.
However, passengers showing COVID-19 symptoms or recording a positive test will have to self-isolate at authorized locations. Passengers will also need to perform a temperature check upon arrival.
The Dominican Republic Tourism Board advises all travelers to confirm with the airline provider and the airport of origin to see whether they require any testing or COVID-19 related requirements for inbound flights to the Dominican Republic.
The current requirements for British travelers are different. In contrast, British travelers will present a negative 72 hour COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival or a vaccination card no less than three weeks after their last dose. Passengers below five are exempt from these requirements.
The COVID-19 Situation In The Dominican Republic
Unlike some countries that have pursued a zero-COVID strategy — namely Australia, New Zealand, and large parts of Asia — COVID-19 has been prevalent in the Dominican Republic since March 2020.
The current 7-day average in the Dominican Republic is 662, over 50 percent lower than the 7-day case average during the summer months. The Dominican Republic has fully vaccinated 46.7 percent of its entire population.
Cases are rising, but the current case number is far lower than previous waves.
The Current Restrictions Within The Dominican Republic
Although travel restrictions remain minimal, there are some restrictions within the country. Hotels are currently at an 85 percent capacity, and face masks are mandatory in public places, indoor spaces, and areas where social distancing is impossible.
National parks still have reduced hours, and only 100 people can stay within national parks overnight. Outside of the airports, the government requires locals and travelers to maintain at least 2 meters of social distance.
The government also requires social distancing at beaches, swimming pools, and jacuzzis. However, face masks are optional on beaches. The government says non-compliance with the restrictions will result in fines.
Source: https://bit.ly/3aPe9uH
