Dominican Republic Advances Towards New Electronic Passport System

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic –  The Director of Passports, Lorenzo David Ramírez Uribe, says the bidding process for the new electronic or biometric passport for the Dominican Republic is currently underway.

Speaking earlier this week, Ramírez Uribe highlighted that the General Directorate of Passports is undergoing a transformation, significantly reducing the time required to obtain a passport. 

“Previously, the process took approximately three hours. After implementing several improvements, we have reduced the wait time to about 30 minutes. Appointments are available within two to three days for any need or emergency,’ he said.

He confirmed that the demand for passports continues to grow, with over 730,000 booklets issued in 2023 alone.

This new passport will feature an embedded electronic chip, enhancing document security and gaining “international recognition.”

 It will also facilitate visa-free entry for Dominicans to several countries, as outlined by the General Directorate of Passports.

Currently, the Dominican Republic is among the few countries that have not yet adopted this technology.

An electronic passport, or e-passport, includes an embedded electronic chip and can be identified by a unique international symbol on the cover. 

In the United States, travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to have an e-passport if issued on or after October 26, 2006. 

The chip contains the same information as printed on the passport’s data page, including the holder’s name, date of birth, and other biographical details, as well as a biometric identifier, such as a digital photograph.