U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced this week that nationals of the Dominican Republic are now eligible to apply for the U.S. Global Entry Program.

Key Points:

  • Global Entry allows expedited clearance for preapproved, low-risk travelers when entering the United States through designated airports.
  • Applicants must apply for Global Entry through this website and pay a nonrefundable government fee of $100 for a five-year membership.
  • Once the online application is conditionally approved, applicants can schedule an interview with a CBP officer or complete their interview upon arriving in the United States at an Enrollment on Arrival location.

Additional Information: Those with Global Entry enter the United States through automatic kiosks at numerous U.S. airports and at preclearance locations around the world.

BAL Analysis: Dominican nationals who frequently travel to the United States for business or tourism will benefit from the program, as their entry process will be expedited at many U.S. airports. Global Entry members can also benefit from security prescreening at designated international airports before boarding a flight to the United States.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2023 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Dominican Republic has dropped a COVID-19 testing requirement for those entering the country. Up until recently, all people entering the country were required to carry test results with them or have administered at the airport if they were not tested prior to travel.

Key Points:

  • A negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) is no longer required for entry.
  • Travelers are still subject to other COVID-19 health screenings, including temperature checks, at the airport.
  • Any person leaving the Dominican Republic may be asked to fill out the following health declarations and customs forms: Passenger Locator Form (English/Spanish); Traveler Health Affidavit (English/Spanish); Traveler Instructive Commitment (English/Spanish).

Additional Information: The Dominican Republic extended its state of emergency until Oct. 18 and curfew until Sept. 27. The curfew is strictly enforced and is different in each city. Travelers must carry their airline ticket, travel itinerary and passport while en route to and from an airport. Anyone visiting immigration centers should be prepared to follow health protocols currently in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The president has announced a four-phase plan to reopen the economy, including reopening government entities.

Key Points:

  • Phase 1 will include all government entities returning to work at 50% capacity.
  • As of May 20, Dominican Migration (DGM) will begin rescheduling all appointments that were postponed owing to COVID-19.
  • Those with postponed appointments will receive a notice from the DGM via email and they may also check the DGM website for information.
  • Borders will remain closed until July 1.
  • The DGM has begun operating with a strict sanitary protocol that consists of the following:
    • Reduced number of daily appointments scheduled (no more than a 100 per day).
    • Temperature checks for all applicants before they enter the building.
    • Mandatory use of face masks.
    • Only 30 persons are allowed in the service area.
  • Applicable payments and fines will depend on each case; however, from March 19 to May 20 no fines or payment deadlines will apply.

Background: The government implemented measures in March to mitigate the spread of the virus, including travel restrictions, border closures and postponement of immigration processes.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? The government has closed its border and implemented further travel restrictions and measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

 Key Points:

  • Border closure. The border is closed to nationals from all countries for 15 days, from March 19 until April 2, this includes all inbound land, sea and air travel. Exemptions include foreign nationals who are being repatriated and for the export and import of goods.
  • Cruises suspended. All cruises to and from the Dominican Republic have been suspended from March 16 until April 16.
  • Self-quarantine for select travelers. Those who have traveled to the EU, China, South Korea, or Iran within the last two weeks are required to self-quarantine for 15 days.
  • Immigration processing. Effective March 23, The General Immigration Direction (DGM) has limited immigration processing until further notice. Scheduled visa appointments will be postponed and rescheduled. While offices are open, they are still issuing and renewing resident permits, and are not postponing appointments for these services. Consulates abroad, however, are closed until further notice.

Analysis & Comments: The most recent measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will suspend all inbound and outbound travel until at least April 2 with few exceptions. Employers should expect delays in immigration processing in the coming weeks. Deloitte will continue to follow developments and alert clients of any changes.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Dominican Republic is imposing new visa requirements on Venezuelan nationals.

What does the change mean? Venezuelan nationals intending to visit the Dominican Republic are no longer exempt and must obtain a tourist visa at a Dominican Consulate. Venezuelan nationals holding a valid visa for Canada, a Schengen Area country, the United Kingdom or the United States are exempt and may continue to rely on visas-on-arrival.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate. The change took effect Dec. 16.
  • Visas/permits affected: Tourist visas, visa waivers for short-term business trips (up to 30 days).
  • Business impact: Venezuelan nationals who previously relied on a visa exemption to conduct short business trips (less than 30 days) should factor in additional time to apply for and obtain a visa before traveling to the Dominican Republic.
  • Next steps: Visa criteria and documentary requirements are available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.mirex.gob.do.

Background: The Dominican Republic generally requires business travelers to obtain an NM or NM1 business visa. However, in practice, nationals who are exempt from tourist visa requirements may conduct short business trips of less than 30 days without a tourist business visa if they have proof of a return flight, sufficient cash and local accommodations. Venezuelan nationals must now obtain a tourist visa at a consulate even for short business trips or for tourism, unless they hold a valid visa to one of the designated countries.

Analysis & Comments: Companies sending Venezuelan nationals to the Dominican Republic even for short business trips should plan well in advance to allow sufficient time to obtain a tourist visa before travel. All foreign nationals must continue to secure a work visa for business trips longer than 30 days.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Dominican Republic has announced several changes affecting companies sponsoring foreign workers for temporary residency permits.

What does the change mean? The changes include a new rule on insurance coverage of residency applicants, a 30-day deadline for foreign workers to apply for residency (previously 60 days), and an optional VIP service providing expedited 40-day processing of residency applications for an additional government fee.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate.
  • Visas/permits affected: Temporary residency permits.
  • Who is affected: Foreign employees applying for temporary residency.
  • Impact on processing times: The optional VIP service will significantly reduce processing from 90 business days to 40.
  • Business impact: Businesses should pay attention to the new mandatory insurance coverage program and the shorter deadline for foreign employees to apply for residency, as monetary penalties will be imposed on late filers. The temporary residency card issued to the employee will no longer be tied to the employer, allowing the employee to change employers more easily.

Key changes: 

Insurance. Employers sponsoring foreign employees and family members for residency applications must purchase insurance coverage for 5,000 Dominican pesos (about US$109) per individual, and present proof of coverage when applying for residency. The insurance covers foreign nationals in the event of death, criminality, repatriation and other situations. Previously, a guarantor was required, but this program replaces the need for a guarantor in the residency process.

New deadline. Foreign nationals entering the Dominican Republic with an NM1 work permit now have 30 days to submit their residency application, and late filers will be fined 5,000 pesos. RS visa holders with a 60-day duration who do not file the residence application within 30 days will be fined 5,000 pesos and those who do not file within 60 days will be fined 10,000 pesos per person.

Expedited service. For an additional government fee of 5,000 pesos per individual, foreign nationals may apply for expedited 40-day processing of their residency applications, allowing them to obtain their residence card faster. The residence card is useful for withdrawing household shipments exempt from customs taxes and for traveling in and out of the country without incurring penalties for staying in the country without an approved residence permit.

BAL Analysis: Companies sponsoring foreign employees and dependents should note the new insurance requirement and deadline for filing residency applications to avoid delays and penalties. The VIP service provides several benefits that will save time and hassles for foreign nationals relocating to the Dominican Republic.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the Dominican Republic. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.