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BOP TRAVEL UPDATE

a close up of a toy lying on top of a rock

As we look forward to new adventures in Punta Cana in 2021, we bring you the latest travel update for the Dominican Republic, with all information on COVID regulations, which are in effect until May 16:

Curfew Hours:

Curfew hours are in effect. The hours are:

Monday to Friday from 10pm to 5am

Saturdays and Sundays from 9pm until 5am

You are allowed free transit until 12 midnight after curfew to transit between the airport and your hotel or vacation rental. Make sure to have check in information, passport, and tickets to hand. If traveling in separate cars, each car must have this evidence to be able to travel during curfew hours.

Additional Regulations:

  • 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.
    • Activities in bars and clubs remain suspended as well as massive national and international events and public, cultural, artistic and sports shows involving the agglomeration of people.
    • 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 schedules according to the curfew, with at least 1.5 meters of separation between users and a 60% limited capacity.
  • Private transportation companies and malls are operating normally on the allowed working hours, 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.
  • People will be able to use outdoor open spaces, such as parks and boardwalks, for activities that do not involve crowds and are in strict compliance with current health protocols.
  • Places dedicated to sports and physical exercise, such as gyms, will be able to receive clients in their facilities up to 60% of their total capacity, in strict compliance with current health protocols.
  • 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 reservation 10 days in advance. To visit the protected areas, you must enter with local guides that are certified by the Ministry of the Environment.
  • Public beaches remain open to the public during the hours of free movement and will be guarded to avoid crowds, while still practicing social distancing.
  • The activities of the tourism sector will continue to be handled with a special protocol as before. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the organization, promotion and execution of massive activities, parties, concerts, events or other similar activities in tourist facilities throughout the country is prohibited.
  • Activities and massive events that involve the agglomeration of people are prohibited.
  • The opening and celebration of activities of the different churches and other religious denominations is allowed, which may be held three times a week in strict compliance with current health protocols and without exceeding 60% of the total capacity of their installations, keeping the established hours for the curfew.
  • Food and beverage consumption places, such as restaurants, will be able to receive customers in their facilities up to 60% of their total capacity, in strict compliance with current sanitary protocols and without exceeding 6 people per table in the places where it applies. Employees or contractors of restaurants, pharmacies or grocery stores that provide home delivery services of cooked or raw food or medicines, who will have permission to circulate until 11:00 p.m., exclusively during the exercise of their job duties.Some restrictions such as restaurant hours do not apply to hotels. For more information contact the hotel directly.

Where possible, tourism activities benefit from a special protocol. Please speak with your hotel, rental manager or excursion provider to find out how any regulations impact your trip.

Entry Requirements:

A negative PCR or COVID-19 test is not required for entry to the Dominican Republic. Ports of entry will administer breath tests to between 3% and 10% of passengers, plus those who present symptoms on arrival. All travelers will be temperature checked. Please check with you airline in case of additional requirements for your flight. You must also follow your government guidelines for reentry from the Dominican Republic to your home country.

Health Declaration:

Until December 31, all travelers will be required to complete a health declaration. This is to confirm visitors have not had COVID-19 symptoms in the last 72 hours plus contact details for the next 30 days for contact tracing. From January 1, the new E-Ticket will be compulsory.

E-Ticket

The new E-Ticket combines three forms which were previously completed manually:

  • Traveler’s Health Affadavit(Decaration)
  • Customs Declaration
  • International Embarkation/Disembarkation

Until December 31 both manual and electronic versions of these forms will be accepted. From January 1 the E-Ticket will be compulsory and the manual forms no longer accepted.  You will need to fill one form for arrival and one for departure, which will then generate QR codes to be scanned by authorities at your port of entry and departure.

Internet is available free of charge at Dominican Airports if you forget to fill in the forms in advance. However, to keep time at the airport to a minimum, we recommend completing at least 72 hours in advance. You can keep a copy of the QR code either in print or as a screenshot on your device. You can access the E-Ticket here: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/.

Free Health Coverage

International tourists on commercial flights and staying in a hotel and arriving on or before 31 December 2020 will be provided free temporary health coverage for COVID-19 infection or exposure during check in. Coverage includes:

  • Specialist Medical Attention
  • Medical Transfers
  • Transfer of a relative
  • Airfare change penalty
  • Additional Accommodation

Insurance is provided by Seguros Reservas. The contact number for assistance in the event of exposure to COVID-19 is +1 809 476 3232. A representative will advise the best course of action on a case by case basis. You can find full coverage information here.

Time to Rest and Refresh!

Although these additional regulations are needed, you can still enjoy your Punta Cana vacation! One of our favorite activities is sailing aboard a private boat tour, an ideal daytime experience which offers the chance to swim in tropical waters with VIP service. Since this is a half day tour, you will be able to fully enjoy the tour and be back at your hotel or rental before curfew!

Did You Know?

BOP offers VIP transport services to take you to and from the airport? Our team will take care of all of the necessary paperwork to ensure you reach your hotel or vacation rental throughout the Punta Cana area. More information can be found here.

 

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