The Director of Passports, Lorenzo David Ramírez Uribe, announced that the bidding process for the new electronic or biometric passport for the Dominican Republic is currently underway.
Speaking last week, Ramírez Uribe highlighted the ongoing transformation within the General Directorate of Passports, which has significantly reduced 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 stated.
Ramírez Uribe confirmed that the demand for passports continues to grow, with over 730,000 booklets issued in 2023 alone.
The new passports will feature an embedded electronic chip, enhancing document security and gaining international recognition. This 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.
