Dominican Republic Opens Bidding Process for Biometric Passports

Lorenzo David Ramírez Uribe, the Director of Passports for the Dominican Republic, has announced the launch of a bidding process for new electronic or biometric passports.

The new e-passports will feature an embedded electronic chip, enhancing security and gaining international recognition. The technology is expected to facilitate visa-free travel for Dominicans to several countries.

The Dominican Republic is currently among the few countries that have not yet adopted e-passports, which contain a chip with the holder’s biographical details and a biometric identifier. In the U.S., travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program must have an e-passport if issued after October 26, 2006.

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes for stays of up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Established to promote travel and economic ties, the VWP enhances security measures by requiring participating countries to issue electronic passports (e-passports) with biometric data, which helps in verifying travelers’ identities.

The program also mandates pre-travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), further ensuring security and facilitating efficient border management.

The Dominican Republic’s e-passport initiative is part of a broader transformation within the General Directorate of Passports, which has successfully reduced the passport issuance time from three hours to approximately 30 minutes. Appointments are now available within two to three days for urgent needs. In 2023, over 730,000 passports were issued, reflecting a growing demand.

Source: CNW

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July 29, 2024 – by Ali Nassar-Smith