Dominican Republic to Launch Electronic Passports with Biometric Features in August

The Dominican Republic will implement electronic passports beginning in August of this year, according to President Luis Abinader. The initiative represents a significant upgrade to the nation’s travel documentation system, following a comprehensive bidding process that began in late 2023.

The new electronic passports will contain embedded chips storing biometric data including fingerprints, photographs, and personal information. Security features will also include ultraviolet-light watermarks and protective covers for the electronic chips. These specifications align with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Doc 9303 standards for machine-readable travel documents, which specify minimum security requirements for international travel documents.

Through Decree 282-23, the government has designated this project as a matter of national security. The initiative aims to strengthen border security while meeting international standards established by ICAO. Development of the electronic passport system began in 2021, with formal decrees issued throughout 2022 and 2023. The government completed contracting processes for infrastructure, design, and maintenance by mid-2024, establishing five-year agreements to ensure ongoing system support. The General Directorate of Passports (DGP) has overseen the implementation process, working with international vendors to ensure compliance with global standards.

The adoption of electronic passports aligns the Dominican Republic with over 140 countries and entities currently using this technology. Benefits include enhanced protection against document forgery, potential expedited border crossings, and possible visa-free access to certain countries for Dominican citizens. The new passports will also reportedly be compatible with emerging digital wallet systems, allowing for future integration with mobile identification platforms.

The implementation process involves public-private partnerships and builds upon identified limitations in the existing mechanical passport system. The electronic passport program represents a technological advancement in both document security and international travel facilitation for Dominican citizens, positioning the country among nations with modern border control infrastructure.

Sources: Dominican Today

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January 21, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith