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The pandemic has lay travel plans for millions to waste, with travelers either unable, unwilling or unsure about traveling in the current climate. Though whilst Christmas and New Years saw travelers staying at home, there is some evidence to suggest that Easter might be the holiday that sees people rummaging for their passports once more.
That’s certainly the case for the Dominican Republic, those in the tourist trade are bracing themselves for what looks like is going to be a busy week at Easter. Here’s more about that, and a look at the travel-based restrictions and requirements in the country.
Dominican Republic Ready For Busy Easter
Like many countries around the world, the Dominican Republic relies of tourism for a large part of its economy. Tourism makes up around 17% of the country’s total GDP, and is responsible for more than 300,000 jobs, meaning that the effective shut-down of global travel as a result of the pandemic has had a devastating effect on the country.
However, recent events signal a cause for optimism. For Easter Week later this month, the country is expecting the arrival of some 100,000 American travelers onto its shores, which will go some way towards easing some of the suffering that has afflicted the tourism sector.
In order to ensure that things go smoothly for the influx of foreign visitors, the Dominican Association of Hotels and Tourism is due to meet with Cabinet of Tourism, hotel managers and the Minister for Tourism next in order to coordinate the protocols of health and tourism. Should the country show it is capable to welcome travelers in such volume, it could help to lure other travelers to its beaches in the future.
As well as welcoming American travelers, the country has also found success with other travelers niches. More than 3,000 Ukrainian visitors have made it to the Dominican Republic, whilst the Dominican Association of Hotels and Tourism vice-president Andrés Marranzini also spoke about an influx of travelers for ecotourism purposes.
Traveling to the Dominican Republic – What Travelers Need To Know
Whilst many countries have locked-down and secured their borders, that is not the case for the Dominican Republic. The country us fully open for travel under the regular visa-requirements, as it was prior to the pandemic. Whilst some countries have a no-entry list, at present there are no restricted countries, meaning everyone is free to visit the Dominican Republic.
Whilst the country once mandated negative Covid-19 tests for entry, as of September 5th, 2020, this is no longer a requirement. Instead, airports and other ports of entry in the Dominican Republic will select a small group of people and those with symptoms upon to perform a breath test upon arrival. Passengers must fill out an E-ticket form online prior to arrival, which will supply them with a QR code that needs to be scanned in the airport. There is no mandatory quarantine.
Face masks are required in all public spaces, but do not have to be worn on the beach. There is a curfew in operation in the country; this is from 9PM to 5AM on weekdays, and 7PM to 5AM on weekends. These curfews also apply to the beach. Travelers may need a negative test in order to travel home – these are widely available in various clinics, hotels and labs in the country.
Read More:
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Dominican Republic Travel Restrictions – What Travelers Need To Know In 2021
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Graham Hayward
Tuesday 9th of March 2021
What is the point of travelling all that way,just to sit in your mask and sweat?