I am told by immigration that it is good for one month. I asked for my husband, who doesn't have residency and still comes and goes with frequency. The Puerto Plata Airport cannot extend your tourist visa for you (called a prorroga.) I also went to the immigration office in Puerto Plata with the question. They do not do it, either. Both places insisted not to be concerned. They say the standard procedure is simply to pay the fees upon leaving the airport. I responded that doing so makes a person an illegal immigrant. They insisted no.
I know all the protections residency provides. I know it is the sensible way to go. However, for some people who do not live here and do not intend to, it would be nice to have a more convenient way to extend the tourist visa, get a prorroga, without having to travel to Santo Domingo.
Lindsey
