Travel changes from/to the DR.

[GringoRubio]

As many have said, it's the drug traffic. Here's one story of many:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nat...l-50-condoms-cocaine-stomach-article-1.138063

I remember another story about somebody flying to the UK, but unfortunately, one of six condoms full of cocaine burst. He was doing all sorts of crazy things before he finally passed out. It would have been funny, but he was dead before they landed. Origin: The DR.

PS- I have global entry and usually sail right through. However, when I switched countries to the DR, I was getting searched regularly for the first few trips. No biggie. They aren't looking for anything that you can purchase at a farmacia (maybe bottles of steriods might get you, dunno). Just be completely honest and open. Any deception will set off alarm bells and then the proctology exam begins.

 

[sanpedrogringo]

As many have said, it's the drug traffic. Here's one story of many:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nat...l-50-condoms-cocaine-stomach-article-1.138063

I remember another story about somebody flying to the UK, but unfortunately, one of six condoms full of cocaine burst. He was doing all sorts of crazy things before he finally passed out. It would have been funny, but he was dead before they landed. Origin: The DR.

PS- I have global entry and usually sail right through. However, when I switched countries to the DR, I was getting searched regularly for the first few trips. No biggie. They aren't looking for anything that you can purchase at a farmacia (maybe bottles of steriods might get you, dunno). Just be completely honest and open. Any deception will set off alarm bells and then the proctology exam begins.

100% correct you are, but we need to stay On Topic, or start another thread if it is allowed on this topic. I have links to news and videos for you regarding this topic.....but it's for another thread, if you wish to start it.

 

[snowqueen]

Never been that unlucky (yet).  😃

 

[rfp]

I have been questioned rigorously on numerous occasions when coming home through Fort Lauderdale or Miami. I take no offence as my travel patterns in the past would seem odd to someone who didn't know our situation. On another note it will be interesting to watch European policy over the next year.

 

[keepcoming]

Coming back to the US through Miami (which I HATE) for the first time in a long time I was asked numerous questions. Mostly pertaining to why I was coming back to the US, my plans, why am I living in the DR, etc... Actually the immigration agent seemed rather bored asking me these questions. But each answer I gave he seemed to be typing my response into his computer. Then as we were boarding our flight in Miami to the West Coast (USA) there were 2 CPB agents on the ramp asking to see everyone's ID/passport. Unusual as I have never had that happen while flying on a domestic flight. We actually saw quite a few CPB agents walking around the gate areas. Of course exiting the DR was a breeze....for SDQ it was rather quick going through immigration.

 

[DR Solar]

My wife just returned from a 10 day trip to Europe. POP to Dusseldorf (Airberlin) for a couple of days then a flight to Zurich and train to another area. Lots of trains that really run well. Reverse returning to POP. Noted security "all over" but absolutely no problems.

She was first to exit and waiting to get off the plane in POP and heard the attendant telling the person that helped open the door from the outside that they had a deportee and escort onboard that will need to be taken off via the back door exit.

My wife will be off to the U.S. in a few days so should be interesting to learn about any differences.

 

[DR Solar]

Add on to my last post. My wife had flown out of POP twice before in the last couple of months and security had separate lines for male and female and everyone had a pat-down with the proper gender for each line. Since security is at the entrance to all the gates, it had nothing to do with airlines, flights or destinations.

This last trip out of POP, security had only one line and no pat-downs.

No pat-downs in Europe and did not have to take her shoes off. She did have to power up her computer.

 

[Meemselle]

security had separate lines for male and female and everyone had a pat-down with the proper gender for each line.

Since the line is usually shorter, I always volunteer to be patted down by the male security person. No luck so far.

I think in light of the current climate, however, my days of joking with security personnel may have come to an end.

 

[Hector L]

That is a Trump country now.  So sad.  I am embarrassed for my country.

 

[bob saunders]

That is a Trump country now.  So sad.  I am embarrassed for my country.

You should only be embarrased for yourself, for being so partisan and this thread is about travel plan changes leaving the DR. iF ONE HAS CORRECT DOCUMENTS - NO PROBLEM. Customs are just doing their job.

 

[william webster]

Remember, the border patrol employees union gave the new measures a standing ovation.

Think about that...
They felt their efforts were being compromised before.
If anybody knows the state of the borders, it's them.

Get your papers in order.

 

[CG]

If your still interested in Cuba check Copa Airlines to Havana via Panama...




Had a friend who traveled SDQ to Havana minimum twice a month and she finally bailed on the direct SDQ/Havana flight because of the constant delays, sometimes they were over 24 hours with no explanation.. She said the Copa flight was a bit longer but in the end so worth it.

 

[DR Solar]

I DON'T want to get into political topics. However, travel security has changed to some degree around the world and changes are expected as I've pointed out in previous posts. Some appear to be minor and not really noticed as I talked about my wife traveling in Europe that she was very surprised at the ease of travel vs her last travels in the U.S.. A

The changes in POP change on a regular basis leaving or arriving. Some make sense but then they stop. Others make no sense but with a little time, they disappear too.

Security procedures are changing almost everywhere and sometimes the reasons are obvious and sometimes ya just gotta shake your head and go with it. After all, you go with it or you don't get on the plane, bus, train, whatever to travel into another country.


We know that at times 1 country can influence the security operations in another. The main purpose of this thread is to share experiences. Perhaps to vent a little too?

Ty.

 

[william webster]

Having just returned from the U.K., I noticed the difference.
Europe (U.K.) is more strict at inspection.
Toiletries in baggies for example.

The article I referred to above is,
Today's nytimes

Immigration agents discover new freedom to deport under Trump.

It expresses their enthusiasm for policing the country and their exasperation from before.

 

[Matilda]

http://www.listindiario.com/las-mun...da-a-hijo-y-exesposa-de-boxeador-muhammad-ali

Matilda

 

[DR Solar]

Having just returned from the U.K., I noticed the difference.
Europe (U.K.) is more strict at inspection.
Toiletries in baggies for example.

The article I referred to above is,
Today's nytimes

Immigration agents discover new freedom to deport under Trump.

It expresses their enthusiasm for policing the country and their exasperation from before.

Sorry WW. I don't see any article and perhaps that's for the better.

I also keep in mind that security problems started in Europe and the UK. We all should remember how shocked we were from all of those heinous attacks. More security problems spreading into other parts of the world. We all have our own opinions about the why's and more thoughts. Though the U.S. is very vocal and visible in the news, it is not the only changes that I am interested in. I'll leave it at that.


I'm not interested in News stories since those are a dime a dozen and really don't count. I'm interested in real facts and situations that have been noted and/or experienced by our DR 1 travelers, both Dominican and others.

 

[rafael]

I travel in and out of DR a TON. Passport expires summer 2023 but have to renew as it is full. I get asked usual questions in miami:

Where are you coming from? Santo Domingo What were you doing there? dominican wife, Do you have alcohol or tobacco? Don't smoke cigars or drink rum. "Do you have more than $10,000 USD"? Not even 10,000 DOP They smile, I smile and I am on my way.

Sometimes when I am traveling with musical instruments or lots of video gear I used to get sent to secondary inspection and x ray. Always polite. Never a problem. They are doing their jobs, the only minor complaint is if I have tight connection. Once I missed a connection but with hundreds of flights, I can't complain about one time.

I don't see the worry? If you ahve nothing to hide, tell the truth and you are all good.

 

[DR Solar]

I travel in and out of DR a TON. Passport expires summer 2023 but have to renew as it is full. I get asked usual questions in miami:

Where are you coming from? Santo Domingo What were you doing there? dominican wife, Do you have alcohol or tobacco? Don't smoke cigars or drink rum. "Do you have more than $10,000 USD"? Not even 10,000 DOP They smile, I smile and I am on my way.

Sometimes when I am traveling with musical instruments or lots of video gear I used to get sent to secondary inspection and x ray. Always polite. Never a problem. They are doing their jobs, the only minor complaint is if I have tight connection. Once I missed a connection but with hundreds of flights, I can't complain about one time.

I don't see the worry? If you ahve nothing to hide, tell the truth and you are all good.

We have extra pages "stitched" into our passports for all the "extra" stamps that we need. No need to keep getting a totally new passport.

 

[DR Solar]

If your still interested in Cuba check Copa Airlines to Havana via Panama...




Had a friend who traveled SDQ to Havana minimum twice a month and she finally bailed on the direct SDQ/Havana flight because of the constant delays, sometimes they were over 24 hours with no explanation.. She said the Copa flight was a bit longer but in the end so worth it.

You actually reminded us that we have not heard from the Cuban embassy and it's been over 3 months about our visa's. Last time it took less then 1 month. Will have to give them a call.

 

[DR Solar]

http://www.listindiario.com/las-mun...da-a-hijo-y-exesposa-de-boxeador-muhammad-ali

Matilda

I read this in many other articles. I'll keep my opinion to myself as to why he was pulled out, detained and questioned. I'll keep my opinions to myself as to possible speculation as to why he was treated so.

He is an individual man that should be able to stand on his own and have all his papers in order. Not saying that he didn't.

As I have said, security procedures may be changing. Real factual experiences please.