I just returned from my appointment at the US Consulate to replace my lost Passport. It was one of the most degrading and horrific experiences that I have encountered in my many years of traveling. I was treated with no respect and as another US Citizen stated as we waited in lines over 2 hours...they have "treated us like animals". The most shameful issue was that NO ONE spoke English, so unless you spoke Spanish, you had NO idea, where to go, what line to go in etc. Fortunately, I was helped by a Spanish speaking US Citizen who was there for a renewal. (All signs were also ONLY in Spanish NO ENGLISH)
All announcements were made only in Spanish and sometimes there were two announcements at the same time, so even if you were Spanish speaking, you could not hear either message!!
(The only English speaking person was the LAST person who actually processed the Passport)
This experience took over 4 hours!!
I would suggest that a Consulate Official actually "go through this experience" in order to rectify what is a shameful situation for the US.
Please be aware that if you do not speak Spanish, please take an interpreter with you.
In the US everything is in Spanish and English, but our own US Consulate does not offer English speaking services in the DR. Shameful!!!
All announcements were made only in Spanish and sometimes there were two announcements at the same time, so even if you were Spanish speaking, you could not hear either message!!
(The only English speaking person was the LAST person who actually processed the Passport)
This experience took over 4 hours!!
I would suggest that a Consulate Official actually "go through this experience" in order to rectify what is a shameful situation for the US.
Please be aware that if you do not speak Spanish, please take an interpreter with you.
In the US everything is in Spanish and English, but our own US Consulate does not offer English speaking services in the DR. Shameful!!!