The public relations department of the Department of Passports has just issued a notice indicating that as of 1 May 2004, as per a requirement of the Homeland Security Department of the United States, all Dominicans traveling with tourist visas to the United States need to acquire the new biometric passports now available at the Department of Passports. The Department of Passports says all Dominicans who plan to travel to the US after 1 May need to secure the new passport paying RD$1,175 for the new document. The persons need to apply to the Centro de los Heroes offices bringing three 2 x 2 color photos, a copy of the first page of their present passport, and a copy of the page where their visa is located. For more information call 532-7373.
While the Department of Passports says this is a Homeland Security Department requirement, I cannot find anywhere a reading on this requirement. All I find is a 26 October 2004 deadline and that is for European nationals who in the pass did not need visas now need the biometric passport to enter without the visa.
Can anyone locate information on this supposed US new requirement. Imagine the mad rush for everyone who is planning to travel to the US to get passports and the extra $ this would produce for the Mejia government.
While the Department of Passports says this is a Homeland Security Department requirement, I cannot find anywhere a reading on this requirement. All I find is a 26 October 2004 deadline and that is for European nationals who in the pass did not need visas now need the biometric passport to enter without the visa.
Can anyone locate information on this supposed US new requirement. Imagine the mad rush for everyone who is planning to travel to the US to get passports and the extra $ this would produce for the Mejia government.