Chat with an immigration officer about tourist visas and overstaying

[NanSanPedro]

It's not a problem until there is a problem. Last Sunday we drove just a few miles down the highway and saw four serious accidents. I wouldn't want to be involved in any of them without a valid licence. To be honest, if you live in the capital or Santiago, you can manage with Uber and I always recommend it's much safer not to drive at all, just in case there is an accident.

I rented a car for the first time last weekend and was very nervous about it. I lost my phone and don't have uber right now. On top of that, my driver's license expired 2.5 years ago. I am going to get another phone because the risk is too high to do it again.

 

[william webster]

You have any to report on here?

yes...not good, person killed...extranjero lived.....was legal

your turn...........

 

[AlterEgo]

 

[NotLurking]

View attachment 5906

Don't forget the popcorn.

 

[SKY]

yes...not good, person killed...extranjero lived.....was legal

your turn...........

What does this have to do with what we are talking about? The person was legal..................

 

[MariaRubia]

Whilst we are talking about traffic accidents and immigration, a British lady I met who was a hotel manager in Bavaro was driving on the highway there one night. Young guy on a moto drove straight in front of her, she had no chance to stop, he died. Her insurance paid RD$ 2 million, that was their limit. Family wanted more money and the case rumbled on forever through the court. She had an Impedimento Salida put in her passport while they were considering whether she was guilty or not, and couldn't leave the country for ages and ages. And then her mother got ill in the UK, she was desperate to go home and couldn't. Yes eventually it all got sorted out, but it took years and years.

Honestly, if you're a foreigner driving and involved in a serious accident where someone dies, it will be real mess. If you can use Uber or get a local to drive, don't risk it. The roads here are too dangerous and the driving is so appalling.

 

[lifeisgreat]

Where should it go? Should people ignore what could happen? I know full well it doesn't happen, since nobody can prove there are ever any problems with being illegally in the DR or driving illegally.

That’s up to you buddy there Is enough to worry about in life that is happening…why worry on what’s not…life is to short…

 

[lifeisgreat]

Whilst we are talking about traffic accidents and immigration, a British lady I met who was a hotel manager in Bavaro was driving on the highway there one night. Young guy on a moto drove straight in front of her, she had no chance to stop, he died. Her insurance paid RD$ 2 million, that was their limit. Family wanted more money and the case rumbled on forever through the court. She had an Impedimento Salida put in her passport while they were considering whether she was guilty or not, and couldn't leave the country for ages and ages. And then her mother got ill in the UK, she was desperate to go home and couldn't. Yes eventually it all got sorted out, but it took years and years.

Honestly, if you're a foreigner driving and involved in a serious accident where someone dies, it will be real mess. If you can use Uber or get a local to drive, don't risk it. The roads here are too dangerous and the driving is so appalling.

Key is like anywhere proper insurance !! 2 million RD is far from that ! British lady took the minimum insurance… you should carry min 10 million RD ..

 

[NotLurking]

Whilst we are talking about traffic accidents and immigration, a British lady I met who was a hotel manager in Bavaro was driving on the highway there one night. Young guy on a moto drove straight in front of her, she had no chance to stop, he died. Her insurance paid RD$ 2 million, that was their limit. Family wanted more money and the case rumbled on forever through the court. She had an Impedimento Salida put in her passport while they were considering whether she was guilty or not, and couldn't leave the country for ages and ages. And then her mother got ill in the UK, she was desperate to go home and couldn't. Yes eventually it all got sorted out, but it took years and years.

Honestly, if you're a foreigner driving and involved in a serious accident where someone dies, it will be real mess. If you can use Uber or get a local to drive, don't risk it. The roads here are too dangerous and the driving is so appalling.

Truly tragic and good advice with one observation dominicans too get Impedimento de Salida if they are involved in a tragic or fatal accident until all issues are resolved.

 

[bob saunders]

Nice post ... I'll wait for bullet Bob opinion before we put this to bed... he will chop this up ..

PS I agree with your findings and overstay.

You have some issues to get off your chest?

 

[lifeisgreat]

Just a FYI for North coast people there is no Casa de Conductor for us …when you get in accident police verify you have significant insurance coverage if deemed your fault and your on your marry way…until the next time you stop at red light and get rear ended and blamed

 

[RDKNIGHT]

You have some issues to get off your chest? not at all I would just like to read your opinion

 

[MerengueDutchie]

Just a FYI for North coast people there is no Casa de Conductor for us …when you get in accident police verify you have significant insurance coverage if deemed your fault and your on your marry way…until the next time you stop at red light and get rear ended and blamed

As I have been driving in the DR since 2003 (roughly 25K miles; only 2 minor scrapes - both not my fault), this is interesting for me.

Can I ask a few questions pls:

1. Since when has this changed?
2. Also are you saying they will let you go (as opposed to lock you up) when you show sufficient proof of insurance cover?
3. What level of cover would be deemed sufficient?
4. Is there any place where this is in writing to be able to show to local police?

 

[lifeisgreat]

As I have been driving in the DR since 2003 (roughly 25K miles; only 2 minor scrapes - both not my fault), this is interesting for me.

Can I ask a few questions pls:

1. Since when has this changed?
2. Also are you saying they will let you go (as opposed to lock you up) when you show sufficient proof of insurance cover?
3. What level of cover would be deemed sufficient?
4. Is there any place where this is in writing to be able to show to local police?

There is no Hotel Casa de Conductor in Puerto plata only big cities…normal operating procedures by police has been as stated above they verify sufficient insurance coverage I can’t remember if it’s 5 million peso or 10 right now it been that way longtime…

 

[JD Jones]

Keep in mind the only function of the Casa de Conductor is to be able to visit police and insurance company representatives under one roof to facilitate reporting an accident to your insurance company.
And of course, they also provide lodging so you can stay there instead of sleeping in a cell in case of serious injury.

 

[cavok]

It's only available in Santiago and Santo Domingo.

 

[william webster]

That's the way I remember it......^^^^^^^^

 

[zoomzx11]

Thanks Maria, good input. Backs up everything we have basically been saying since long before @windeguy began his shock and awe doom and gloom immigration scare threads

a pure revenue source.
Never any intention to punish anyone.
Wonder what percent makes it into government coffers.

They will not take credit or debit cards, only cash.
One time all I had was a $100 bill and they did not have change so they let me through gratis.
Caused me to wonder what checks are there to some of the cash disappearing.

 

[william webster]

People complain about the so called’money grab’ but do nothing about changing their status to avoid it

Personally, I don’t think it adds up to much of a ‘grab’ but maybe my parameters are different

 

[SKY]

People complain about the so called’money grab’ but do nothing about changing their status to avoid it

Personally, I don’t think it adds up to much of a ‘grab’ but maybe my parameters are different

It is peanuts compared to how much it will cost you to become as you say "legal".......................