Since the standard tourist visa was reduced from 90 days to 15, I have been confused about the legal status of the MANY tourists who spend somewhat longer periods of time in the DR, but have no desire to become residents.
I understand that the penalty for overstaying the visa is relatively paltry, and from that standpoint, the simplest thing to do is simpy pay it on departure. What this does not solve is what seems to be a dilemma for a tourist/visitor who is driving in the DR after 15 days. My understanding is that the right to drive legally (and with insurance) using your license from your home country expires when the visa does.
I cannot imagine that the only way to be in the country and drive legally for longer than 15 days is to obtain residency and a Dominican license. My first thought is that it should be possible to renew the visa for at least another 15 days, or to apply for and obtain a special visa for a longer stay. I have asked this question in other related threads before and got no answer. I'm hoping by starting this thread that either Dr. Guzman or someone else with experience in this can fill me in. I plan to spend 4-6 weeks sometime next year as preperation for a potential move in 2-4 years.
I understand that the penalty for overstaying the visa is relatively paltry, and from that standpoint, the simplest thing to do is simpy pay it on departure. What this does not solve is what seems to be a dilemma for a tourist/visitor who is driving in the DR after 15 days. My understanding is that the right to drive legally (and with insurance) using your license from your home country expires when the visa does.
I cannot imagine that the only way to be in the country and drive legally for longer than 15 days is to obtain residency and a Dominican license. My first thought is that it should be possible to renew the visa for at least another 15 days, or to apply for and obtain a special visa for a longer stay. I have asked this question in other related threads before and got no answer. I'm hoping by starting this thread that either Dr. Guzman or someone else with experience in this can fill me in. I plan to spend 4-6 weeks sometime next year as preperation for a potential move in 2-4 years.