Well, again this subject rears its' inquisitive head. Same ole same ole responses based on opinions and hear- say stories. I would hate for this to come back at me and bite me in my backside while I stand there at the airport being told "adios amigo." I need to resolve this problem.
1. Is it possible that the subject of "overstaying" be put in the legal forum?. Perhaps a legal opinion can be put forth that would put this to bed.
2. At my earliest opportunity (4-5 weeks), while I am in NY, I plan on making an appointment to visit the consulate and get someone to give me the regulation/law in black and white.
This unanswered question really bothers me. Who is to say that one day the admitting officer at the airport is not having a bad day or on this day he "thinks" I shouldn't be allowed back in??
I'll do my best to come back here in a few weeks with some more information.
johne, the answer from DR1's own lawyer has been posted and this discussed ad nauseum.
I will summarize this. If you enter the DR on a tourist card you are an illegal alien after thirty days.
But, your license from the US is valid for up to 90 days.
You can extend your stay by making two trips to Santo Domingo, the first trip within the 30 day tourist card time and paying in advance, but you need proof of solvency, a rental contract to show where you are staying, a letter asking for an extension, take a medical exam and pay the fees up front. One trip to submit all the requirements and another trip when they tell you to return to pick up the authorization to stay longer than 30 days. Not many people will use this option of travelling to Santo Domingo twice to stay legally.
Most people will just pay the exit fee. The payment of the exit fee is an administrative work around, not based upon any law you will find and that payment in no way means your oversay was legal and that detail is posted on the DR Migracion web site.
People from North America and the EU still continue to pay the exit fees and return again with apparent impunity.