The Banco Popular Dominicano signed a transcendental agreement with the United States government yesterday. As of July, Dominicans will be able to apply for visa appointments and make payments for tourist visas at the 104 Banco Popular branches located throughout the Dominican Republic. The agreement was signed by the charge d’affairs of the US Embassy, Linda Watt, and the president of the Banco Popular Dominicano, Manuel Alejandro Grullón. The agreement will make life much easier for thousands in the Dominican Republic, especially those that live in interior cities and towns. The Department of Non-Immigrant Visas of the Consulate handles 110,000 tourist and non-immigrant visa requests a year. Requesting a visa through the Banco Popular will not cost more than requesting it through the normal channels. Visa appointment requests may be made in person or by sending someone with the interested person’s passport and RD$765 fee. The Banco Popular will issue a receipt, that will also indicate the time and date of the interview at the Consulate. In the case of most renewals, a visit to the Consulate is not necessary. The receipt will indicate a telephone number where the interested party will receive information on how to submit the passport for visa renewal without having to personally visit the Consulate. For more information, see http://www.usemb.gov.do
