The Passports Agency (DGP) announced on Monday, 11 May 2026, that Dominican citizens are now permitted to renew their travel documents regardless of the remaining validity on their current booklets. This decision is part of the ongoing implementation of the new Dominican electronic passport and marks a significant shift in institutional policy to accelerate the adoption of biometric technology.
The measure eliminates the previous restriction that only allowed renewals for passports with two years or less of remaining validity. Historically, the DGP had maintained strict renewal windows to manage booklet inventory and operational flow, but the transition to the electronic format has prompted a more flexible approach to encourage citizens to upgrade their documents.
According to a press release from the institution, this early renewal option will be available nationwide.
The new electronic passport has a validity of 10 years for adults and five years for minors.
The electronic passport includes a polycarbonate data page and an embedded microchip that stores biometric data, aligning the Dominican Republic with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and potentially facilitating future visa-waiver negotiations with entities like the European Union.
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Diario Libre
12 May 2026