2026 Travel News ArchiveTravel

2026 National District Carnival set for 22 February

The City Council of the National District (ADN), in coordination with the Carnival Union (UCADI), has officially announced that the 2026 National District Carnival parade will take place on Sunday, 22 February 2026. The event is set to transform the Avenida George Washington (El Malecón) into a vibrant display of Dominican folklore and tradition. Organizers …
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President Abinader makes changes to government energy sector grid

President Luis Abinader signed Presidential Decrees, 55-26 that will bring about major changes to the energy sector. The Decree 55-26 establishes the Dominican Electricity Transmission Company (ETED) as a strategic public entity, guaranteeing the continuation of its judicial status as well as its assets. The decree provides for modern management systems to be utilized, in …
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Metro office now to be known as EMT, advances for monorail system for Greater Santo Domingo, no update on when Line 2C will open

The Presidency announced the issuing of Decree 60-26 that eliminates the previously named OPRET (Office for the Reorganization of Transportation), the Metro Office. The OPRET is replaced by the EMT (Empresa de Mantenimiento de Transporte). The EMT is in charge of handling the operation and maintenance of all mass-transit equipment. In the restructuring the building …
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President Abinader names Jimmy Rosario Bernard ITLA rector

President Luis Abinader has officially appointed engineer Jimmy Rosario Bernard as the new rector of the Las Américas Institute of Technology (ITLA), according to Decree No. 65-26 issued on 31 January 2026. Rosario Bernard is described as a veteran professional with extensive experience in computer engineering, the digitalization of public services, and STEM education. The …
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JCE sets April kickoff for new ID renewal based on birth month

The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has announced the phased rollout for the renewal of the Dominican identity and electoral card (Cédula), will begin nationwide 12 April 2026 for the general public. In an effort to maintain public order and prevent overwhelming crowds, the agency is convening citizens to renew their documents during their respective birth …
2026News

Dominican Republic and Venezuela move to restore diplomatic ties and air travel

The governments of the Dominican Republic and Venezuela announced a significant breakthrough in bilateral relations on Sunday, 1 February 2026, confirming the imminent reopening of consular services and the restoration of direct commercial flights between the two nations. The move marks a turning point in a diplomatic freeze that began in 2024, when relations were …
2026News

Major healthcare operation for those with cleft palate or harelip conditions

The Operacion Sonrisa (Operation Smile) Foundation in the Dominica Republic has announced the 38th International Surgery Days for Cleft Palats and Harelip restoration at the Dr. Julio Manuel Rodriguez Grullon Maternal-Infantile Hospital, which is located in the huge Luis Eduardo Aybar Medical Center (CECANOT) in the Maria Auxiliadora barrio of Santo Domingo. Operations are completely …