Electronic passport implementation to cost nothing for Dominican state

Santo Domingo.- Lorenzo Ramírez, Director General of Passports, announced that the Dominican State will not bear any financial burden for implementing electronic passports. The initiative, structured under a payment-per-book model, places the responsibility for financing production and related investments on the supplier company. The State will only pay for passports issued to citizens, ensuring no additional costs for taxpayers.

Ramírez highlighted that this model ensures high standards of quality and security, supported by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and overseen by independent observers to ensure transparency. The biometric passports, equipped with identification microchips and advanced security measures, align with international standards and have been adopted by over 135 countries. The first passports are expected to be issued by mid-2025.

The modernization effort reflects broader improvements within the General Directorate of Passports, including optimized internal processes to enhance efficiency and user experience. Ramírez underscored the significance of biometric passports in strengthening national security and facilitating global mobility for Dominican citizens.