Dominican Republic receives first batch of Electronic Passports

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic has received its first batch of electronic passports for testing, marking a major step toward modernizing its travel documents. According to the Director General of Passports, Lorenzo Ramírez Uribe, the passports are being evaluated to ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, including chip functionality, biometric validation, and security measures.

The new e-passport will feature a microchip storing encrypted personal and biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition. It will be made with polycarbonate materials and include advanced security features like holograms, watermarks, and UV/infrared-reactive elements to prevent forgery.

With a validity of 5 to 10 years, the electronic passport will streamline identity verification, speed up border processing, and enhance national security. It also positions the Dominican Republic alongside over 135 countries already using biometric passports, improving global mobility for Dominican citizens.

The government confirmed that current passport booklets will remain valid until their expiration, allowing for a gradual transition. Citizens will be able to upgrade early as the implementation progresses.

Additional benefits include reduced identity theft, faster border control, and greater international credibility—potentially improving the country’s standing in global mobility rankings and facilitating bilateral travel agreements.