Dominicans will be able to renew passports at five airports under new agreement

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic will allow citizens to renew their passports at five international airports under a new agreement between the Airport Department (DA) and the General Directorate of Passports (DGP), a move that also supports the rollout of the country’s new electronic (biometric) passport.

The initiative will establish passport service offices at Las Américas International Airport (AILA), Punta Cana International Airport, Cibao International Airport, Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata, and another airport to be announced as part of the implementation plan.

The airport offices will primarily assist travelers facing emergencies, such as discovering their passport has expired shortly before an international flight, allowing them to renew the document without canceling their travel plans.

According to Airport Department Executive Director Víctor Pichardo, a pilot program is already operating at Cibao International Airport in Santiago. He said the initiative will improve customer service, strengthen airport security, and accelerate the transition to biometric passports.

General Director of Passports Lorenzo Ramírez Uribe said the project fulfills a priority established by President Luis Abinader to modernize the passport system and make emergency passport renewals more accessible.

Under the agreement, the Airport Department will provide technical support and airport infrastructure, while the General Directorate of Passports will operate the renewal offices and oversee the implementation of biometric passport services at the participating airports.