The Airport Department (DA) and the General Directorate of Passports (DGP) have signed an agreement to establish passport renewal offices at five international airports across the Dominican Republic. The initiative is designed to assist travelers facing last-minute passport issues while advancing the nationwide implementation of the country’s new electronic, or biometric, passport.
Passport service offices will be installed at Las Américas International Airport (AILA), Punta Cana International Airport, Cibao International Airport, Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata, and a fifth airport that will be announced during the implementation process.
Emergency Renewals for Travelers
The airport offices will primarily serve passengers who discover that their passports have expired or are otherwise invalid shortly before an international flight. The service aims to allow eligible travelers to renew their documents without having to cancel or postpone their travel plans.
According to Airport Department Executive Director Víctor Pichardo, a pilot version of the program is already operating at Cibao International Airport in Santiago. He said the initiative is expected to improve customer service, enhance airport security, and facilitate the country’s transition to biometric passports.
Supporting the Biometric Passport Rollout
General Director of Passports Lorenzo Ramírez Uribe said the project fulfills a priority established by President Luis Abinader to modernize the Dominican passport system and make emergency renewal services more accessible to citizens.
Under the agreement, the Airport Department will provide the necessary airport infrastructure and technical support, while the General Directorate of Passports will manage the renewal offices and oversee the implementation of biometric passport services at participating airports.
Modernizing Public Services
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernize public services and improve the travel experience for Dominican citizens. By bringing passport services directly to major international airports, authorities aim to reduce travel disruptions while expanding access to the country’s next-generation biometric passport.