Dominica’s deadline for complete adoption of E-passport is now August 2022

An original deadline given by the government of Dominica to replace the machine readable passport to the new E-passport has now been revised from July 30, 2023, to now August 30, 2022.

The new passport which was launched in July 2021 replaces the machine-readable one and contains both overt and covert security features that are woven into the design.

The E-passport also holds a microchip that is used to authenticate the passport holder’s identity, adhering to the highest international standard.

According to the Canadian Bank Note Company Limited which designed and created the new passports,  they have incorporated a modern and aesthetic design that reflects the nature of Dominica and displays the country’s landmarks, flora and fauna.

Minister for National Security and Home Affairs, Rayburn Blackmoore made the announcement at a year in review press conference for his ministry on Wednesday.

According to Blackmoore, the initial date given for the migration period of two years and three months was changed because his government understood the need for Dominica to join global efforts in ensuring more secure travel.

“Given the pace at which the world is currently moving and the emphasis internationally for improved security systems as well as the demand for safer and more secure systems. There’s also a universal demand for more efficient and secure travel documents that are acceptable by all and that are in keeping with relevant international standards and protocols,” the Minister stated.

In an effort to mitigate against any level of panic which may arise with the revised date, he made known that his ministry has developed plans to guide Dominicans during the transition in the upcoming months.

Blackmoore revealed that additional space has been created at the immigration and passport office in Roseau to ensure that there is additional staff for the smooth transition. The immigration department will also receive additional equipment which he says will enable quicker processing of applications.

“I want to also give the public the assurance and confidence that a shift system will be put in place to ensure that there are no delays in passport issuance,” he added.

He further disclosed that two mobile kits which have the capacity for recognition and data capture from any location will be deployed initially in major communities around Dominica to include Portsmouth, Mahaut, St Joseph, Vielle Case, La Plaine and Grand Bay.

The immigration team will be available for two days at each of the locations to afford everyone ample time to get the necessary documents for submission for the new E-passport in the upcoming weeks.

Blackmoore also said that passport application forms will be available at all police stations on island and are also available on the government’s website.

With regard to Dominicans residing overseas, they too will be given the opportunity to renew their passport abroad.

“There is a current procedure in place in relation to application through the various Dominican consulates; that process still remains and people can avail themselves of this process if they so wish.”

He said permanent offices will be established in New York, the United Arab Emirates and London, fully equipped to facilitate all application processes including data and image capture.

According to the Minister, the installation of the overseas passport stations will take five months before they become operational and the issuing department will remain centralized until such time.

During those five months, mobile kits will be deployed overseas to undertake registration, data and image capture of persons living abroad who require these services.

“A teams consisting of police officers have already been selected to travel to the various locations across the globe to ensure that as many Dominicans as possible can be given access to registration for the new E-passports.”

The locations that the mobile kit will be deployed to will include Canada, Texas and Florida as well as certain Caribbean countries during a Caribbean tour.

To date 7,000 E-passports have been issued which Blackmoore says is an  indication that the new passport has been met with some degree of enthusiasm.

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12 Comments

  1. just saying
    January 17, 2022

    So what happens if you don’t change your passport at the time stipulated? You will not be able to travel on it?

  2. MAGWA CA
    January 17, 2022

    According to Blackmoore, the initial date given for the migration period of two years and three months was changed because his government understood the need for Dominica to join global efforts in ensuring more secure travel.

    yet our passport is one of the easiest on the planet to purchase. your own words showing us that the CBI program is actually an unsafe thing to be doing in this day and age

  3. STRAIGHTFORWARD
    January 15, 2022

    So the best thing this idle government could do at this time is to issue E passports. The things nothing is wrong with the idea but it’s the timing. Covid 19 has the world under pressure and they changing passport..
    The truth is no other country I know is making that a priority now.. What is wrong with this government boy? They real sickening yessss. Seems to me is brokes they brokes and idle.
    Out of Timing. The present passport is goood for the time being.
    Is now passport go shelllllllll down de place or sell

  4. Tobby
    January 15, 2022

    I support individuals who recently renewed their passport at least during the last 2 years or so such be given a free one. To me not considering such is a high day robbery to the people of Dominica.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  5. May
    January 15, 2022

    This is high way robbery. My passport is less than a year old and I have to find another $150 for another one.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  6. ptp
    January 15, 2022

    I wonder what the price is at Azaban supermarket?

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  7. I am so tired
    January 15, 2022

    So I just renewed my passport and I am unemployed,where am I getting money to renew a passport so soon .Don’t this Government fight for their citizens? Or because they are so lazy they dont care
    and see a way they can squeeze their people for a money .

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  8. Toto
    January 14, 2022

    And how much is this E-passport. I suppose all Dominicans who have already a valid none E-passport have to replace it with the new one because old one will be useless. Boy, that is a nice business for someone. Not only real Dominicans but CBI citizens too will all need one. I wonder who is benefiting from that.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  9. derp
    January 14, 2022

    People who recently renewed their passport before this whole E-passport program came about should be given a new passport for free!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 71 Thumb down 7
    • Heidi
      January 14, 2022

      I feel like all those ppl whose passports have over a year before it expires when the service is available to them should be give the passport for free. Just saying ☺️

    • Garçon
      January 15, 2022

      I certainly agree with you. I for one recently had my Dominican passport renewed. Is it fair that through no choosing of mine a new passport is introduced and I have to pay for it? I am wondering whether this is just another way to make money.

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0

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