Officials advise citizens to apply for Biometric E-Passport in ‘a timely manner’

Dominicans are being encouraged to apply for their Biometric E-Passport in a timely manner.

This advice came from Head of the Immigration Department, Assistant Superintendent of Police Valda Powell, while delivering remarks at a press conference held recently.

On July 26, 2021, a ceremony was held to launch the electronic passport. This was done as a replacement for the machine-readable passport.

The Biometric E-passport is equipped with modern technology that offers stronger protection, faster verification, and contains an embedded chip that stores biometric data.  It enhances the convenience and security for travelers and hastens the immigration process by reducing the waiting time for passengers during the country’s peak travel time, like Carnival, the recently held Breakfast Fete, and the Independence celebrations.

“We would like to urge our citizens to apply for their passport within a timely manner,” she urged. “Do not wait when you are ready to travel to apply for your passport.”

Powell continued, “This puts a strain on the department.  It also causes those who are already waiting in line to be kept behind.  So, we want to encourage you. Come in, have a chat with us, call the office, and apply for your passport.  Do not wait when you’re ready.”

She also highlighted the upgraded border management system, which began its operation on December 1, 2024.

“This system has enhanced features and now has the capability to capture fingerprints of travelers,” Powell revealed.

Additionally, she said in recent times the department has increased the number of workstations at the Douglas-Charles Airport and the Roseau Ferry Terminal.

“We have as many as seven stations operating sometimes,” Powell stated. “ So during the peak season, at the recent Breakfast Fete festival, we saw the quick processing of passengers.”

She went on to add that as the police aspire to maintain current and accurate records of passports,  passengers,  visitors, permits, documents, and all other relevant information,  “we will continue to train  staff to help to overcome challenges, build confidence, improve performances,  thereby enhancing productivity through the Ministry of National Security and legal affairs, and under the command of the chief of police, the passport and immigration department  will carry on  its directive.”

Meanwhile, Powell pointed out that persons applying for an  E-Passport can do so in various ways.

“You can come to the office and collect your passport forms, and you will receive instructions [from] our efficient staff,” she explained. “Persons can also apply through their consulate. For example, for those persons living in the US,  the closest Embassy [is] in New York, and for those in England and France,  the closest embassy is in London.”

Powell continued, “We have our representative servicing Guadeloupe and St. Maarten. He’s based in Guadeloupe, but he makes trips across to St. Maarten. There’s also a representative in Martinique facilitating all citizens in those countries. And further information as to how to reach them can be obtained by calling the immigration office.”

Persons can also apply online, download the forms from the government’s website www.dominica.gov.dm , or pick up a physical copy at the immigration department in Roseau.