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Dominicans are being encouraged to apply for their Biometric E-Passport in a timely manner.<\/p>\n
This advice came from Head of the Immigration Department, Assistant Superintendent of Police Valda Powell, while delivering remarks at a press conference held recently.<\/p>\n
On July 26, 2021, a ceremony was held to launch the electronic passport. This was done as a replacement for the machine-readable passport.<\/p>\n
The Biometric E-passport is equipped with modern technology that offers stronger protection, faster verification, and contains an embedded chip that stores biometric data.\u00a0 It enhances the convenience and security for travelers and hastens the immigration process by reducing the waiting time for passengers during the country\u2019s peak travel time, like Carnival, the recently held Breakfast Fete, and the Independence celebrations.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would like to urge our citizens to apply for their passport within a timely manner,\u201d she urged. \u201cDo not wait when you are ready to travel to apply for your passport.\u201d<\/p>\n
Powell continued, \u201cThis puts a strain on the department.\u00a0 It also causes those who are already waiting in line to be kept behind.\u00a0 So, we want to encourage you. Come in, have a chat with us, call the office, and\u00a0apply for your passport.\u00a0 Do not wait when you’re ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also highlighted the upgraded border management system, which began its operation on December 1, 2024.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis system has enhanced features and now has the capability to capture fingerprints of travelers,\u201d Powell revealed.<\/p>\n
Additionally, she said in recent\u00a0times\u00a0the department has\u00a0increased the number of workstations at the Douglas-Charles Airport and the Roseau Ferry Terminal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have as many as seven stations operating sometimes,\u201d Powell stated. \u201c So during the peak season, at the recent Breakfast Fete festival, we saw the quick processing of passengers.\u201d<\/p>\n
She went on to add that as the police aspire to maintain current and accurate records of passports, \u00a0passengers,\u00a0 visitors, permits, documents, and all other relevant information, \u00a0\u201cwe will continue to train \u00a0staff to help to overcome challenges, build confidence, improve performances, \u00a0thereby 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 \u00a0will carry on \u00a0its directive.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Powell pointed out that persons applying for an\u00a0\u00a0E-Passport can do so in various ways.<\/p>\n
“You can come to the office and collect your passport forms, and you will receive instructions [from] our efficient staff,\u201d she explained. \u201cPersons can also apply through their consulate. For example, for those persons living in the US, \u00a0the closest Embassy [is] in New York, and for those in England and France, \u00a0the closest embassy is in London.\u201d<\/p>\n
Powell continued, \u201cWe 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\u00a0countries. And further information as to how to reach them can be obtained by calling\u00a0the immigration office.\u201d<\/p>\n