Venezuelan nationals to require visas for short-term trips

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Dominican Republic is imposing new visa requirements on Venezuelan nationals.

What does the change mean? Venezuelan nationals intending to visit the Dominican Republic are no longer exempt and must obtain a tourist visa at a Dominican Consulate. Venezuelan nationals holding a valid visa for Canada, a Schengen Area country, the United Kingdom or the United States are exempt and may continue to rely on visas-on-arrival.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate. The change took effect Dec. 16.
• Visas/permits affected: Tourist visas, visa waivers for short-term business trips (up to 30 days).
• Business impact: Venezuelan nationals who previously relied on a visa exemption to conduct short business trips (less than 30 days) should factor in additional time to apply for and obtain a visa before traveling to the Dominican Republic.
• Next steps: Visa criteria and documentary requirements are available at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.mirex.gob.do.

Background: The Dominican Republic generally requires business travelers to obtain an NM or NM1 business visa. However, in practice, nationals who are exempt from tourist visa requirements may conduct short business trips of less than 30 days without a tourist business visa if they have proof of a return flight, sufficient cash and local accommodations. Venezuelan nationals must now obtain a tourist visa at a consulate even for short business trips or for tourism, unless they hold a valid visa to one of the designated countries.

Analysis & Comments: Companies sending Venezuelan nationals to the Dominican Republic even for short business trips should plan well in advance to allow sufficient time to obtain a tourist visa before travel. All foreign nationals must continue to secure a work visa for business trips longer than 30 days.

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