The initiative is designed to make travel more convenient for Dominican citizens while supporting the nationwide rollout of the country’s new electronic biometric passport, improving both airport security and passenger services.

Pilot Program Already Underway

According to Airport Department Executive Director Víctor Pichardo, a pilot program has already begun at Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago.

He also confirmed that space has already been identified at Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) and throughout the country’s airport network to accommodate new passport service centers.

The goal is to provide passport renewal services quickly and efficiently, particularly for travelers who discover shortly before departure that their passport has expired.

Airports Included in the Program

Passport service stands will be installed at five major international airports across the Dominican Republic, including:

• Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) – Santo Domingo
• Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) – Punta Cana
• Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) – Puerto Plata
• Cibao International Airport (STI) – Santiago
• Additional participating airports operated under the Airport Department’s jurisdiction.

These airport passport offices will offer:

• Passport renewals
• Processing for the new Dominican biometric passport
• Emergency passport assistance for eligible travelers
• Future passport-related services as the program expands

Supporting the Electronic Passport

The agreement was signed by Víctor Pichardo, Executive Director of the Airport Department, and Lorenzo Ramírez Uribe, Director General of Passports.

Pichardo said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving public services while strengthening airport security.

“With these passport service stands, we will accelerate the transition to the biometric passport, modernize our airport system, improve security, and provide better services for citizens.”

Ramírez Uribe added that the project fulfills one of President Luis Abinader’s priorities: ensuring travelers facing unexpected passport issues can resolve them directly at the airport instead of canceling their trips.

Improved Convenience for Travelers

Currently, travelers who arrive at the airport with an expired passport often have no choice but to postpone or cancel their flights.

The new airport passport service aims to reduce those situations by allowing eligible passengers to renew their passports on-site in emergency cases, helping them continue with their travel plans.

Officials expect the service to significantly improve the passenger experience while reducing travel disruptions.

Airport Department Responsibilities

Under the agreement, the Airport Department will:

• Provide suitable space inside participating airports.
• Standardize operational procedures.
• Ensure compliance with international airport security and quality standards.
• Train Passport Directorate personnel on airport operations.
• Coordinate passenger service areas when required.

Passport Directorate Responsibilities

The General Directorate of Passports will:

• Operate passport renewal centers inside participating airports.
• Implement the electronic biometric passport issuance process.
• Provide passport services to Dominican citizens.
• Offer passport-related support to Airport Department personnel when appropriate.

What This Means for Travelers

Once fully implemented, the program will allow many Dominican travelers to resolve passport issues without leaving the airport, reducing missed flights and making international travel significantly more convenient.

The initiative also represents another important step in the Dominican Republic’s modernization of border security and travel documentation.

About Fly Dominican Republic

FlyDominicanRepublic.com provides the latest aviation, airport, airline, and travel news from across the Dominican Republic, including updates on airports, flight operations, infrastructure, and travel regulations.

In this article

• Dominican Republic passport renewal
• Passport renewal at Dominican airports
• Dominican Republic biometric passport
• SDQ passport renewal
• Punta Cana Airport passport
• Dominican airport news
• Las Americas International Airport
• Punta Cana International Airport
• Dominican Republic travel news
• Dominican passport electronic passport