Minister for National Security and Legal Affairs, Rayburn Blackmoore has announced that effective January 31, 2023, citizens will not be allowed to depart the island using their machine readable passports, and must update to the new ePassport.
“As per international travel policies, people will be able to travel into Dominica once with their machine readable passports but must obtain the new one to be able to travel out.
“There will be no extension of the transition period as we see no utility in endlessly prolonging the extension period. However, having said that, there will be a grace period granted till the end of January 2023 due to the recent holiday and the interruption in office hours and availablity of the passport office staff caused by those holiday breaks. This grace period will enable people to collate and put in their applications as needed,” the Minister explained.
Speaking during a press conference earlier this week, Mr. Blackmoore revealed that over 61,000 ePassports have been printed and issued since July 2021.
“Since the launch of the e-passport on July 26, 2021, and as at the 14th of January, 2023, 61,344 passports have been printed for issuance. Approximately 5000 passports were issued monthly over the last calendar year and this is an amazing feat considering that our previous issuance under the old system was about 1000 per month,” he said, adding it was an indication of the successful efforts of the Ministry and the Immigration Office to ensure a smooth transition to the ePassport.
The new ePassport contains security features that are woven into the design as well as a microchip which is used to authenticate the passport holder’s identity, in adherence of international standards.
Applicants are required to download the passport application form at https://dominica.gov.dm/forms or pick up a physical copy at the immigration department.
Payment of EC$150 for adults and $75 –children under age 16 years, can be made at https://epayment.dominica.gov.dm/.
Applicants are also required to submit two passport-size photos, an original birth certificate, marriage certificate, certificate of naturalization where applicable, and the current or expired passport.
