Last year Dominica started introducing biometric electronic passports (e-passports). These have stronger security features than older machine-readable documents.
This move is meant to:
All nationals must replace traditional passports with new ones before the due date. That includes people who obtained citizenship of Dominica through investment immigration.
Earlier, the deadline for e-passport application was set for 31 August 2022. Dominica has recently extended it until the end of 2022. Citizens now have four more months to complete the transition.
In July 2021, Dominica launched a next-generation passport to replace the regular one. The new biometric electronic passport, or e-passport, has a microchip embedded in the cover. That chip contains personal and biometric information of the owner, including:
Compared with the traditional machine-readable passport, the e-passport offers more reliability and accuracy. It helps authenticate the holder’s identity. It also supports personal credentials’ management and cross-border control.
The introduction of e-passports in Dominica aims at a long-term effort to combat fraud and misuse. It also aims to strengthen local and international confidence in documents. Another goal is faster automated immigration control. New electronic gates, or e-Gates, are being implemented at the country’s airports.
Smart technologies such as facial and fingerprint recognition help authenticate the owner more efficiently. The improved security features make Dominica’s e-passport more robust. They also provide a higher level of confidentiality. They dramatically reduce chances of identity theft and document forgery.
Moreover, the e-passport is compatible with e-Gates. That allows automated border passage while travelling. Travellers do not have to interact with a border officer. This speeds up the entire passport control procedure.
Nationals of Dominica were initially supposed to switch to Dominican e-passports by 30 July 2023. That includes those who acquired citizenship by investment. Later the deadline for submitting an e-passport application was changed to 31 August 2022. This followed Dominica’s joining global actions to provide faster and safer travel.
It has been recently announced that the deadline for document renewal has now been extended until 31 December 2022. The updated timeline gives Dominica citizens four more months to apply for an e-passport or complete the paperwork. The current non-biometric documents will become null and void from 1 January 2023.
Some countries require foreign passports to remain valid at least 6 months after the date of travel. It is advisable to upgrade the document about 9 months before its expiration. In general, the application process takes 4 to 10 weeks.
The e-passport has:
Nationals of Dominica living overseas do not have to visit the country to renew their passports. That includes persons who obtained citizenship by investment. They can apply for and receive e-passports in one of Dominica’s Consulates abroad.
To submit an e-passport application, the following documents are required:
The passport of Dominica empowers a person to travel visa-free to more than 130 countries of the world. These include the EU and Schengen Area states, the UK, Singapore, and China.
Such expanded international mobility, plus the improved security and convenience of the new e-passport, makes Dominica a desirable destination to live and work for those who appreciate safe and hassle-free travel.
This tiny island country also offers many other advantages:
In addition, Dominica recognizes dual citizenship.
There are several ways of obtaining a Dominica passport. The fastest, easiest, and most sought-after is through Dominica’s program of citizenship by investment. This program has been in operation since 1993. It is considered highly reputable and affordable. Moreover, one of the investment options has been offered at a discounted price.
If you are interested in receiving citizenship of Dominica, we would be delighted to inform you about the program terms and opportunities. We can tailor the best possible solution and support you throughout the entire application process. We would also be happy to provide any assistance with the renewal of your current Dominica passport. We have already assisted many clients with their applications for the e-passport of Dominica. Get in touch with us today.
