NEW YORK, USA– A problem with the passport booklet service provider in the Dominican Republic has complicated its issuance and processing at consulates, including the one in New York.
The General Directorate of Passports of that country reported that the provider has reported a shortage of supplies to manufacturing them.
Edward Rivera, passport director of the consulate in New York, confirmed the problem with the processing of the documents in recent months.
“Through these last months we have had problems with the supply of the passport booklet, and this is partly due to problems with the provider in obtaining important elements for the elaboration of the booklet,” he said.
“There has been a time when we have not been able to receive the booklets from the Dominican Republic for us to continue providing efficient service to the community,” he added.
In light of this, the New York consulate will begin a strategy to extend the expiration of the passports that Dominicans want to renew.
“We will create a seal that was used previously here in New York, it used to be used and instead of changing the booklet, a seal was put on it to extend the validity of a passport,” Rivera said.
He added that there are some passport booklets available for emergency cases.
Rivera said they will look for solutions for people who come to the consulate so that they do not travel due to problems with this document.
“No one will lose a flight because their passport is expired, no one will stop doing any diligence, we will provide the solution,” he said.
Finally, the passport director explained that the shortage issue will continue for several months.
“They project that this situation will continue until April. Meanwhile, we will have to use different means to find solutions.”
The passport booklet is biometric and is issued for six years.
For the issuance of passports from the Dominican Republic, the Consulate requires the following:
For adults (over 18 years old):
- Updated ID card
- Legalized birth certificate or one with a barcode issued in the Dominican Republic since 2012, or a birth certificate issued by an office of the Central Electoral Board in the United States.
- Cost: $170
For minors (under 18 years old):
- Accompanied by at least one parent, legal guardian, or an adult with legal authorization for that purpose.
- Updated ID card of the adult.
- Legalized birth certificate or one with a barcode issued in the Dominican Republic since 2012, or a birth certificate issued by an office of the Central Electoral Board in the United States.
- Cost: $170 + $13
