In a move blending caution with tourism revival, the Dominican Republic has extended its national state of emergency through May 31, even as it continues to welcome international travelers without requiring a negative COVID-19 test. For Slovak tourists and other visitors, the Caribbean hotspot remains one of the easiest destinations to enter during the pandemic.
No Test Needed — But Expect Screening
According to Slovakia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, travelers arriving in the Dominican Republic will undergo random rapid testing at the airport, along with mandatory temperature checks. Anyone flagged with symptoms or high temperature may be tested or isolated as needed.
Despite the emergency extension, the country is keeping much of its tourism infrastructure open — a calculated gamble to keep the economy alive while managing public health risks.
Beaches, Gyms, and Restaurants Open at 60%
A nightly curfew remains in place:
- Weekdays: 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (transit permitted until midnight)
- Weekends: 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (transit permitted until midnight)
However, public spaces are still accessible. Beaches, fitness centers, and restaurants can operate at 60% capacity, with a 1-meter social distancing rule and a maximum of six people per table. For many tourists, it means the Dominican Republic remains one of the most open—and most attractive—destinations in the region.
Vietnam Tightens Restrictions After New Cases
While the Dominican Republic loosens rules for tourism, Vietnam is moving in the opposite direction. After confirming new community COVID-19 cases, authorities have ordered sweeping closures in multiple cities including Hanoi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Dinh, and Yen Bai.
Shuttered venues include bars, discos, karaoke clubs, cinemas, gyms, and massage salons. Schools in Hanoi have also been closed, with officials re-emphasizing mandatory mask-wearing and one-meter distancing in all public areas.
Two countries, two radically different strategies — but one global reality: the pandemic is far from over.