Dominican nationals’ visa waivers are suspended by the UK due to “abuse”
The UK has decided to suspend the existing visa-waiver agreement with the Dominican Republic, which means certain Nigerian elites holding Dominican passports will no longer be allowed to enter the UK without a visa. This suspension will take effect from July 19 onwards. However, those who have already obtained their travel visa before 3 pm UK time on that date will still be permitted to enter the UK without a visa.
For individuals with confirmed bookings made before 3 pm on July 19 and planning to arrive in the UK no later than August 16, there will be a four-week visa-free transition period.
Existing Dominican visitors already in the UK will not be affected by the new requirement for the duration of their current visit, but they will need to re-apply for a visa if they intend to visit the UK again in the future.
The decision to suspend the visa-waiver agreement was prompted by concerns of misuse in the Dominican Republic’s citizenship by investment scheme, particularly in granting citizenship to individuals known to pose a risk to the UK. UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman cited this abuse as the reason for the decision.