Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Jamaica Angie Martinez has relentlessly advocated for the removal of the visa requirement for citizens of the Caribbean country of the Dominican Republic to travel to Jamaica.

It has been a long road involving protracted political entreaties.

Yesterday (March 3), was a testament to her tenacity as a decision was made which helps to bring the people of the Caribbean closer together.

At a press conference held at the offices of the Ministry of Tourism in New Kingston, Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett announced that effective February 4, citizens of the Dominican Republic will enjoy a visa waiver for travel to Jamaica for visits up to 180 days.

Minister Bartlett said: “This decision represents more than just an administrative change—it symbolises our commitment to fostering stronger regional bonds and creating new opportunities for tourism growth across our beautiful Caribbean region.

“By removing visa restriction, we open doors to unprecedented multi-destination tourism possibilities between Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the region and on a larger scale with Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism went on to point out that the timing of this announcement is particularly strategic as it strengthens airlift connections from regional, Latin American and European hubs. Now, the potential for shared flights and coordinated tourism marketing becomes a tangible reality.

Ambassador Angie Martinez said: “ Today, I stand before you not only as the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Jamaica, but as a Dominican who is deeply moved by the significance of this moment. This milestone is a step towards a future where our people, our businesses and our cultures can connect more freely, without unnecessary obstacles.

“This is a long-awaited diplomatic victory, completing the circle of reciprocity. We have already witnessed the impact of improved connectivity since the launch of Arajet’s direct flights, making travel easier than ever before. Over 50,000 Jamaicans have already visited the Dominican Republic, yet the same was not true in reverse due to the visa requirement.

“Now, with this obstacle removed, we will see a greater influx of Dominican tourists—a potential that had not been fully realised due to the previous restrictions.”

Ambassador Martinez added that since the establishment of direct flights in November 2022, passenger flow between Santo Domingo and Kingston has soared 2,200 per cent, with 92,000 travellers in the first 18 months.

“From the economic affairs section of our embassy, we have estimated that the impact of these air operations and passenger flows between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica has generated an economic impact exceeding US$115 million. This figure reflects the power of visionary public policies, such as air connectivity and visa exemption, to transform our economies.

“With more Dominicans traveling to Jamaica for tourism and business, these statistics are poised to double in the short term. If this trend continues, the annual economic impact could exceed US$460 million for our economies,” said Ambassador Martinez.