Dominican Republic

What’s Up Zika? Zika, a mosquito borne virus, first hit Caribbean destinations in 2015, and then exploded in 2017 & 2018. Since GO TRAVEL STL primarily works with Destination Wedding and Honeymoon couples, it was obvious that many couples wanted to avoid Caribbean destinations to avoid issues with family planning.

What’s Up Zika? Caribbean Sheds Active Zika Transmission Classification

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently removed Zika—the mosquito-borne virus that can cause severe birth defects during pregnancy—as a high-level threat for the Caribbean, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) announced.

What’s Up Zika? According to data released by CARPHA, Zika virus transmission in the region has been interrupted for more than a year, reaching undetectable levels and thus posing little risk to residents and visitors.

What’s Up Zika? The evidence was backed up by data from all over the world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States, which showed that no Zika had been detected for over 12 months in travelers returning from the Caribbean to their native countries.

What’s Up Zika? “The Caribbean is the most tourism-dependent region in the world. It is also one of the most popular Honeymoon Destinations worldwide and ongoing cancellations due to the classification of most Caribbean countries as Category 1 is hurting the industry unnecessarily,” Executive Director, CARPHA, Dr. C. James Hospedales said in a statement. “Therefore, CARPHA felt compelled to provide the evidence and to advocate for the removal of this WHO Zika classification system.”

What’s Up Zika? “Sandals Resorts is deeply rooted in the Caribbean and the removal of the Zika virus as a high-level threat means that residents and guests alike can experience the beauty of the region worry-free,” said Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, in a statement.”Tourism is integral to the Caribbean and we’re excited to continue welcoming brides and grooms, honeymooners and couples simply looking to get away at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in some of the most luxurious and romantic suites.”

What’s Up Zika…what does this mean to travelers? It means Zika is down , so that everyone can begin travel to all of these dream destinations, again! So Fabulous! Contact Susan@GoTravelStl.com to find your perfect Dream Honeymoon or Destination Wedding! I can’t wait to hear from you! Susan

Legally speaking… couples ask me all the time about the legal wedding requirements to get married in the Dominican Republic (Mexico & Jamaica, too). So, even tho I blogged about this a while back, I’ll write about each country’s requirements. Dominican Republic…you are first!

WEDDING REQUIREMENTS TO GET MARRIED IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Legal Documentation required for a Legal/Civil Wedding:

• Original and one copy of Single Status Affidavit*, notarized at your place of residency (Bride and Groom, one for each), showing names as they appear on your passports.

• Birth Certificate of bride and groom (two copies). If parents’ names are not shown on the certificates, please indicate them separately for us.

• One photocopy of passport, picture/information page (Bride and Groom).

• Passport photocopies of the witnesses which can’t be family members (if they do not have witnesses, the hotel will provide them)

• If formerly married, two copies of divorce decree or death certificate.
• Name change document, if name has been changed (including divorcees who had reverted back to maiden name).

• Bride and Groom need to be in the country for 3 days before the wedding

The documents should be legalized by the Dominican Consulate no longer than 3 months prior to the wedding date, and it is the couple’s responsibility to have all the documentation ready before the wedding date, as required. The Judge is an outside service provided by the Dominican Government, the hotel cannot be held responsible for any delay or alteration. The Judge will duly register your Wedding Certificate at the Central Civil Board; The Hotel will then send the wedding certificate to the couple by courier, this procedure may take 2 – 3 months.

Couples need to send, with their documentation, copies of their birth certificates, and photocopies of your passport.

VERY IMPORTANT!! All these documents must be translated, and legalized by the Dominican Consulate before arriving to the Dominican Republic, except the passports.

When traveling to the Dominican Republic for your wedding, please make sure to bring all the original documents and legalized translations with you, personally.

***Note: A Resort reserves the Right to celebrate the wedding if the legal Documents are incorrect and not accepted by the judge due to not following the correct procedures to arrange the legal requirements for a Legal Wedding.

If you would like more information about Destination Weddings, just complete my “Perfect Honeymoon Finder”, and I will be in touch with you soon! Thank you,

Susan