Can't Fly out

That's tough,you made to effort to go get him and mother nature had other intentions.

When I was flying back alone the first time, I made note of the entire process so I could tell my SO what to do in case she had to fly back alone.

It's not really that hard on this end, there are plenty of people around that will tell him what line to get in when he arrives. IMHO the most difficult part is down there. You probably know most of this, but here is what I noted:

1. Bring a pen, they never have them in the airport or on the plane.

2. Get there early. If he's flying out of SDQ, it is crazy, especially in the afternoon. He should get there 2-3 hours early, probably closer to 3.

3. In the line they will give him the forms he needs. They will ask him if he is a citizen/visa etc and give him the forms they think he needs, which are not always right, but not a big deal as there is always another opportunity to get the correct forms later.

He will need for departure, one Dominican White Customs form( long and rectangular) and one White Dominican Resident Departure Form (small and square).

For arrival in the US, one Blue US customs declaration (long rectangular) and one White US I-94, Arrival /Departure record (shorter rectangular).

4. Don't fill out the forms in line! He will see everyone doing it, but there are desks to fill them out after you check in. It is so much easier that way, rather than write on your hand, move your luggage, write some more, etc.

5. Before security turn in Dominican Customs form, if it's not filled out they will give you one and send you to fill it out.

6. After security, go through Immigration with white Resident Departure form and Passport. If the white form is not filled out, they will send him to an area just before the booths to fill out the form. They will stamp the form and passport,. then he turns in his form to someone else before leaving the immigration area.

7, Have passport ready for immigration inspection again while boarding plane.

8. If he doesn't have the blue customs declaration and I-94, they will offer them to him on the plane.

9. Have some US cash, in case he wants to buy some food on the plane. He can change pesos for USD in the airport.

10. On arrival they will send him to the correct line. The worst that will happen is he will get some attitude and they will send him back if his forms are wrong. Newark is usually pretty good though. He will probably go to the office to finish up the papers, but they could process him at the booth (happened to us ) At the booth, he should give them the blue Customs Declaration form, White I-94, Tan Envelope from the Consulate (do not open) and his Passport. They will direct him from there. After he finishes with the paperwork, then he claims his luggage, gives blue form to Customs and exits.

11. If you haven't noticed when you come out of Las Americas, there is a huge line of people greeting the arrivals. Meeting people at the airport is a huge thing for Dominicans, if you can, bring your family.

Good Luck!