U.S. Consul in Dominican Republic: There is no visa to travel to the U.S. to give birth

Santo Domingo. U.S. Consul in the Dominican Republic William Swaney clarified that there is no U.S. visa that allows people to travel to the country specifically for the purpose of giving birth.

During an interview with a local news paper, Swaney explained that traveling to the United States solely to have a baby is not permitted under a visitor visa, even if the traveler has the financial means to cover the medical costs.

The diplomat also distinguished between intentionally traveling to the U.S. to give birth and experiencing an unexpected medical situation. A woman already in the country may receive medical care if complications arise, provided there is evidence that giving birth in the U.S. was not the purpose of the trip.

Swaney also confirmed that approximately 600 visas were revoked worldwide in cases related to alleged birth tourism, although he said he did not have an exact figure for how many involved Dominican citizens.