The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Dominican Republic E-Ticket Error Codes & Troubleshooting
You’ve booked your resort in Punta Cana, your bags are packed, and you’re ready for paradise. Then comes the final hurdle: the mandatory Dominican Republic Electronic Ticket (E-Ticket). For many travelers, this is where the stress begins.
Between vague error messages, a "spinning" submission button, and a form that occasionally refuses to acknowledge your hotel exists, the official portal can be a digital minefield. If you are staring at a red error box or wondering why your QR code hasn't arrived in your inbox, you aren't alone.
Expert Advice: Based on our extensive data and traveler reports from early 2026, we have compiled the most comprehensive troubleshooting guide available to help you secure your QR code quickly.
1. Understanding the "Big Three" Technical Errors
Before we dive into specific form fields, let's address the technical "glitches" that happen before you even type your name.
The "Infinite Spinner" (Form Won't Submit)
This is the most reported issue in 2026. You click "Submit," and the little blue wheel spins indefinitely.
- The Cause: Usually, this is a browser cache conflict or a timeout. The portal is heavy on scripts; if your internet connection blips, the handshake between your browser and the government server breaks.
- The Fix: Use Chrome or Firefox. Safari and mobile-specific browsers (like the ones inside the Facebook or Instagram apps) are notoriously unstable with this form.
Pro Tip: Open the form in Incognito Mode. This disables extensions like AdBlockers or VPNs that might be stripping necessary tracking cookies from the page.
"Application Number Not Found"
You tried to retrieve a saved application to make a change, and the system claims you don't exist.
- The Cause: The Dominican portal is case-sensitive and very picky about extra spaces.
- The Fix: Ensure there is no space at the end of your application number (a common result of "copy-pasting"). Also, verify you are on the official .gob.do site.
2. Passport & Personal Info Errors
"Invalid Passport Number"
This error often triggers even when your number is 100% correct.
- Remove Special Characters: Do not use dashes, spaces, or dots.
- Zero vs. 'O': In many passports, the number "0" (zero) is used, but travelers type the letter "O."
- Leading Zeros: If your passport starts with a zero, do not omit it.
The Date of Birth / Expiry Date Trap
The portal uses the DD/MM/YYYY format. For American travelers used to MM/DD/YYYY, this is the #1 reason for "Invalid Date" errors.
Always use the built-in calendar picker rather than typing the date manually. If the calendar picker doesn't appear, refresh the page—your browser has failed to load the script.
3. The "Migratory Information" Headache
"Flight Number Not Found"
You enter "AA1234," and the system says it doesn't exist.
The system's flight database is updated roughly 72 hours in advance. If you are trying to fill this out two weeks early, your flight might not be "active" yet.
- The Workaround: Try entering the number without the airline code (e.g., just "1234"). If it still fails, you can usually manually type the airline. As long as your arrival date is correct, immigration officials can verify the flight on arrival.
"Hotel/Address Not in List"
New resorts or private Airbnbs often don't appear in the search results.
The Fix: Scroll to the very bottom of the hotel list and select "Other/Private Accommodation." This will unlock a manual text field where you can type the address or the name of the villa.
4. The QR Code Recovery Protocol
"I finished the form, but I never got the email!" This is a very common complaint due to aggressive spam filters.
The 2026 "Must-Do" Step: Never close your browser window until you see the QR code on your screen.
- Take a Screenshot: This is your primary travel document. A screenshot works even if you have no Wi-Fi at the airport.
- Save as PDF: Use the "Print to PDF" function on your device.
- Note the Application Number: Write it down physically. With this number, an officer can look you up even if your phone dies.
5. Common E-Ticket Myths vs. 2026 Reality
- Myth: "I only need one QR code for my whole family."
- Reality: You can add up to 7 people to one application, and the system generates one QR code for the group. However, friends traveling together on different reservations must have individual E-Tickets.
- Myth: "The E-Ticket is a visa."
- Reality: No. It is a Customs and Immigration declaration. If your nationality requires a visa, you still need that document.
6. Checklist: Before You Hit "Send"
Verify these five things to avoid delays at the check-in counter:
- Arrival vs. Departure: Ensure you didn't select "Departure" for your arrival trip.
- One Full Name: It is normal for only one name to show on the PDF header, provided others are listed in the "Travelers" section.
- Correct Airport: Verify you selected PUJ (Punta Cana) and not SDQ (Santo Domingo).
- No Payment: The E-Ticket is free on the official site. If a site asks for a fee, you are paying for an assistance service.
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from entry.
Enjoy your trip — and welcome to the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴