If you would like to know about all the main entry requirements and guidelines as a traveler visiting the Dominican Republic for the first time or wish to be aware of any updates since you traveled the last time — we’ll help you out below.
We’ve outlined all necessary documentation, including passports, visas, electronic entry forms, health measures, and specific rules for certain groups, such as diplomatic personnel and Cuban nationals living in the U.S.
Travelers and airlines have to stick to these guidelines closely to avoid entry issues or potential penalties.
The Dominican Republic is a tourist destination that’s appreciated for its ease of entry. It allows visitors from numerous countries to arrive without securing a visa beforehand.
Travelers who visit from nations like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union member states, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Central and South America, Israel, Japan, and several other countries typically do not need to have a visa. This makes for a convenient entry with regular travel documents.
Visitors who wish to travel to the Dominican Republic for leisure must fulfill multiple basic entry criteria upon arrival.
The Dominican Republic will extend temporary flexibility regarding passport validity (December 1, 2024, to November 30, 2025), specifically for tourists who are visiting from selected nations.
Travelers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union nations, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, and Ecuador can enter with passports that simply need to be valid at the time of their arrival and remain valid during their entire stay.
This exceptional measure makes the entry process much simpler. It even allows for a comfortable travel experience for visitors from these specified regions during the defined period.
Diplomatic and Official Personnel ExceptionsThere are special immigration provisions in place for diplomatic personnel. This list includes diplomats, consular officers, and officials from permanent or special diplomatic missions accredited in the Dominican Republic.
Family members accompanying these diplomatic and consular personnel are likewise excused from standard immigration obligations. This exemption is reciprocal. That means it applies when the sending country provides comparable privileges to Dominican diplomatic representatives.
Plus, delegates who are attending international conferences hosted in the Dominican Republic and officials of international or intergovernmental organizations stationed there, along with their family members, are also covered by these exemptions.
There may be exceptional cases that involve humanitarian circumstances. In that case, public interest concerns or specific commitments made by the Dominican government, the Director General of Migration holds discretionary authority to allow U.S. citizens entry, even if they do not strictly meet standard immigration criteria.
Each example is treated uniquely. There’s no automatic guarantee or established precedent that could influence future decisions. In extraordinary scenarios, this gives the country the flexibility to respond appropriately and effectively.
Beginning June 1, 2023, Cuban nationals who live legally in the United States are permitted entry into the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes. This is so even if their Cuban passports have expired within the previous 24 months.
To qualify for this allowance, travelers must show valid proof of their lawful U.S. residence through their Permanent Resident Card (which is commonly known as the Green Card).
This measure is indefinite. It offers consistent and long-term flexibility for Cuban residents traveling from the U.S.
Airlines running flights into the Dominican Republic have to strictly implement immigration regulations. They must thoroughly verify the travel documentation of passengers before their departure.
This verification process involves considering, among other facts:
Airlines may only permit passengers who meet all established immigration criteria to board flights that are bound for the Dominican Republic. Passengers can be denied entry in case of non-compliance with these guidelines.
It could also end up in substantial fines or sanctions imposed on the airline by the Dominican immigration authorities.
Dominican citizens who hold Dominican passports will have to face no restrictions or special conditions upon re-entry to their home country after their international travel.
They are not subject to the rules that are mentioned above, which are for foreign nationals.
As of April 28, 2023, all airlines, be they local or international, are needed to ensure that foreign travelers have a confirmed return or onward ticket before their departure to the Dominican Republic.
Exceptions apply only to Dominican nationals and foreigners who hold permanent residency status within the Dominican Republic.
Airlines must strictly enforce this requirement. In case they fail to comply, passengers could be denied entry, and sanctions may be imposed on the airlines by Dominican immigration authorities.
All travelers, including Dominican citizens, are bound to complete an electronic entry and exit form (E-Ticket) before they arrive or depart via commercial flights.
Although travelers can fill out the form anytime after they have their flight details confirmed (travelers no longer need to complete the E-Ticket within 72 hours of travel), it is highly recommended to do so well in advance to skip through likely delays at the time of airport procedures. Passengers must present their completed forms at the airline check-in counters.
If travelers can’t find their exact hometown listed in the form's dropdown menu, they should select the nearest major city available. Travelers who are using rental accommodations must make sure that hosts give detailed address information, including province, municipality, neighborhood, etc.
For families traveling together, it is enough for one individual to create an account and have the information for up to seven family members (the primary registrant plus six additional travelers).
If the group is made up of more than seven people, extra forms will need to be completed. Only adults are required to complete the customs portion of the E-Ticket form. A single QR code covering the entire family will be generated, which passengers can print or save as a screenshot to show on their arrival.
Travelers reaching by private flights, cruise ships, ferries, or other non-commercial vessels do not need to complete the electronic form. Instead, they can continue using traditional physical customs and immigration forms.
Visitors who are planning to stay for more than 30 days will have to incur an additional fee when they leave the Dominican Republic.
Fees are based on the total length of the extended stay and it’s calculated using a sliding scale. Travelers can pay these charges online before departure or directly at immigration desks. These are located outside security checks at the airport.
Travelers holding a valid visa or residency permit from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Schengen Area countries can enter without needing an additional Dominican visa. Visitors without such documentation must apply for a Dominican visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Travelers in need of specific visa information or help should get in touch with the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well. They can extend customer support via a bilingual chat platform that’s accessible on their official website.
All travelers are strongly encouraged to verify all current entry requirements and visa conditions before their departure.
A mandatory departure tax of USD $20 is normally included in airline ticket prices. This means there’s no need for travelers to make separate payments as they leave the country.
Note that travelers who need detailed visa information should check official sources like the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or contact the nearest Dominican embassy or consulate.
Visitors can bring certain items into the Dominican Republic without paying customs duties.
Permitted allowances include:
Passengers who are expected from specific Brazilian states (Espiritu Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo) must show proof that a yellow fever vaccination has been administered to them at least ten days before their arrival.
There are exceptions that apply to:
Since October 15, 2021, all travelers aged one year and older arriving from Venezuela or having traveled through Venezuela within 14 days prior must show proof of yellow fever vaccination. This rule applies to airline crew members as well.
Because of the Marburg virus outbreak, passengers and crew members coming from Equatorial Guinea have been refused entry since February 21, 2023.
This includes travelers who visited or transited through Equatorial Guinea after February 8, 2023. The restriction applies to passengers of all ages, including minors. The Dominican Civil Aviation Board has the right to modify, extend, or end this policy as per the latest international health advisories.
Travelers must regularly check official Dominican Republic sources for current health advisories and immigration updates to be sure of compliance and comfortable entry procedures.
Key Points
More Information
If you’re planning your visit to the Dominican Republic, head over here to get more information.
Get the basics (what it is, how to apply for one, important points to be aware of, etc.) clear about an E-Ticket here.
Fill out the E-Ticket form here.