Visitors from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the United States, and European Union nations need valid passports, return tickets, and 30-day tourist cards to enter the Dominican Republic. The tourist cards can be purchased at the airport or before arriving in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic’s official website (http://www.dominicanrepublic.com/index.php/travel/travel-news1749623790/visaarequirements/461-visaaentryrequirements) contains a list of countries whose citizens require visas in addition to the above requirements to enter the Dominican Republic.

Health and Safety

Visitors to Santo Domingo should stay in the Metropolitan and Colonial Zones to avoid the city’s growing incidents of pick pocketing, vehicle breakins and robbery. Very few Dominican Republic streets are lit after dark, so visitors should take extra precautions at night, especially when alone. Travelers should also avoid feeding the Dominican Republic’s many wild dogs or flaunting valuable jewelry. Punta Cana’s luxury resorts are very safe so if you are on an all-inclusive getaway, you should have nothing to worry about.

Cholera is the Dominican Republic’s biggest health risk, but can easily be avoided by properly washing your hands before meals and not drinking tap water, which even many locals consider unsafe. Travel insurance is highly recommended as health care varies widely in both quality and quantity. In cases of emergency, visitors should contact the special tourist police known as the Politur, who will respond more positively than the Dominican Republic’s national police.