Dominican Republic Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

In lieu of visas, Tourist Cards can be issued on-arrival to certain nationals, at a cost of USD 10 for a stay of 30 days. Extensions are possible. A return or onward ticket is required by all visitors, as well as the travel documentation needed for their next destination. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers going between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival (see note, below).

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required for passport holders endorsed as British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen, provided that they obtain a Tourist Card on arrival (see note, below). Other British passport holders should contact the relevant embassy to check entry requirements.

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. Passport exemptions apply to travelers in possession of an original birth certificate, birth registration papers, a military hospital-issued birth certificate, Canadian Citizenship Certificate or Naturalization Certificate issued to Nationals of Canada. If not including a photo of the bearer, these documents must be accompanied by an official photo ID document (e.g. driver's license); and visitors must travel for tourist purposes only. Note that it is recommended that Canadian citizens be in possession of a valid passport upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival (see note, below).

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival (see note, below).

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival (see note, below).

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival (see note, below).

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. A visa is not required, provided that visitors obtain a Tourist Card on arrival (see note, below).

Healthcare

No vaccination certificates are required but precautions are recommended against Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio for those who plan to spend time outside the main tourist resort areas. There is a malaria risk throughout the year. Between May and September there is a risk of dengue fever, which is contracted from mosquitoes that bite during the day. It is advisable to use mosquito repellent. Travelers should be aware of the high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in the Dominican Republic and take the relevant precautions. Water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated in undeveloped areas; bottled water is available. Some species of fish, including tropical reef fish, may be poisonous to eat even when well cooked. There are good hospitals and other private medical facilities located in Puerto Plata, Santiago and Santo Domingo, but outside of these cities facilities are limited, and staff are unlikely to understand English. Most resorts have doctors that can treat minor medical complaints. Health insurance, including provision for medical evacuation, is recommended.

Safety

Due to the recent unrest in neighboring Haiti and the ongoing unpredictability of the security situation, it is inadvisable to travel across the border to Haiti. There is a low terrorism risk and incidences of violent crime are infrequent. Visitors should take normal precautions against petty crime, however. The Dominican Republic is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November.