The Dominican Republic is one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean, and luckily for travelers, entering the country is relatively straightforward. Whether you’re planning a week on the beaches of Punta Cana or a road trip through Samaná and Santo Domingo, knowing the visa and entry rules will help you avoid surprises at the airport.

Here’s what tourists need to know about visas, entry requirements, and travel regulations for the DR.

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Do You Need a Visa to Visit the Dominican Republic?

Most travelers do not need a visa for short tourist visits. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union, the UK, and most Latin American countries can enter without a visa for up to 30 days.

If you’re not from a visa-exempt country, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa at a Dominican consulate before traveling.

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Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo)

Instead of a traditional visa, most visitors are required to obtain a tourist card, which acts as an entry permit.

• Good news: Since 2018, the cost of the tourist card (USD $10) has been included in your airfare for most commercial flights.
• Duration: Valid for 30 days.
• Extension: You can apply at the immigration office in Santo Domingo to extend your stay up to 120 days for an additional fee.

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Passport and Entry Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
• Proof of onward or return travel may be requested.
• Immigration may ask for evidence of sufficient funds for your stay.

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Overstaying in the DR

If you stay beyond your permitted time, you’ll be required to pay a fine upon departure. The fee depends on the length of your overstay, ranging from about USD $50 to $500.
Tip: Extensions are cheaper and easier than paying overstay fines.

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Other Entry Rules

• Work is not allowed: A tourist card or visa is strictly for leisure.
• Health forms: Travelers may be required to complete an E-Ticket form online before arrival and departure. This combines immigration, customs, and health declarations into one digital form.
• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccines are required, but yellow fever vaccination is needed if arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa.

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Final Thoughts

The Dominican Republic makes it easy for tourists to visit, with visa-free access for most nationalities and a simple tourist card system. Just make sure your passport is valid, your return flight is booked, and your stay is within the allowed period. With those details sorted, you’ll be free to enjoy everything from colonial streets to waterfalls and white-sand beaches.