Do you need a passport
to go to Punta Cana in 2024?
The short answer is – yes, Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic as a whole needs a valid passport from a tourist with at least one blank page for an entry stamp is required to enter the country.
What documents you need to go to Punta Cana?
Looking for a paradise vacation to the Dominican Republic but don’t know what documents you need to go to Punta Cana? Let’s find out what mandatory documents you have to bring with you before you pack your bags.
The Dominican Republic passport requirements state that a valid passport with at least one blank page for an entry stamp, a tourist fee, and a paid departure tax are necessary. Make sure you have all bases covered to ensure a perfect vacay to this beautiful tourist destination!
Passport control in Punta Cana Airport
Visa requirements to the Dominican Republic
All nationals of countries capable of legally entering the European Union, the United States of America, Canada or Great Britain, can enter the territory of the Dominican Republic with the simple presentation of the Tourist Card (Decree 691-07 dated 18 December 2007). In addition to the citizens of the following countries (source):
- Visa-free entry with the purchase of a tourist card is valid for residents of the states: Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Schengen countries, Cyprus, USA, Canada, Great Britain, Malta, Thailand, Singapore, Serbia, Turkey.
- Visa-free entry without a tourist card is allowed for citizens of the following countries: Argentina, Israel, China, Liechtenstein, Peru, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, South Korea, Japan.
- In other cases, a visa is required at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic.
The cost of a tourist card is included in all air tickets even if you don’t need it! To get money back you can fill in this form.
Rules for visa-free entry to the Dominican Republic
There are also rules for crossing the border of the DR without a visa. You must have the following documents:
- Passport valid for the duration of the trip
- Return flight ticket from Dominican Republic to any country within 30 days
- Travel voucher or hotel reservation
- Migration card
- Tourist card “tarjeta del tourista”
A tourist card “tarjeta del tourista” is a tax that the Dominican Republic charges to tourists who visit the country and that allows them to enter the country without the need for a consular visa. It costs 10 USD or 10 EURO. Since April 25, 2018, a $10 tourist fee and a $20 departure tax are included in all air tickets issued outside the Dominican Republic, however check it with your airline to be certain!
The tourist card is a tax rate charged by the country of the Dominican Republic to its visitors, it has a legal basis in Law 199-67, which establishes that the acquisition of this card is a requirement for entry into the national territory, for tourism purposes, without the need for a Consular Visa.
For visitors entering the country by land or sea, Tourist Cards can be purchased at the points of sale of the General Directorate of Internal Taxes in these towns at a value of US $10.00. Similarly, these points provide the facility to make the payment of the Tourist Card in euros to passengers who do not have US dollars. In these cases, the cost of the card is €10.00.
The size of the fine for breaking rules of the migration laws depends on the specific period. So, if you illegally stayed in the country from 30 days to 3 months, you will have to pay US $55 on departure, 1-1.5 years – US $143.
So, what are the entry requirements for Punta Cana?
Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic as a whole needs a valid passport from with at least one blank page for an entry stamp is required to enter the country. A $10 tourist fee and a $20 departure tax are also necessary when visiting the Dominican Republic. Both will typically be added to the cost of your airline ticket, but are needed to be checked to be sure.
If you are thinking of whether you want to travel around the island or rent apartments, for example, in Punta Cana or Bávaro, I’ll say right away that if you are traveling for two weeks, then renting apartments, buying tickets and eating will ultimately come out not much cheaper than relaxing in an all-inclusive hotel. Renting an apartment or villa can justify itself if you are traveling in a large company or for a long period (for example, a month).
We welcome your questions and comments! Bon Voyage!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is illegal in the Dominican Republic?
Immigration laws are violated when a person:
- It is illegal in the Dominican Republic to enter it without a passport, valid visa or without proper inspection by migration.
- Entering by “yola” or crossing borders without inspection by immigration agents constitutes illegal entry to the Dominican Republic.
- As in all the others countries it is illegal in the Dominican Republic to enter with a passport, visa or other documentation belonging to another person.
- Some other violations of immigration laws exist but are evaluated on an individual basis.
The easiest way to avoid deportation or situations that could contribute to the revocation of the visa is to use it in accordance with the guidelines with which it was authorized for.
What Caribbean islands do not require a passport?
Some Caribbean islands do not require a passport. For Americans, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are easy destinations to visit. The islands are either territories or Commonwealths of the United States. Whether flying or traveling by boat, U.S. citizens can leave the passport at home for these trips.
The only caveat is that U.S. citizens must show valid government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license and/or a birth certificate when leaving the area.
Is Punta Cana a US territory?
Punta Cana is not a US territory! All United States citizens must travel with a valid passport to enter the Dominican Republic. In addition, you’ll need to obtain a travel visa if your visits are not shorter than 30 days before traveling (online through the Dominican Embassy) or a tourist card upon arrival at the airport for $10.
These allow travelers to remain in the country for up to 30 days. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Do you need a passport to go to the Dominican Republic?
Yes, Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic as a whole needs a valid passport from a tourist with at least one blank page for an entry stamp is required to enter the country.
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