Dominican Republic Travel FAQs - Tourist Card, E-Ticket, and Key Tips 2025
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Read moreThe Dominican Republic is a top tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. To ensure a smooth entry into the country, travelers need to obtain a tourist card. Here’s everything you need to know about the Dominican Republic tourist card, e-ticket system, including how to get it, its benefits, and important details to consider during your visit.
What is the Dominican Republic tourist card?
The Dominican Republic tourist card is a mandatory entry requirement for most foreign visitors. It allows tourists to stay in the country for up to 60 days. This card is essential for anyone traveling to the Dominican Republic for tourism, whether visiting for leisure, business, or family purposes.
As of April 1, 2021, all passengers entering and exiting the country on commercial flights must complete a form and obtain a document on the Electronic Travel Document (E-TICKET to the Dominican Republic) portal before or upon arrival. To save time at passport control, it is recommended to complete the form 72 hours before travel, print the QR code, or take a screenshot of the code and have it on hand before arrival, where it will be scanned when the passenger passes through customs.
Who needs a tourist card for the Dominican Republic?
Most travelers from outside the Dominican Republic, including those from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America, are required to obtain a tourist card upon arrival. However, citizens from certain countries may be exempt or may need to apply for a visa instead of a tourist card.
If the stay in the country exceeds 60 days, an additional fee is paid upon departure, the amount of which depends on the total length of stay. You can find out about the applicable fees, which are paid in the border control area (after check-in and pre-flight inspection), at the link.
Visa requirements for entry to the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic issues tourist, business, work, student, and resident visas. Tourist visas are single or multiple entry and can be valid for up to 60 days. Any person, regardless of citizenship, can visit the Dominican Republic if they have a residence permit or an open valid visa from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, or the Schengen countries.
If you do not have a residence permit or visa from one of the above countries, you must apply for the appropriate visa. In this case, the passport must be valid for at least six (6) months.
Be sure to check the relevance of all requirements for visiting the country before traveling.
Documents for visa-free travel to the Dominican Republic
In general, for visa-free entry to the Dominican Republic, a foreigner must only have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. However, to confirm visa-free travel, it is also necessary to additionally provide:
- Tickets to and from the Dominican Republic.
- Confirmation of residence in the country (reservation of a villa, apartment, hotel, etc.).
- Sufficient funds to stay in the country (you can confirm the availability of funds by providing a bank statement, a salary certificate, etc.).
Dominican Republic customs regulations
Foreigners may import the following items into the Dominican Republic:
List of items you can bring to the Dominican Republic
| Item | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cigarettes | Maximum of 20 packs (200 cigarettes) | Only for personal use. Commercial importation requires proper clearance and permits. |
| Cigars | Maximum of 25 cigars | Only for personal use. Commercial importation requires proper clearance and permits. |
| Tobacco | Maximum of 200 grams (including loose tobacco) | Only for personal use. Commercial importation requires proper clearance and permits. |
| Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, rum, whiskey, liquor) | Maximum of 3 liters in total (combination of wine, beer, rum, whiskey, or liquor) | Only for personal use. If importing larger quantities, duty fees will apply. |
| Gifts | Maximum value of $500 USD (once every three months) | The gift items must be non-commercial in nature, and the limit applies per person. |
| Medicines | Medicines for personal use are allowed. Prescription required for medicines containing psychotropic substances. | The medicines must be for personal use, and quantities must not exceed reasonable amounts. For controlled substances, a valid prescription is required. |
Please note that the data in the table may change, so check the list of permitted items before departure. Also, if customs officers consider your items suspicious, they may confiscate them.
Key takeaways
The Dominican Republic Tourist Card is an essential document for travelers exploring this beautiful Caribbean country. It also has fantastic natural features and a rich culture. You can get a tourist card by filling out the online form that ensures that your entry process is quick, smooth, and hassle-free. Before planning a trip to this paradise island, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the visa requirements. Remember to check the specific entry requirements based on your nationality and plan ahead to make the most of your vacation.
Frequently asked questions about
tourist card for the Dominican Republic
1. Do you still need a tourist card for the Dominican Republic?
Yes, tourists from most countries still need a tourist card to enter the Dominican Republic. However, as of April 2021, the country has switched to an electronic tourist card system, so travelers no longer need to purchase a physical card. Instead, the tourist card fee is included in the airline ticket price for most international flights to the Dominican Republic.
For travelers who arrive by sea or via other transportation, the tourist card fee may still be required upon entry. The cost of the tourist card is usually $10 USD, and it allows visitors to stay for up to 60 days in the country, which can be extended upon request.
2. Where do I get a tourist card for the Dominican Republic?
There are several ways to obtain a tourist card for the Dominican Republic:
- Airline purchase. The most common and easiest way is to purchase the tourist card during your flight booking process. Many international airlines flying to the Dominican Republic include the tourist card fee as part of the ticket price. You will receive the card or a voucher upon arrival.
- Online purchase. If your airline does not include the tourist card, you can purchase it online via the official website of the Dominican Republic’s Immigration Department or other authorized travel agencies. After purchasing online, you will receive an electronic version of the card that you need to print out and present at immigration.
- Upon arrival. Travelers can still buy the physical tourist card upon arrival at the airport or port in the Dominican Republic. The card can be purchased at designated counters or kiosks.
3. Is the e-ticket still required for the Dominican Republic?
Yes, the e-ticket system is still required for travelers to the Dominican Republic. The e-ticket, also known as the “Declaración Jurada de Salud” (Health Affidavit), is part of the mandatory entry requirements for all travelers arriving in the Dominican Republic. This system is designed to collect information on health and travel history to prevent the spread of diseases, such as COVID-19.
The e-ticket is completed online before your departure, and you will receive a confirmation QR code. This QR code must be presented at the Dominican immigration upon arrival.
4. What documents do I need to enter the Dominican Republic?
To enter the Dominican Republic, you will need the following documents:
Documents to enter the Dominican Republic
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. |
| Tourist card | Either purchased as part of your airline ticket, obtained online, or purchased upon arrival. |
| E-ticket or Health Affidavit | Completed online prior to arrival; includes health and travel history information. |
| Return ticket | Proof of onward or return travel (e.g., a flight ticket out of the country). |
Citizens of certain countries may be exempt from the tourist card fee or may require a visa, so it is essential to check the specific entry requirements for your nationality.
5. Is there a $10 fee to enter the Dominican Republic?
Yes, there is a $10 USD fee for the tourist card when entering the Dominican Republic. This fee is often included in the price of your airline ticket. If it is not, you will need to pay it upon arrival at the airport or port.
6. Do you still need QR code for the Dominican Republic?
Yes, you still need a QR code to enter the Dominican Republic. This QR code is part of the e-ticket system, which combines health, customs, and migration information. All travelers, regardless of nationality, must complete the online e-ticket form before their trip. Once completed, the system generates a QR code for immigration officials upon arrival. How to obtain the QR code:
- Visit the official Dominican Republic e-ticket website.
- Fill out the required details, including travel dates, personal information, and health declarations.
- Once completed, a QR code will be generated. Save this code digitally or print a copy.
- Present the QR code at immigration upon arrival.
7. What do I need to know before going to the Dominican Republic?
Before traveling to the Dominican Republic, here are key points to keep in mind:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Passport, e-ticket (QR code), tourist card (often included in airfare), and proof of return ticket. |
| Currency | The local currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP), but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. |
| Safety | Stick to well-known areas and resorts, avoid displaying valuables, and use official taxis or transport services. |
| Health precautions | Bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Drink bottled or filtered water, as tap water is not safe for consumption. |
| Weather | Tropical climate; hurricane season runs from June to November. Check weather conditions before traveling. |
| Cultural etiquette | Spanish is the official language. Learning basic phrases can enhance your experience. Tipping is common in restaurants. |
| Electricity | Voltage is 110V with American-style outlets (Type A/B). Bring an adapter if needed. |
8. Which countries are visa free for Dominican Republic?
Citizens of many countries can travel to the Dominican Republic without a visa for tourism purposes. These include, but are not limited to:
| Region | Visa-free countries |
|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada |
| Europe | All European Union (EU) member states, United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland |
| Latin America | Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay, Venezuela |
| Asia | Japan, South Korea, Israel |
| Oceania | Australia, New Zealand |
Citizens of Haiti, Cuba, and other specific countries may require a visa depending on the purpose of their visit. Always check the Dominican Republic immigration website for the latest updates.
9. How much is a Dominican e-ticket?
The Dominican e-ticket is free of charge. However, the e-ticket form is mandatory, and travelers need to complete it online before their trip. While there is no cost associated with the e-ticket, it is crucial to fill it out correctly to avoid issues during your travel. Additional costs:
- Tourist card fee: $10 USD (often included in airline tickets).
- Visa fees: applicable for travelers requiring a visa.
10. What vaccines do I need for the Dominican Republic?
Although no vaccinations are officially required to enter the Dominican Republic, the following are recommended for travelers:
Recommended vaccines for the Dominican Republic
| Vaccine | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Protection against food and waterborne illnesses. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for travelers engaging in activities that may involve bodily fluids. |
| Typhoid | Recommended for those staying in rural areas or consuming food and water from non-reliable sources. |
| Tetanus and diphtheria (Tdap) | General protection, especially for outdoor activities or travel to remote areas. |
| Rabies | Recommended for travelers spending time in rural areas or engaging in activities like hiking. |
| Yellow fever | Required only if arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. |
11. Where to fill out a Dominican Republic E-Ticket?
You can fill out the Dominican Republic E-Ticket online through the official e-ticket portal provided by the Dominican Republic’s immigration services. The form can be completed here:
- Visit the website and select the appropriate language (English or Spanish).
- Create a form by entering your trip details, including travel dates and purpose.
- Complete personal information, including passport details and health declaration.
- Submit the form to generate a QR code.
- Save or print the QR code, which you will need to present upon arrival and departure.
12. Do I have to pay to leave the Dominican Republic?
Yes, there is a departure tax for leaving the Dominican Republic. However, this fee is usually included in your airline ticket. The standard departure tax is $20 USD.
13. What is the best card to use in the Dominican Republic?
The best card to use in the Dominican Republic depends on your needs, but here are the top recommendations:
- Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted across the Dominican Republic for purchases, hotels, and restaurants.
- American Express is accepted at high-end establishments but less common in smaller shops.
- International debit cards from major networks like Visa Debit and Mastercard Debit can be used at ATMs and some merchants.
- Prepaid travel cards like Revolut, Wise, or Travelex are excellent for managing currency exchange rates and avoiding high transaction fees.
14. Is it better to use cash or card in the Dominican Republic?
It is best to have a mix of both cash and cards when traveling to the Dominican Republic.
- Carry Dominican Pesos (DOP) for local transactions. US Dollars are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.
- Cards are convenient for larger transactions like hotels, car rentals, or excursions. And it is safer than carrying large amounts of cash.
15. Do I need to buy a tourist card for Dominican Republic?
In most cases, you do not need to buy a separate tourist card because the fee is included in the cost of your airline ticket. The tourist card, which costs $10 USD, is automatically provided for most international travelers. Exceptions:
- If traveling by sea or land, you may need to purchase a tourist card upon arrival.
- If your airline does not include the fee, you can buy it online or at the airport.
