Dominican Republic entry requirements, by passport

Passport

Standard rule: valid for at least 6 months from arrival (US State Dept, travel.gc.ca). Temporary exemption until 31 Dec 2026: Canadian and British passport holders visiting for tourism may enter with a passport valid for the length of the stay; other purposes still need 6 months. The State Dept page (Aug 2025) mentions no exemption for US citizens. Cruise passengers who come ashore without 6 months' validity pay an escort fee of about USD 125 a day. Safe standard: 6 months left on the day you arrive.

Arrival card

e-Ticket (electronic entry and exit form: immigration, customs, health). Complete before arrival and again before departure, one for each entry and exit. Submit up to 7 days before arrival (FCDO), then show the QR code, digital or printed, at check-in and at the border. It does not replace the tourist card. DGM now links a new version at eticket.gob.do as well as the classic eticket.migracion.gob.do. Fee: Free.

Official form · free on the official site

Border systems for every visitor

Visa-exempt visitors need a tourist card, USD 10, included in the airfare for air arrivals. Sea arrivals buy it at the point of entry from the tax authority (DGII). Cruise passengers need one only if staying on land more than 24 hours.

Onward ticket

A round-trip or onward ticket is required. You can be refused entry without one.

Proof of funds

You may have to show enough money for the stay; no amount is published.

Travel insurance

Not an entry requirement. The pandemic-era free tourist insurance ended. FCDO advises cover including medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

None required when arriving from the US or Canada. A yellow fever certificate is needed only when arriving from risk countries, such as certain Brazilian states, including transits over 12 hours there. There is no yellow fever risk in the DR itself.

Cash to declare at customs

Declare USD 10,000 or more (or the equivalent) on entry and on exit. Declare prohibited or dutiable goods on the e-Ticket customs section.

Taxes, levies and fees

Tourist card USD 10, usually in the airfare. Standard stay is 30 days. Extend up to 120 days at the Dirección General de Migración in Santo Domingo, after arrival and before the tourist card expires, or pay an overstay fine at departure. The State Dept puts the fine at about USD 56 for one month up to more than USD 1,660, payable by card at the airport, by local bank transfer or by cash deposit at Banco Reservas. Airport departure taxes are in airline tickets.

Medicines, vapes and banned items

Drug offences carry severe penalties. On departure, authorities may screen travellers, search luggage, ask you to sign a Spanish-language form and, in some cases, require an X-ray. Pack your own bags.

Travelling with children

Dominican and legally resident minors under 18 travelling without one or both parents or guardians may need a Certification of Departure for Minors from DGM. This also covers foreign minors who have lived in the DR more than 6 months. Check eligibility at permisosalidamenor.migracion.gob.do; DGM now offers a 100% digital certification. Foreign tourist children: check airline requirements, and carry proof of relationship and consent from the absent parent.