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Before you go to Dominican Republic: what to know

Must know

  • Complete the free official E-Ticket for arrival and departure at eticket.migracion.gob.do before airline check-in. The tourism ministry says it can be completed once flight details are known, even months ahead.
  • Visa-free tourist stays are 30 days; longer stays (up to 120 days) need a paid extension, usually settled at departure.
  • Ignore lookalike E-Ticket sites that charge a fee — the official form is free.
  • Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
  • Restaurant bills include 18% tax plus a legal 10% service charge; an extra tip for good service is customary.

Entry and visas

UK, US, EU and Russian/Ukrainian citizens enter visa-free for tourism for 30 days (extendable to 120 days for a fee). The USD 10 tourist card is included in most air tickets (buy on arrival if entering by land or sea). Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, Schengen or Irish visa/residence can enter visa-free for 30 days even if their nationality normally needs a visa.

Online arrival forms and permits

Passport validity: Normally 6 months. Through 31 Dec 2026, selected nationalities including EU, UK and US have a temporary validity exemption; check the tourism ministry list.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Show the E-Ticket QR code and passport.
  • Pay the USD 10 tourist card if not included in your ticket (land/sea arrivals).
  • Overstay fees beyond 30 days are paid at departure.

Customs

  • Declare anything prohibited or dutiable via the E-Ticket customs section.
  • Declare cash over USD 10,000 equivalent.
  • Carry prescription medicines with prescriptions.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, eticket.migracion.gob.do ↗, migracion.gob.do ↗, dgii.gov.do ↗, godominicanrepublic.com ↗, migracion.gob.do ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex

Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — works in some places

Where to exchange money

  • Banks and licensed exchange offices (casas de cambio) in towns
  • Bank ATMs (Banco Popular, BHD, Banreservas) for pesos

Where not to exchange

  • Resort/hotel exchange desks
  • Street changers
  • Paying in USD at local shops (poor rates)
  • Dynamic currency conversion

ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; local banks may charge a fee for foreign cards. Card skimming has been reported.

Tipping: Bills include 18% ITBIS tax and a 10% legal service charge; add ~10% extra for good service. Tip porters, maids and guides USD 1–5.

  • USD is widely accepted in resort areas; pesos are better value elsewhere.
  • Russian Mir cards don't work.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: bancentral.gov.do ↗, gov.uk ↗, support.apple.com ↗, godominicanrepublic.com ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Any drugs — long prison sentences, even small amounts
  • Carrying ammunition or firearms
  • Removing coral, shells or protected wildlife
  • Drones without a permit from the aviation authority

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Carry ID or a copy of your passport.
  • Alcohol sales have restricted hours on some days and during elections.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Mostly Roman Catholic, with growing Evangelical communities.

Clothing: Casual; beachwear only at beaches/pools. Cover shoulders and knees in churches; shorts may be refused in government buildings.

Etiquette

  • Greet people before asking anything; Dominicans are warm and chatty.
  • Spanish is spoken; English is limited outside resorts.
  • Agree taxi fares in advance if not using an app.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Tropical and warm all year (25–32°C on the coast); wetter May–November with hurricane season June–November (peak Aug–Oct); mountains (Jarabacoa) are cooler.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: dry, ~22–29°C, peak season
  • February: Feb: dry; whale watching in Samaná
  • March: Mar: dry, sunny
  • April: Apr: warm; Easter crowds
  • May: May: rains begin
  • June: Jun: hot; hurricane season starts
  • July: Jul: hot, humid
  • August: Aug: hot; hurricane risk rises
  • September: Sep: peak hurricane risk
  • October: Oct: wet, storms possible
  • November: Nov: rains ease
  • December: Dec: dry, pleasant, peak season

Best season: December–April.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: godominicanrepublic.com ↗, godominicanrepublic.com ↗, nhc.noaa.gov ↗

What to pack

  • E-Ticket QR codes (arrival and departure)
  • High-SPF reef-safe sunscreen
  • Insect repellent (dengue)
  • Small USD/DOP notes for tips
  • Light rain jacket (May–Nov)

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Drones without permit
  • Any ammunition

Practical

Plugs: Type A/B, 110 V, 60 Hz

Water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: Claro and Altice SIMs with a passport; eSIMs available; good coverage in tourist areas.

Apps: Uber, Google Maps, WhatsApp

Internet: No restrictions.

Health: No compulsory vaccinations. Dengue is present — use repellent; hepatitis A advised.

Insurance: Not required; travel medical insurance recommended (private hospitals expect payment upfront).

Emergency: 911 — all emergencies

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travelhealthpro.org.uk ↗, godominicanrepublic.com ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.