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Requirements to travel to the Dominican Republic from the USA
Traveling to the Caribbean? Make sure you know the requirements to travel to the Dominican Republic from the USA.
If you are planning to travel to the Dominican Republic from the USA, get ready for an unforgettable tropical experience. This Caribbean paradise offers much more than white sand beaches and turquoise waters, with a vibrant culture, friendly people, and delicious food that capture the heart of every visitor. Picture yourself working on your laptop under the shade of a palm tree, surrounded by the sound of the ocean and endless inspiration. Before you go, take a moment to review the latest entry requirements so your trip starts smoothly and you can enjoy every moment of island life.
Reading this article will help you avoid problems such as fines, airport delays, or even being denied entry for not meeting the required travel conditions. Some travelers have experienced long delays entering Costa Rica because they did not complete the E-Ticket form, while others have had to pay more than $50 in fines for staying past their permitted time. Do not let that happen to you. Make sure you know all the requirements for traveling to the Dominican Republic from the United States.
Important advice before traveling to the Dominican Republic
While the Dominican Republic is a place that encourages you to disconnect from social media and everyday obligations, that is not always possible. If you work remotely for an international company and plan to spend a few months exploring the country while keeping up with your job, reliable internet will be essential. Many hotels and accommodations offer WiFi, but if you head to more remote areas or want to set up a workspace on the beach, you may run into connectivity issues.
Luckily, with Holafly’s monthly plans, you will have all your connectivity needs covered. You can choose from a variety of subscriptions, including unlimited data options, depending on what works best for you. Plans renew automatically, allow you to share data across all your devices with the unlimited option, and work in over 170 countries worldwide. All of this comes with no hidden fees or extra roaming charges, making it the most convenient choice for long trips.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
If your trip is limited to the Dominican Republic and you are staying for a short time, you can get Holafly’s Dominican Republic eSIM. It provides unlimited data along with fast and secure internet for the entire duration of your stay on the island.
Now that you have your connectivity sorted for the trip, it is time to go over the requirements for traveling to the Dominican Republic from the United States. Knowing them in advance will help you avoid any issues when going through immigration at Santo Domingo airport.
Round-trip plane ticket
One of the requirements for traveling to the Dominican Republic from the United States is having a round-trip ticket. Keep in mind that airlines check this before boarding. The only exceptions are legal residents of the country, Dominican citizens, and travelers with tourist, work, or study visas.
Visa – Is it one of the requirements for traveling to the Dominican Republic from the USA?
Another question you might have is whether you need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic from the United States. If you are traveling as a tourist and plan to stay no longer than 30 days, you do not need one. You will only need to show your passport and the E-Ticket.
However, there are some situations in which you will need to present a visa when passing through immigration. Let’s take a look at what these are:
Tourist visa (TS/TM)
If your stay as a tourist in the country is going to be longer, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. There are two types:
- Single entry (TS): Allows entry and a stay of up to 60 days.
- Multiple entry (TM): It allows two entries into the country within 60 days. You must provide a detailed itinerary and proof of financial means, which can be a bank statement or a letter from a resident inviting you to stay.
Business visa (NS/NM)
If you are traveling to the Dominican Republic for business, you will also need to apply for a visa:
- Single entry (NS): It is valid for 60 days and can be used to attend meetings, conferences, or for temporary work contracts. To have your application approved, you will need an invitation letter from a Dominican company and a certified criminal record with an apostille.
- Multiple entry (NM): It allows multiple entries into the country over the course of a year, with stays of up to three months per visit. This option is especially useful for professionals or executives who need to conduct business regularly in the Dominican Republic.
Work Visa (NM1)
In recent years, the job market in the Dominican Republic has seen significant growth, thanks to the country’s political and economic stability. As a result, many foreigners travel there in search of new opportunities, taking advantage of the competition among employers to attract and retain top talent. In these cases, having a visa becomes a requirement for traveling to the Dominican Republic from the United States.
The work visa is designed for foreigners employed by local or international companies. To get one, you will need a registered job contract with the Dominican Ministry of Labor, a medical certificate, and a certified criminal record. You will also need to show either a university degree or verifiable work experience in the field you plan to work in.
This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed if needed. The approval process usually takes between two and six weeks.
Study visa
The Dominican Republic is also an appealing destination for students from the United States and around the world. It is emerging as a notable academic hub in the Caribbean, thanks to a unique mix of government initiatives, educational programs, and the rich cultural experiences it offers young learners. The country has also established partnerships with Purdue University in the United States and other international institutions, making student exchanges and joint programs easier to access.
Study visas are for courses lasting more than 90 days and can be renewed each year as long as the requirements continue to be met. To obtain one, you will need to provide proof of enrollment at an accredited institution, health insurance, and evidence of financial means to cover your living expenses.
U.S. passport
Another requirement is having a valid passport that remains valid for at least six months after your arrival and is in good condition. Keep in mind that if your passport is damaged or does not have enough blank pages for new stamps, immigration officials may deny you entry.
Address of your accommodation in the Dominican Republic
You will also need to provide an address of where you’ll be staying in the Dominican Republic, whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb, or a relative’s home. This helps local authorities reach you if any issues come up during your visit. Some travelers report that officials may even contact the place where you are staying to verify your reservation.
E-Ticket – Another requirement for traveling to the Dominican Republic from the USA
Since April 2021, travelers entering the Dominican Republic are required to submit the Electronic Entry and Exit Ticket. This online form replaces the previous Traveler Health Declaration, Customs Declaration, and International Boarding/Disembarkation Card, and it must be completed for both arrival and departure from the country.
It’s best to complete the form within 72 hours before your trip, and either print it out or take a screenshot of the QR code. Make sure you have it ready for Customs officials to scan. You can also fill it out at the airport, but by the time you reach immigration, you will need to have the completed E-Ticket in hand.
It’s important to note that this ticket is only required for travelers arriving by air. Those entering by sea still need to use the physical forms.
Medical insurance
If you need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic from the United States, having health insurance is mandatory. Visa applications will not be approved without it. Your policy must cover basic medical care, hospital stays, and repatriation in case of an accident or death to meet immigration requirements.
Travelers coming to the Dominican Republic for tourism are not required to have health or travel insurance. However, it is highly recommended to have coverage in case of medical emergencies, as healthcare for non-residents can be very expensive.
If you want to know which is the best international health insurance, we recommend reading this article.
Tips for getting through immigration in the Dominican Republic
For frequent travelers, going through immigration is just part of the experience. This is where officials check that you have all the necessary documents to enter the country. If you’ve prepared everything needed to travel to the Dominican Republic from the USA, it should be a smooth process. But if it still feels a little stressful, here are some helpful tips to make it easier.
- Practice how you’ll answer questions about the purpose of your trip, how long you’ll stay, your return date, and similar topics. Try to sound natural and keep your answers concise, avoiding unnecessary details.
- Do not hand over any documents unless requested to do so. It is also a good idea to bring copies (as well as the originals) of all documents.
- Do not forget to have your E-Ticket QR code ready. If you haven’t completed the form before arriving at immigration, you will not be able to pass through control.
Other tips for traveling to the Dominican Republic from the USA
Now that you know all the requirements for entering the country and have some practical tips for getting through immigration, here are a few additional recommendations. While these are not mandatory, they can make your stay more enjoyable. Here are some suggestions:
Vaccinations
There are no mandatory vaccines for foreign tourists traveling to the Dominican Republic. The only exception is a yellow fever vaccination certificate, which is required if you are coming from Brazil, Venezuela, Paraguay, certain provinces in Argentina (Misiones and Corrientes), or any African country.
Beyond that, we recommend being up to date with your Hepatitis A, tetanus, and typhoid vaccinations.
Travel insurance
Having good travel insurance is important no matter where you go. Accidents and unexpected events can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether it’s a damaged suitcase, delayed luggage, a canceled flight, or a tropical meal that doesn’t sit well and lands you at the doctor, these situations can all happen while visiting this beautiful Caribbean country. To make sure these setbacks don’t ruin your trip, it’s best to have comprehensive international travel insurance.
Driver’s license
While many tourists choose to stay at an all-inclusive hotel in Punta Cana or La Romana and focus on enjoying the beach, renting a car to explore the island can be very tempting. This way, you can visit spots like Altos del Chavón or the vibrant city of Santo Domingo, which definitely has its own charm.
If you plan to drive, make sure to bring your U.S. driver’s license. It’s valid only for the length of your legal stay in the country, whether that’s 30 days or the duration of your visa. Having an international driving permit is also a good idea if you want to rent a car.
Frequently asked questions about requirements for traveling to the Dominican Republic from the United States
Misplacing the QR code isn’t a major emergency, but you’ll want to act quickly to prevent any delays. If you can’t find the email or code, you can simply complete a new E-Ticket. It’s free and there’s no limit to how many times you can do this, just be sure to enter the same passport information to avoid any problems.
If you don’t have the QR code, the airline may refuse to let you board until you resolve the issue before your flight. If you arrive at your destination without it, authorities will require you to complete the form at the airport, which can take 20 to 40 minutes. In extreme cases, you could face a $55 fine for noncompliance.
If you decide to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to pay an additional fee when you leave the country, and the authorities will calculate it based on the total length of your stay.
Tourist areas and cities in the Dominican Republic have modern clinics and hospitals that provide high-quality care. However, healthcare can be expensive for visitors. That’s why we recommend traveling with health or travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
