Dominican Republic Entry Requirements for Tourists
Most US, Canadian, UK and EU citizens can visit the Dominican Republic without a visa, but the tourist card, E-Ticket form and specific passport conditions all need checking before you fly.
The Dominican Republic — and Punta Cana in particular — is one of the Caribbean's most popular resort destinations, welcoming millions of visitors every year. Entry is visa-free for most Western nationalities, but travellers must obtain a tourist card and complete a pre-arrival E-Ticket form. This guide covers what you need based on official UK and US government guidance.
Visa requirement
US, Canadian, UK and most EU citizens do not need a visa to visit the Dominican Republic as tourists.
Tourist card
A tourist card is required for entry. For most air travellers, the cost (typically around US$10) is included in the airline ticket. If not included, it can be purchased on arrival. Check with your airline before travel.
E-Ticket form
Travellers must complete the Dominican Republic E-Ticket form (an electronic customs and immigration declaration) before arrival. This is done online and a QR code is generated for use at the airport.
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. GOV.UK recommends carrying a passport with at least 6 months of validity as a general precaution.
US advisory
The US State Department advises exercising increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime. Punta Cana's resort zone is included in this general advisory — violent crime in resort areas is lower risk but petty theft and scams targeting tourists occur.
Who this guide is for
US, Canadian, UK and EU tourists planning a holiday to the Dominican Republic — Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Samaná, Puerto Plata or elsewhere. This guide covers the standard tourist entry process based on official UK and US government guidance.
Visa-free entry
US, Canadian, UK and most EU citizens do not need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic as tourists. A tourist card is required (see below), but no pre-travel visa application is needed.
The tourist card
A tourist card is required for all visitors entering the Dominican Republic. For most tourists travelling by air, the tourist card fee (typically around US$10) is included in the airline ticket price. Check with your airline before travel.
If the card is not included in your ticket, you can purchase it:
- On arrival at the airport immigration hall (cash or card)
- In advance through official channels
The card must be surrendered on departure. Keep it safe throughout your trip.
The E-Ticket form — complete before you fly
The Dominican Republic requires all travellers to complete an E-Ticket form before arrival. This is a single online form that combines:
- Personal and passport details
- Flight and accommodation information
- Customs declaration
- Health declaration
Complete it at the official Dominican Republic E-Ticket portal within 72 hours before your flight. You receive a QR code — present this at the airport on arrival. Airlines may check for it at boarding.
Do not use third-party websites that charge a fee to complete this form — the official portal is free.
Passport requirements
Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. GOV.UK recommends carrying a passport with at least 6 months of validity as a precaution.
The Dominican Republic's standard tourist stay is 30 days, which can be extended at immigration offices within the country if needed.
What the US advisory means for Punta Cana
The US State Department rates the Dominican Republic at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution due to crime. This applies to the country overall. The resort areas of Punta Cana are heavily secured private compounds with controlled entry and private security.
Visitors staying within all-inclusive resort zones experience a very different environment from independent travel in Dominican cities. The risks that drive the advisory — armed robbery, petty theft, opportunistic crime — are most relevant when travelling outside resort areas or in urban centres.
If you plan to travel beyond your resort (excursions, day trips, visits to Santo Domingo), apply standard urban travel precautions: use trusted tour operators, keep valuables secured and arrange transport through your hotel.
Health: swimming pool and drinking water
GOV.UK's Dominican Republic health advice notes that standards at some hotel pools can vary and recommends checking whether your accommodation is on a registered water supplier. Drink bottled water throughout your stay.
Sources
Checked on 25 July 2026.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Usually no — for most international flights to the Dominican Republic, the tourist card fee (approximately US$10) is included in the airline ticket price. Check with your airline before you travel. If it is not included, you can typically purchase the card on arrival at the airport. Either way, you need the card to enter.
Sources
Methodology
Content is sourced from GOV.UK Dominican Republic entry requirements and the US State Department Dominican Republic Travel Advisory.
Disclaimer
Entry is controlled by Dominican Republic immigration (Dirección General de Migración). This guide covers the standard tourist scenario and is not a substitute for official immigration guidance.
Check the official GOV.UK Dominican Republic travel advice →
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