Dominican Republic Entry Rules, Visas & Overstay Fees

Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? To ensure a smooth arrival and avoid any last-minute surprises, here’s a simple guide to the country’s entry requirements.

1. Passport Validity

Before booking your trip, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. This rule applies to most international travelers. If your passport expires soon, renew it before your trip to avoid any issues at immigration.

2. Tourist Fee ($10 USD)

Most visitors must pay a USD 10 tourist fee to enter the Dominican Republic. However, this fee is included in your airfare, meaning you don’t have to pay it separately at the airport.

In rare cases, if your airline hasn’t included this fee, you’ll need to pay it upon arrival at the airport. If you're unsure whether your airline covers this, check with them before your flight.

3. Do You Need a Visa?

Many travelers do not need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic for tourism. If you're from one of the following countries, you can stay for up to 30 days without a visa:

✔ United States
✔ Canada
✔ United Kingdom
✔ European Union countries
✔ Russia
✔ Japan
✔ Mexico
✔ Brazil
✔ Chile
✔ Argentina
✔ Peru
✔ South Korea

If your country isn’t listed, you may need a visa before traveling. To check your specific visa requirements, visit the Dominican Republic embassy or consulate in your country or check the official Dominican Republic travel website.

4. E-Ticket Requirement

All travelers must complete an electronic entry and exit form (E-Ticket) before arriving in or departing from the Dominican Republic. This replaces the old paper forms and speeds up immigration at the airport.

Fill out your E-Ticket online here: eticket.migracion.gob.do

Not sure how to fill it out? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to complete the Dominican Republic E-Ticket and FAQs. This will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure a smooth process!

5. Extending Your Stay & Overstay Fees

If you decide to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for an extension at the General Directorate of Migration in Santo Domingo. For a 30-day extension, the fee is generally around RD$ 1,500 (US$ 25). For more details, visit the Dominican Republic's immigration website: migracion.gob.do..

If you overstay without an extension, you will have to pay a fine when leaving the country. The fine depends on how long you've overstayed.

• Up to 1 Day Overstay: RD$ 1,000 (about US$ 15).

• 1 to 30 Days Overstay: RD$ 5,000 (around US$ 85)

• More than 30 Days of Overstay: RD$ 5,000 per month or part of a month you overstay.

These fees are payable at the airport when you depart. Be aware that as of April 2024, you must pay these fees with a credit or debit card (cash is no longer accepted).

6. Departure Tax (USD 20)

All travelers leaving the Dominican Republic must pay a USD 20 departure tax. However, this fee is included in most airline tickets, so you likely won’t have to pay it separately.

Some airlines—especially budget carriers—may not include the departure tax, meaning you’ll have to pay it at the airport before leaving. To avoid surprises, check with your airline before your flight to confirm whether this fee is covered.

Bonus: What You Can Bring into the Dominican Republic

When packing for your trip, keep in mind the customs allowances for travelers entering the Dominican Republic. You are allowed to bring the following:

✔ Tobacco products – Up to 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco.
✔ Alcohol – A total of three (3) liters of wine, beer, rum, whiskey, or liquor.
✔ Gifts – Items with a value of up to USD 500 (once every three months).
✔ Medicines for personal use – You can bring reasonable quantities for personal use. If you are carrying medications that contain psychotropic substances, you must have a prescription.

If you’re bringing more than the allowed amounts, be prepared to declare your items at customs and pay any necessary duties.

Summary

✅ Check your passport expiration date
✅ Confirm with your airline if tourist & departure fees are included
✅ Know if you need a visa before traveling
✅ Complete your E-Ticket online before your flight
✅ Apply for an extension if staying longer than 30 days
✅ Pay overstay fines by card at the airport if needed
✅ Follow customs rules to avoid problems

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a stress-free arrival and departure from the Dominican Republic and focus on making unforgettable memories!

Want to make your trip even smoother? Check out these helpful travel guides:

• How to Protect Your Mobile Devices While Traveling – Stay connected and secure during your trip.

• Essential Items to Pack for Your Dominican Republic Trip – Don't forget these must-haves for a perfect vacation!

• Why You Need Travel Insurance for Your Trip – Protect yourself from unexpected costs, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations.

• For more travel tips, guides, and must-know info about the DR, visit our blog

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