Dominican Republic: main airports
The Dominican Republic has five main airports. The main one for tourist traffic is Punta Cana, the largest gateway to the east coast resorts; Santo Domingo serves the capital, Puerto Plata the northern coast, along with Santiago/Cibao, in the Cibao Valley, and La Romana, gateway to the Casa de Campo resort.
Dominican Republic: recommended activities
Dominican Republic: visa and entry requirements
Citizens of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States and Canada enter without a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days, extendable up to 60. The traditional paper tourist card no longer exists: it is mandatory to fill out the free E-Ticket online, before arrival and before departure (eticket.migracion.gob.do). Until 31 December 2026, UK and Canadian citizens are exempt from the usual rule of 6 months of remaining passport validity (it just needs to cover the length of the stay); US citizens still need the usual 6 months.
Dominican Republic: safety
The Dominican Republic requires a moderate level of caution: the United States classifies it at Level 2 ('exercise increased caution'), comparable to many European tourist destinations. Violent crime exists outside tourist areas; the resorts and main tourist areas (Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, La Romana) are patrolled by the tourist police (Politur) and are generally safe with the usual precautions.
Dominican Republic: health situation
A yellow fever certificate is required only for those arriving from Brazil, Colombia or Venezuela in the last 30 days. No other vaccination is mandatory for those arriving from Europe. Dengue risk is present: mosquito protection is recommended. Private healthcare facilities in tourist areas are of good standard; travel insurance with medical coverage remains advisable.
Dominican Republic: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Dominican peso (DOP); both cash and credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, and the US dollar is often accepted too, although the Dominican peso generally offers a better exchange rate. Uber and InDriver operate in Santo Domingo, Santiago and Punta Cana. For connectivity, the operators Claro, Altice and Viva sell prepaid SIM cards. For driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required alongside the national one.
Dominican Republic: travel guides
La Romana: the gateway to Casa de Campo
Santo Domingo: the first European city in the Americas
Punta Cana: lagoons, cenotes and endless beaches
Santiago de los Caballeros: the heart of Dominican tobacco
