Dominican Republic Entry Rules: Visas, E-Ticket & Customs

Dominican Republic entry requirements are easy to follow when you know what to prepare before arrival. This page explains visa requirements, the mandatory e-ticket, customs regulations, tourist fees, and overstay charges, so you know exactly what to expect at the airport. A few minutes of preparation can help you arrive smoothly and avoid delays.

1. Passport Requirements

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 & Entry Costs

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. Visa Rules

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. Return or Onward Ticket Requirement

When you fly to the Dominican Republic, airlines usually want to see that you already have a return or onward ticket. This check happens before you board your flight, not after you arrive.

Even if immigration does not always ask for it on arrival, airline staff often require proof that you plan to leave the country within the allowed stay. If you cannot show a confirmed return or onward flight, you may be denied boarding.

To avoid last-minute stress at the airport, make sure you have a confirmed return ticket or onward travel ready when you check in. A simple flight reservation is usually enough.

5. Dominican Republic E-Ticket

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!

6. Overstay Fees & Extensions

If you stay in the Dominican Republic longer than the standard 30-day tourist period allowed on arrival, this is very common and easy to handle. Most travelers simply pay an overstay fee when leaving the country, and the process is straightforward.

Overstay fees are set by the Dirección General de Migración, the country’s official immigration authority, and depend on how long you stay beyond 30 days. As of December 2025, fees start at approximately:

• 30 days to 3 months overstay: about RD$3,500 (roughly USD $55 depending on exchange rates)

• 3 to 9 months overstay: about RD$5,600 (roughly USD $90)

• 9 to 12 months overstay: about RD$7,000 (roughly USD $115)

Fees increase progressively the longer you stay. In practice, overstay fees are paid at the airport when you depart, usually just before immigration. Payment must be made by credit or debit card, as cash is no longer accepted. Paying the overstay fee at departure is normal for short and medium overstays and rarely causes issues when leaving the country.

If you prefer not to pay an overstay fee, you can apply for an official extension at the General Directorate of Migration in Santo Domingo before your initial 30 days expire.

For the most up-to-date information, always check the official immigration website: https://migracion.gob.do

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7. 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.

8. Customs Rules & Allowances

When packing for your trip, keep in mind the customs allowances if you’re entering the Dominican Republic. You can 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.

While visiting, you’ll probably want to bring home a few local products like Larimar jewelry, Mamajuana, cigars, or Dominican coffee. Our Shopping & Souvenirs Guide shows you the best places to buy authentic items and what you can easily take back home.

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.

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