A complete guide to the Dominican Republic visa policy

The Dominican Republic's visa policy outlines the nationalities that enjoy visa-free access and those requiring a visa before entry. This policy helps travelers understand the entry requirements for visiting the country.


Visa-free access

The Dominican Republic allows nationals from 108 countries to enter without a visa for tourism purposes. These travelers need only a valid passport and can stay up to 90 days. Extensions are available for a fee upon arrival.

Tourist fee: Upon arrival, visitors must pay a mandatory tourist fee of USD 10, usually included in air travelers' airfare. Nationals from Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru, South Korea, and Uruguay are exempt from this fee.

Travelers from countries not eligible for visa-free entry must apply for a consular visa through a Dominican embassy or consulate. Required documents should be prepared before applying.

Tourist visa policy for the Dominican Republic

Tourists from visa-exempt countries can enter the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes after paying the tourist fee, which has been included in most airline tickets since 2018. If required, other nationalities must apply for a tourist visa.

Tourist visa application requirements

To apply for a tourist visa, travelers must submit:

• A completed visa application form
• One passport photo (2x2 inches, white background)
• A valid passport (covering the entire stay)
• Proof of financial solvency (bank letters, employment contracts, etc.)
• Hotel reservations and flight tickets
• Previous Dominican visas or residence cards (if applicable)
• A visa application letter addressed to the Consular Section

"I was denied boarding by United Airlines despite prior approval from the Dominican Republic immigration department. It was incredibly frustrating because I had all the necessary documents, including my expired U.S. green card and Form I-797 extension letter," complained a traveler.

To avoid such situations, verify airline-specific travel policies in advance. Contact your airline directly to confirm whether they recognize immigration endorsements from the Dominican Republic. Consider choosing airlines known for being familiar with complex travel documentation and applying for the correct documentation well in advance.

"I had a smooth entry experience at Dominican immigration despite traveling with an expired green card and extension letter. After a brief verification process involving filling out a form and taking a photo, I was warmly welcomed into the country," revealed Anne, from China.

iVisa tip: Ensure all your documents are in order, and allow extra time for immigration checks if traveling with special documentation.

Mandatory electronic ticket (eTicket)

All travelers must complete an eTicket form before arrival. This form records health and contact details to help authorities manage potential health risks. After submitting the form, travelers receive a QR code, which they must show upon landing.

eTicket guidelines

• Complete the form before departure.
• Authorities may perform random health checks at the airport.
• If symptoms of illness are detected, mandatory quarantine may be enforced.

[button: Apply now](/a/dominican-republic)

Residency visas and other long-stay visas

Travelers intending to live and work in the Dominican Republic can apply for a residence visa. Once approved, they must obtain a provisional residence permit through the Department of Migration within 60 days.

Residency visa application requirements

• A completed visa application form
• A passport-size photo
• Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• A medical certificate indicating no contagious diseases (translated into Spanish by an official translator)
• Criminal record certificate
• National ID and birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Financial documents proving means of support
• A notarized letter of guarantee signed by a Dominican citizen or legal resident

Travelers can ensure a smoother entry experience into the Dominican Republic by staying informed about the latest visa requirements.