Dominican Republic

🇩🇴

Phone Code

+1

Capital

Santo Domingo

Population

11 Million

Native Name

República Dominicana

Region

Americas

Caribbean

Timezone

Atlantic Standard Time

UTC-04:00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

The Dominican Republic, occupying the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, stands as one of the region's most popular and diverse tourist destinations, combining pristine beaches, rich colonial history, vibrant culture, world-class golf courses, and dynamic economic growth. From the all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana and Puerto Plata to the UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture of Santo Domingo (the oldest European city in the Americas), from the mountain landscapes of the Cordillera Central to the cultural festivals celebrating merengue and bachata music, the Dominican Republic offers unparalleled Caribbean experiences for beach vacations, cultural tourism, adventure travel, business, and investment. As the Caribbean's most visited destination with over 7 million annual tourists, the nation welcomes international visitors with streamlined entry procedures requiring only a tourist card for stays up to 30 days, extendable to 120 days. The country's strategic location, growing economy, extensive tourism infrastructure, free trade zones attracting international manufacturing, developing real estate market, and warm hospitality make it attractive for leisure travelers, business visitors, retirees, investors, and those seeking Caribbean lifestyle combined with modern amenities and accessibility from North American and European gateways.

Dominican Republic Visa & Entry Requirements

The Dominican Republic operates a tourist card system that simplifies entry for citizens of most countries, requiring only a US$10 tourist card (typically included in airline ticket prices) for visa-free stays up to 30 days, with straightforward extension procedures available for longer visits up to 120 days total. Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union countries, and many other nations can enter for tourism without advance visa applications, obtaining the tourist card upon arrival or through airline check-in processes. The mandatory eTicket system (eticket.migracion.gob.do) streamlines entry by allowing travelers to complete immigration and customs forms online up to 7 days before arrival, generating a QR code for expedited border processing and biometric data collection. For stays exceeding 30 days, extensions are available through the Migration Department in Santo Domingo, allowing visitors to remain up to 120 days total (fees apply). Passport validity of 6 months from arrival is required, along with proof of onward or return travel, accommodation confirmation, and sufficient funds for the stay. Longer stays for work, study, business establishment, or residency require specific visas obtained through Dominican consulates or embassies before travel. The Dominican Republic's accessible entry system, combined with year-round warm climate, extensive beach resorts, cultural attractions, adventure tourism opportunities, growing business environment, and vibrant local culture, attracts diverse visitor categories from beach vacationers and golfers to business investors, retirees, medical tourists, and cultural enthusiasts exploring Caribbean and Taíno heritage.

Common Visa Types

Tourist Card (30 Days)

30 days from arrival (extendable to 120 days total through Migration Department)

Tourism, vacation, beach resorts (Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, La Romana, Samaná, Bayahibe), visiting Santo Domingo colonial zone (UNESCO World Heritage site), cultural attractions, adventure activities (zip-lining, canyoning, whale watching, diving, kite-surfing), golf, eco-tourism, family visits, short-term recreational travel

Tourist Stay Extension

Extensions available through Migration Department in Santo Domingo; maximum total stay 120 days (4 months) for tourism purposes

Extending initial 30-day tourist card stay for continued vacation, long-term beach stays, extended visits, winter escapes, extended family visits, or personal travel requiring additional time in the Dominican Republic

Business Visa

Varies; business visitors for short stays (under 30 days) may use tourist card; longer stays or formal business establishment requires business visa

Business meetings, exploring investment opportunities in tourism development, real estate, free trade zones, renewable energy, attending conferences and trade shows, meeting Dominican business partners, negotiating contracts, and establishing commercial relationships in the Caribbean's largest economy

Work Visa / Employment Authorization

Tied to employment contract; requires advance work authorization from Dominican Ministry of Labor and Migration Department

Employment in the Dominican Republic in sectors including tourism and hospitality (hotels, resorts, restaurants), free trade zone manufacturing (textiles, medical devices, electronics), call centers and business process outsourcing, education (language teaching, international schools), real estate development, renewable energy, healthcare, and various professional services

Temporary Residency

Renewable annually; various categories including pensioner visa (pensionado), investor visa, business visa, and rentista (passive income) visa

Long-term stays for retirees, pensioners, investors, business owners, remote workers, digital nomads, and others seeking to establish temporary residence in the Dominican Republic for lifestyle, climate, cost of living, or business reasons

Permanent Residency

Permanent; pathways include investment, marriage to Dominican national, business establishment, and long-term temporary residency conversion

Establishing permanent residence in the Dominican Republic for retirees, investors, business owners, family members of Dominican citizens or residents, and others meeting residency requirements and seeking long-term Caribbean living

Student Visa

Duration of study program; requires admission confirmation from accredited Dominican educational institution

Full-time study at Dominican universities, language schools, international schools, medical schools, or participating in academic exchange programs, semester abroad programs, or educational courses in the Dominican Republic

Investment & Residency Programs

Temporary or permanent residency based on investment type and amount; real estate investors can qualify for renewable residency

Real estate investment residency through qualifying property purchases (minimum US$200,000), business investment establishing Dominican companies, or other investment pathways leading to temporary or permanent residency with reduced requirements

Essential Travel Information for Dominican Republic

Tourist Card Requirement: US$10 tourist card required for most visitors; typically included in airline ticket price but verify before travel; allows 30-day stay extendable to 120 days

Passport Validity: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date in the Dominican Republic

eTicket Mandatory: Complete online eTicket form at eticket.migracion.gob.do within 7 days before arrival; QR code required for check-in and immigration; includes immigration, customs declarations, and boarding information

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Santo Domingo
Diplomatic Network

Dominican Republic Embassies Worldwide

All Countries by Continent

Hosted missions

Embassies in Dominican Republic

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Germany

Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo
View mission
United Kingdom

Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo
View mission
United States

Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo
View mission

Planning to visit the Dominican Republic for beach vacations, cultural tourism, golf, adventure travel, business, or long-term stays? Most visitors need only a US$10 tourist card for 30-day stays. For extended stays, residency, or special purposes, get expert guidance with iVisa.

Get Dominican Republic Tourist Card