Do You Need a Passport to Go to the Dominican Republic? [2026 Guide]
Passport, visa, and tourist card requirements for US citizens visiting the Dominican Republic in 2026
Where
Do You Need a Passport to Go to the Dominican Republic?
Yes, you need a passport to go to the Dominican Republic. US citizens must have a valid US passport book to fly there. A passport card, REAL ID, or driver’s license is not accepted for international air travel to the DR.
No visa is required for US citizens visiting for tourism. Instead, a $10 tourist card is automatically included in most airline tickets and allows stays up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, though many travelers still aim for six months of validity as a buffer.
Document Requirements at a Glance
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport Book | Yes | Mandatory for all air travel |
| US Passport Card | No | Not valid for flights to the DR |
| REAL ID | No | Domestic US use only, not for entry |
| Driver's License | No | Not an international travel document |
| Visa | No | US tourists are visa-exempt |
| Tourist Card | Yes | $10, usually included in airfare |
| Return Ticket | Yes | Proof of return or onward travel required |
Passport Rules for US Citizens
- Type required: US passport book only.
- Validity: Must be valid for your entire stay in the Dominican Republic.
- Who needs one: Every traveler, including infants and children, needs their own passport.
You will show your passport at airline check-in, Dominican immigration on arrival, and sometimes at hotels. Keep the physical passport locked in your hotel safe and carry a photocopy or digital photo when you’re out.
Tourist Card: How It Works
The Dominican Republic uses a tourist card system instead of a traditional visa for most short-term visitors.
- Cost: $10 USD
- How you get it: Usually included in your airline ticket if you arrive by air
- Stay length: Up to 30 days
If you stay longer than 30 days, you can:
- Request an extension at a Dominican immigration office, or
- Pay an overstay fee at the airport when you depart (fees start around $55 for 1–90 days over).
Keep any receipt or confirmation related to your tourist card; immigration may ask for it when you leave.
Quick Travel Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Passport Required | Yes (passport book for air travel) |
| Visa Required | No (US citizens exempt for tourism) |
| Tourist Card | $10 (usually in airline ticket) |
| Maximum Stay | 30 days (extensions/overstay fees possible) |
| Currency | Dominican Peso (DOP); USD widely accepted |
| Language | Spanish |
| Time Zone | AST (UTC-4), no daylight saving |
| Flight Time from NYC | ~3h 45m nonstop |
| Flight Time from Miami | ~2h 45m nonstop |
| Avg Round-Trip Flight Cost | About $200–$400 |
| Best Time to Visit | December–April (dry season) |
| Hurricane Season | June–November |
Main Entry Airports
| Airport | Code | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Cana International | PUJ | East coast | All-inclusive resorts, beaches |
| Las Américas International | SDQ | Santo Domingo | Capital, culture, history |
| Cibao International | STI | Santiago | Northern interior, mountains |
| Gregorio Luperón Intl | POP | Puerto Plata | North coast resorts |
| La Romana International | LRM | La Romana | Casa de Campo, Bayahibe |
All international airports in the DR use the same passport and entry rules.
Traveling with Children
- Every child, including infants, needs their own US passport book.
- Birth certificates alone are not enough for air travel.
If a child travels with one parent:
- Bring a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent.
- Carry the child’s birth certificate.
- Have a photocopy of the absent parent’s ID.
If a child travels with grandparents, relatives, or other guardians, notarized consent from both parents is strongly recommended. Dominican immigration and airlines may check these documents, especially if last names differ.
Getting a Passport in Time
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Yes. US citizens must have a valid US passport book to fly to the Dominican Republic. Passport cards, REAL ID, and driver’s licenses are not accepted for international air travel to the DR.
No. US citizens visiting the Dominican Republic for tourism do not need a visa for short stays. Instead, a $10 tourist card—usually included in your airline ticket—covers stays up to 30 days.
The standard tourist card allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can request an extension at a Dominican immigration office or pay an overstay fee at the airport when you depart if you stay longer.
Officially, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. However, many travelers aim for at least six months of remaining validity as a precaution and to avoid issues with airlines or connecting countries.
No. The US passport card is only valid for certain land and sea crossings. For flights to the Dominican Republic, you must use a full US passport book.
Yes. All children, including infants, must have their own US passport book to fly to the Dominican Republic. Birth certificates alone are not enough for international air travel.
In addition to the child’s passport, it is strongly recommended to carry a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent, the child’s birth certificate, and a copy of the absent parent’s ID. Authorities may request these to verify parental consent.
No. Tap water is not considered safe to drink. Use bottled or purified water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Resorts and hotels typically provide safe drinking water.
The best time to visit is generally from December through April, during the dry season, when humidity and rainfall are lower. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with higher storm risk but often lower prices.
Yes. You should have proof of return or onward travel. Airlines and immigration officials may ask to see a return ticket before allowing you to board or enter the country.