Do You Need a Passport to Go to Punta Cana? [2026 Guide]
Passport and entry requirements for US citizens flying to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in 2026
Where
Yes, you need a passport to go to Punta Cana. Punta Cana is in the Dominican Republic, an independent Caribbean country, so US citizens must have a valid US passport book to fly there.
No visa is required for typical tourist trips. A $10 tourist card is automatically included in most airline tickets, allowing stays up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay.
Document Requirements at a Glance
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport Book | Yes | Required for all flights to Punta Cana |
| US Passport Card | No | Not accepted for international flights |
| REAL ID | No | Not valid for international travel |
| Visa | No | US citizens exempt for tourist stays up to 30 days |
| Tourist Card | Yes | $10, usually included in airline ticket |
| Return Ticket | Yes | Required at immigration |
Quick Travel Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Passport Required | Yes (passport book) |
| Visa Required | No |
| Tourist Card | $10 (included in ticket) |
| Max Stay | 30 days |
| Currency | Dominican Peso (DOP), USD widely accepted |
| Language | Spanish, English common in resorts |
| Time Zone | Atlantic Standard Time (AST) |
| Flight Time from NYC | ~4 hours direct |
| Flight Time from Miami | ~3 hours direct |
| Average Flight Cost | About $250–$450 round trip |
| Best Time to Visit | December through April |
| Hurricane Season | June through November |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Yes. US citizens must have a valid US passport book to fly to Punta Cana. Passport cards and REAL ID are not accepted for international flights to the Dominican Republic.
No. US citizens do not need a visa for typical tourist trips to Punta Cana. A $10 tourist card, usually included in your airline ticket, allows stays up to 30 days.
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the Dominican Republic. Many travelers still aim for at least 6 months of remaining validity as a general best practice.
No. A US passport card and REAL ID are not valid for international air travel to Punta Cana. You must have a full US passport book.
Yes. All children, including infants, need their own US passport book to fly to Punta Cana. There are no age exemptions for passport requirements.
Yes. Dominican immigration may ask to see proof of onward or return travel, so you should have a return ticket or onward itinerary when you arrive.
The best time to visit Punta Cana is generally from December through April, when the weather is typically drier and less humid. Hurricane season runs from June through November.