Dominican Republic Travel Status

WATCH

Travel to the Dominican Republic continues normally through its international airports, and the country’s major tourist destinations remain accessible. However, the land and sea borders with Haiti are currently closed to normal travel, and heightened security measures remain in place in the border region.

Haiti border

Normal passenger travel across the land and sea borders between the Dominican Republic and Haiti is currently closed. Travellers should not plan an itinerary that depends on crossing between the two countries without checking the latest official information.

Border security

Military and police checkpoints are common near the Haiti border. Travellers may be asked to show identification and should follow instructions from Dominican security authorities.

Haiti security situation

The restrictions should be viewed separately from conditions in the Dominican Republic’s main tourist destinations. Haiti is experiencing a severe security crisis, and multiple governments currently advise against all travel there.

Visa requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality. Citizens of many countries can visit the Dominican Republic for tourism without obtaining a traditional visa in advance, while others require a visa.

E-Ticket

International travellers entering or leaving the Dominican Republic may need to complete the government’s electronic entry and exit form. Travellers should use the official Dominican government system and complete the required information before travelling.

Passport requirements

Passport and validity requirements vary according to nationality. Travellers should check the requirements applying to their passport before departure.

Tourist destinations

Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, La Romana and the country’s other major tourism destinations remain accessible. The Haiti border restrictions do not amount to a nationwide closure of tourism in the Dominican Republic.

Crime

Robbery, theft and violent crime occur. Travellers should avoid displaying expensive belongings, use reputable transport and take additional care when travelling alone or at night.

Hurricane season

The Dominican Republic is currently within the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June through November. Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause flight cancellations, flooding, landslides, power outages and road closures.

Haiti border remains restricted

Normal land and sea passenger travel between the Dominican Republic and Haiti remains closed. Security controls continue throughout the border region.

Heightened immigration enforcement

Dominican immigration authorities continue large-scale immigration enforcement operations throughout the country, with particularly intensive activity in border provinces.

Official border posts remain under security control

Dominican authorities continue using official border posts for controlled government operations, including the transfer of deportees to Haitian authorities. This should not be interpreted as normal passenger crossings being open.

Normal tourism continues

The Haiti border situation has not resulted in a nationwide shutdown of international tourism. International flights and major tourist destinations continue operating.

Check your airline, passport and visa requirements and complete any required electronic entry documentation before departure.

If your itinerary involves the Dominican Republic-Haiti border, check the latest official information immediately before travelling. Do not assume that an official border post is open to normal passenger traffic simply because government operations are taking place there.

Travellers visiting Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata or other destinations away from the Haiti border should distinguish the localized border restrictions from conditions across the rest of the Dominican Republic.

Because September falls within hurricane season, monitor weather forecasts and check your airline shortly before travelling.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.