Is the Dominican Republic Open for Travel?

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The Dominican Republic began reopening to international tourists on July 1, 2020. DR is open to tourists from all countries, so it is one of the best international destinations you can travel to right now.

Travelers from most countries do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result to enter DR, but travelers from Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, and the UK must present proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival or a vaccination card where the last dose was received more than 3 weeks prior.

Travelers from all other countries may be subject to a random COVID breathalyzer test on arrival in the Dominican Republic, unless they present a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to arrival or a vaccination card where the last dose was received more than 3 weeks prior, in which case they will be exempt from random testing.

All travelers must fill out an online ETicket form 72 hours before their trip and print out or screenshot the QR code generated by completing the form. All travelers will have their temperatures checked on arrival in DR.

Can I travel to the Dominican Republic right now?

The Dominican Republic is open to visitors from all over the world. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit DR at the moment.

Dominican Republic - EN

Dominican Republic COVID-19 travel restrictions

The Dominican Republic is one of a limited number of countries with very few entry requirements.

If you are traveling from Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, or the UK, you must have either proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival or a vaccination card where the last dose was received more than 3 weeks prior.

If you are traveling from any other country, you do not need to have a negative PCR test result, but if you do present a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to arrival or a vaccination card where the last dose was received more than 3 weeks prior, you will be exempt from random testing on arrival in DR.

All travelers must complete an online ETicket form (which combines the Traveler’s Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration, and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms) 72 hours before your trip and print out or screenshot the QR code generated by completing the form.

All travelers will also have their temperatures checked and may be subject to a random COVID-19 breathalyzer test on arrival in DR (they test between 3% and 15% of travelers arriving in DR).

COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the Dominican Republic

Travelers from Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, and the UK can present a vaccination card where the last dose was received more than 3 weeks prior in lieu of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival.

Travelers from all other countries can present a vaccination card where the last dose was received more than 3 weeks prior in order to be exempt from random testing on arrival in the Dominican Republic.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to the Dominican Republic?

A PCR COVID test is no longer mandatory for most travelers to travel to the Dominican Republic. However, travelers from Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, and the UK must present proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival or a vaccination card where the last dose was received more than 3 weeks prior.

Travelers from Spain also have the option to present a negative antigen test result. Children under the age of 5 are exempt from the PCR testing requirement for Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, and the UK.

All travelers may be subject to a random COVID-19 rapid test upon arrival. Travelers who are not coming from Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, or the UK may present a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to arrival or a vaccination card where the last dose was received more than 3 weeks prior in order to be exempt from random testing on arrival.

Additionally, before you leave for DR, check if your airline or country requires you to take a PCR COVID test before you travel; if they do, you will still have to get tested before you leave for DR.

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the Dominican Republic?

There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in DR. However, if you exhibit symptoms or test positive when you are randomly tested at the airport, you will have to self-isolate.

Is there any mandatory quarantine upon arrival in the Dominican Republic?

Is travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory to enter the Dominican Republic?

Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is not mandatory to enter the Dominican Republic.

However, purchasing travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage like Heymondo’s before you travel to DR is the best thing you can do to make sure you’re covered if any unexpected medical incidents or travel mishaps occur.

Heymondo offers excellent coverage, particularly for COVID-19 testing and treatment, for an affordable price, and you can even save 5% on their policies just for being our reader.

Other travel restrictions for the Dominican Republic during COVID-19

DR has a few other restrictions in place for travelers:

• All travelers must complete an online ETicket form 72 hours before their trip and print out or screenshot the QR code generated by completing the form. They must also complete this form when they leave the Dominican Republic.

• All travelers will have their temperatures checked upon arrival.

• Between 3% and 15% of passengers will be given a COVID-19 breathalyzer test at random.

• Face masks are required in all public areas.

• Social distancing (at least 6.5 feet) must be observed.

• You may need a tourist visa to enter DR. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has a wealth of hotels, restaurants, and attractions that are currently open to international visitors. You can do everything from sunbathing at the beach and going for a swim to visiting a national park and going zip-lining.

Hotels and accommodations that are open in the Dominican Republic

Hotels and accommodations in the Dominican Republic reopened on July 1, 2020, so you should have plenty of choices for places to stay. My favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) that are open right now are:

• Catalonia Royal Bavaro
• Impressive Resorts & Spas
• Catalonia Punta Cana
• Barceló Bávaro Palace
• Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana
• Occidental Punta Cana
• Be Live Collection Punta Cana

Lots of safety measures are in place to protect both staff and guests.

For all accommodations, guests will be subject to a health screening when they check into the accommodation. It will include a temperature check and filling in a Declaration of Health and Travel, a public health form that allows guests to report any symptoms and whether they have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19 in the last 14 days. Staff will also inform guests of the accommodation’s COVID regulations.

Hotels and accommodations that are open in the Dominican Republic

Masks must be worn at all times within accommodation and guests must social distance from other guests who are not in their family group. There will be hand sanitizer available in the accommodation’s main areas. The reception will also have masks and hand sanitizer for guests who need them. Elevators are cleaned every hour and will have limits on the number of people who can share them.

More information on hotel and accommodation regulations is available here.

Beaches that are open in the Dominican Republic

Beaches in the Dominican Republic are currently open, so there’s no need to worry about missing out on getting a tan or swimming in warm Caribbean waters.

Beachgoers must keep a distance of 2 meters from others who are not in their family bubble, both in the water and on the sand. They should also wear masks when entering and exiting the beach. Beaches are guarded in order to avoid crowds.

More information on beach regulations can be found here.

Attractions that are open in the Dominican Republic

DR has tons of options for things to do: zip-lining, visiting a national park, taking a tour, snorkeling, diving, and more. Luckily, these attractions and activities are currently open, so there won’t be a single dull moment on your trip.

These are the most popular tours that are running right now:

• Saona Island by boat
• Zip-Lining 12 Cables
• Sanctuary Whale Watching Day Trip
• Snorkeling Tour to Catalina Island
• Bahía de las Aguilas by boat
• Paradise Island and Mangroves Tour
• Damajagua Waterfalls Tour

National parks and protected areas are open from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday and 8 AM to 4 PM Saturday and Sunday. Face masks must be worn at all times. Groups must not be larger than 5 people in total. Guests cannot stay overnight and absolutely cannot swim in rivers or lagoons.

Attractions that are open in the Dominican Republic

For tours and water sports, all visitors will have their temperatures taken at the start. Visitors also have to wear masks at all times except when they are in the water or the tour leader considers it safe to remove them. Group sizes may be smaller than usual, and vehicle occupancy will be limited to 50%, so consider booking your tour in advance.

More information on attractions and activities can be found here.

Restaurants that are open in the Dominican Republic

Restaurants in the Dominican Republic are open, so you’ll be able to eat plenty of delicious food if you visit.

Clients must disinfect their hands upon entering (there should be hand sanitizer available for this purpose). Clients must also wear a mask when they enter and exit the establishment, but they can take it off as soon as they are seated. Some restaurants may check clients’ temperatures before they can enter.

Tables are placed at least 2 meters apart in accordance with social distancing rules. There is a limit of 6 people per table.

Restaurants that are open in the Dominican Republic

Restaurants are operating at 50% capacity and their opening hours are based on curfew times, which means restaurants currently close by 11 PM.

More information on restaurant regulations can be found here.

Airports that are open in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has seven different international airports, and the one you fly into will depend on where your final destination is.

• Punta Cana International Airport is best if you’re spending time in Cabeza de Toro or Punta Cana.

• Las Américas International Airport is your best bet for staying in the Colonial Zone, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, or Barahona.

• Gregorio Luperón International Airport is the best choice if you’re staying in Puerto Plata, Cabarete, or Cabrera.

• La Romana International Airport is perfect for getting to Casa de Campo or La Romana.

• Cibao International Airport is the best option if you’re staying in Santiago de los Caballeros, Jarabacoa, or Constanza.

• Samaná El Catey International Airport is ideal if you’re staying in Samaná.

• La Isabela International Airport is great if you’re planning on flying to other Caribbean destinations.

All seven airports are currently open.

At all airports, all travelers must wear face masks and keep a distance of 6.5 feet from other travelers who are not in their family group. All travelers will be subject to temperature checks on arrival and may be subject to a COVID breathalyzer test as well.

Curfew in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has implemented a daily curfew from 11 PM to 5 AM. There is a daily grace period for movement from 11 PM  until 1 AM, but movement during this period must only be for the purpose of returning to one’s accommodation or residence.

Where to get a PCR test in The Dominican Republic

Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. As of January 26, 2021, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is offering free viral antigen testing to all international tourists who qualify for the Free Health Coverage Plan. Testing is at hotels and the actual test is free, but there is a small fee to process the test.

Some hotels cover this fee, while others will charge guests for the fee, so be sure to check your hotel’s policy for this testing.

If you need to get a PCR test in the Dominican Republic, here and here are lists of places you can get a PCR test.

The Dominican Republic reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to The Dominican Republic reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

We will update this guide on the Dominican Republic reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to the Dominican Republic, you can check these official sources:

• US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in the Dominican Republic
• CDC Travel Recommendations for the Dominican Republic
• General Dominican Republic Travel Advisory
• Go Dominican Republic Information on Coronavirus
• Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health Website in Spanish
• Dominican Republic Government’s Website on Coronavirus in Spanish
• ETicket Form
• US Embassy List of COVID-19 Testing Clinics and Labs
• Go Dominican Republic List of COVID-19 Testing Locations