Dominican Republic Visa
Do you need a visa to visit Dominican Republic? Find your nearest Dominican Republic Embassy.
Visit Embassy WebsiteMany travellers can visit the Dominican Republic visa-free for short tourism stays of up to 30 days. However, those intending to remain longer, or to enter for work, study, or other non-tourism purposes, must obtain the appropriate visa or residence permit through the Dirección General de Migración. All travellers must complete the mandatory E-TICKET entry and exit form prior to arrival and departure.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit the Dominican Republic?
Visa-Free Entry (Tourism – 30 Days or Less)
As of 2025, British passport holders and most nationals from visa-exempt countries may enter the Dominican Republic for tourism for up to 30 days without a visa, provided all entry criteria are met.
In addition, visitors may enter the Dominican Republic without a visa if they:
- Hold valid multiple-entry visas or residence permits from the United States, Canada, The UK, or a Schengen Area country
- Are legal residents of the US, UK, Canada, or a Schengen state
- Hold diplomatic, official, or service passports from select countries (see list below)
Travellers exceeding the 30-day visa-free period, or visiting for non-tourism purposes, must apply for a visa in advance.
For more information on visas to the Dominican Republic, you can visit their Embassy page.
Visit Embassy WebsiteEntry into the Dominican Republic
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
- Required for all non-European nationals, including British citizens, starting 8 January 2025
- Must be completed online prior to departure
Entry and Exit Form (E-TICKET):
- Mandatory for all travellers entering and leaving the Dominican Republic
- This electronic form collects immigration, customs, and public health information
Passport Validity:
- Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay
- For British citizens, this applies through 30 November 2025, as per GOV.UK
Minor Travellers:
- Additional travel documentation may be required for children and young people
- Check with your airline and the Dominican Republic Immigration Service
Customs Compliance:
- Strict rules apply; all dutiable and restricted items must be declared
Eligibility to Apply for a Dominican Republic Visa
Travellers must submit the following documents to be eligible for a Dominican Republic visa:
Valid passport (minimum six months validity and at least one blank visa page)
Proof of onward or return travel
All required documentation for your next destination
Evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay
Completed visa application form (available via the Dirección General de Migración)
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Proof of accommodation
Travel medical insurance (highly recommended for non-tourist visas)
Failure to provide complete and accurate documentation may result in a visa refusal.
Visa Processing Time
Visa processing times for the Dominican Republic depend on the visa category and the consulate’s workload:
- Standard Processing: Typically takes 10 business days from the date of complete application submission.
- Delays Possible: Processing may be extended due to high application volume, incomplete documents, or individual travel history.
Recommended Timing: Applicants are strongly advised to submit their visa requests at least 4–6 weeks before their intended travel date to avoid disruptions.
Appointment Waiting Times
- Tourist/Visitor Visas: Appointment slots at high-demand Dominican consulates (e.g., New York, Madrid) may book out 4–8 weeks in advance during peak travel seasons.
- Student Visas: Typical appointment availability is 2–4 weeks; earlier booking is advised around university intake periods (July–September, January).
- Business and Other Non-Immigrant Visas: Appointments are usually obtainable within 1–3 weeks, but can extend to 4 weeks if document pre-screening is required.
- Early Scheduling: To avoid delays, applicants should secure an appointment as soon as travel dates are confirmed, ideally 6–8 weeks before departure.
When applying for a Dominican Republic visa, appointment and processing times may vary by location and season.
Who Can Visit the Dominican Republic Without a Visa?
Nationals holding diplomatic, official, or service passports from the following countries are visa-exempt:
- Argentina
- Belize
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- France
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Israel
- Japan
- Morocco
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Russia
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Ukraine
- Uruguay
- Vietnam
Additionally, holders of valid US, UK, Canada, or Schengen visas or residence permits are permitted to enter visa-free for short stays (tourism only).
For detailed information on specific parts of the general visa process, you can refer to the links below to find the answer to your query. If you are unable to find any particular information, please contact us via email.
| What is a Visa? |
| What kind of visa do I need? |
| Do I need more than one visa? |
| How long is a visa valid for? |
| When do I need my visa? |
| What if my visa is refused? |
Dominican Republic visa types
Two primary visa types are available for travellers to the Dominican Republic:
- Short-Stay Visa (Tourist/Visit)
- Valid for up to three months
- Not eligible for transition into a residence permit
- Used for tourism, private visits, and short business travel
- Long-Stay Visa
- Valid for up to one year
- Required for individuals seeking to live, work, or study in the Dominican Republic
- May serve as the basis for residency permit applications
Each visa type has its own eligibility requirements and documentation standards.
What to Do if Your Dominican Republic Visa Is Refused
If your visa is denied at the conclusion of your consular interview:
- You will be notified directly by a consular officer
- In some cases, the application may require additional administrative processing, which may take up to 60 days
- If you are subject to additional processing, you will be informed at the time of interview
To reapply:
- Submit a new visa application
- Pay the relevant application fee
- Schedule a new consular interview
Applicants are advised to address all deficiencies identified in the prior application to improve the outcome of subsequent reviews.
Actionable Instruction:
Apply for your Dominican Republic visa at least 8–12 weeks in advance, particularly if attending an appointment in a high-demand region. From the 8th of January 2025, ensure you complete the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and E-TICKET form before arrival. Confirm all documentation is accurate, and verify requirements on the official Dirección General de Migración or consular websites. For visits longer than 30 days or for work, study, or residence, a visa is required.