By Isabel Prontes
For people wishing to travel to the Spanish-speaking
Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic, there are several entry requirements to make note of before you travel. There are three important documentation forms that visitors might have to bring, which are passports, visas and tourist cards. People visiting the Dominican Republic from the
United States generally have to bring along both a passport and a visa to gain entry into the country.
Passports
Passports are required for almost all visitors to the Dominican Republic. The passports must remain valid for at least six months after the departure date. However, Canadian nationals do not need to bring passports provided they have photo identification and their birth certificate (for those visiting the country for either tourist and business travel purposes).
Tourist Cards
Travelers (from certain countries) wishing to remain in the Dominican Republic (for tourist purposes) for a maximum of two weeks at a time are required to bring tourist cards. Tourist cards should be applied for well in advance before a vacation, because at times, it can be a rather lengthy process. United States citizens do not require tourist cards.
Visas
Travel visas are required by everyone wishing to visit the Dominican Republic, unless they have a tourist card. United States nationals are required to bring visas to gain entry into the Dominican Republic. Certain nationals, from countries including Argentina, Iceland, Japan, Chile, Korea, Uruguay, Peru and Liechtenstein, will only need a passport to get into the Dominican Republic (and not a visa or a tourist card).
Resources
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
