FAQ

Passport

What are the requirements for obtaining a passport?

Passport for adults and minor children (for first time applicants):

• Original Birth Certificate dully notarized.
• Original and one (1) copy of the Identity and Electoral Cards.
• Original and one (1) copy of the Identity and Electoral Cards of the parent who presents the documents. One (1) copy is also required in the case of minor children.
• 3 2×2 pictures on white background, with the forehead and ears visible, and the shoulders covered. Teeth, clothing or glasses should not be seen.
• Original and one (1) copy of the payment receipt from Banco de Reservas.
• Required documentation for minor children must be submitted and picked up by one of the parents, guardian or legal representative. The child must be present.
• The original Identity Card and the service entry sheet must be submitted.
• Starting at ten (10) years of age, the fingerprints and signature of the minor child will be taken.

Cost for adults:

• Regular service: RD$1,650.00 (delivery in six working days).
• VIP service: RD$2,650.00 (delivery in three working days).

Cost for minor children:

• Regular service: RD$1,850.00 (delivery in six working days).
• VIP service: RD$2,650.00 (delivery in three working days).

* Complete and detailed information may be found at: http://www.pasaportes.gob.do

What are the requirements for passport renewal?

Passport for adults and minor children (renewal):

• Original Birth Certificate dully notarized.
• Original and one (1) copy of the Identity and Electoral Cards.
• Original and one (1) copy of the Identity Card of the parent who presents the documents.
• 3 2×2 pictures on white background, with the forehead and ears visible, and the shoulders covered. Teeth, clothing or glasses should not be seen.
• Original and one (1) copy of the payment receipt from Banco de Reservas.
• One (1) copy of the expired passport page where the picture appears.
• One (1) copy of the visa or visas (if they are current).
• Required documentation for minor children must be submitted and picked up by one of the parents, guardian or legal representative. The child must be present.
• Starting at ten (10) years of age, the fingerprints and signature of the minor child will be taken.
• The original Identity Card and the service entry sheet must be submitted.

Cost for adults:

• Regular service: RD$1,650.00 (delivery in six working days).
• VIP service: RD$2,650.00 (delivery in three working days).

Cost for minor children:

• Regular service: RD$1,850.00 (delivery in six working days).
• VIP service: RD$2,650.00 (delivery in three working days).

* Complete and detailed information may be found at: http://www.pasaportes.gob.do

Civil Registry and Identity Cards

Where can I get my Birth Certificate?

At the Office of the Civil Registry where your declaration of birth was made or at the Service Center of the Central Office of the Civil Registry, at the Fair, at the Service Center that operates in the City of Santiago or at the Electoral Board of the same city, and at the Service Center located on Carretera Mella, Km 8½, at Plaza Island.

* For more information and details please refer to: http://jce.gob.do

Starting on what date is a declaration of birth considered timely or late?

It is considered timely within sixty (60) days from the date in which the birth occurs. This deadline is applicable for urban areas only. For rural areas the deadline is 90 days from the date of birth.

For urban areas, the declaration of birth is considered to be late after sixty (60) days from the date in which the birth occurs. For rural area the deadline that applies is after 90 days.

* For more information and details please refer to: http://jce.gob.do

Where should the timely or late declaration of birth be made?

The timely or late declaration of birth must be made at the Office of the Civil Registry whose jurisdiction is within the limits of the place in which the birth occurred (clinic, hospital, etc.).

* For more information and details please refer to: http://jce.gob.do

What are the requirements for a timely declaration of birth?

1) If the declaration is for the mother’s child:

1. The mother’s Identity and Electoral Cards, passport or Foreign Identity Card, if she is a foreign national with legal residence status.
2. Birth certificate from the clinic or hospital (must contain the address, since this is what determines jurisdiction).

2) If the declaration of birth is for a child born from a consensual relationship and whose father will recognize his paternity:

1. The father’s Identity and Electoral Cards, or his passport if he is a foreign national.
2. The mother’s Identity and Electoral Cards, or her passport if she is a foreign national.
3. Birth certificate from the clinic or hospital (must contain the address, since this is what determines jurisdiction).

The father’s presence is mandatory.

3) If the declaration of birth is for a child whose parents are married to each other:

1. The father’s Identity and Electoral Cards, or his passport if he is a foreign national.
2. The mother’s Identity and Electoral Cards, or her passport if she is a foreign national.
3. Birth certificate from the clinic or hospital (must contain the address, since this is what determines jurisdiction).
4. Marriage Certificate (must be up to date).

Children who have been born starting on 5/18/07 and whose mother or both parents are foreign nationals must be registered in the Birth Registry for children of a foreign mother, even without the presentation of their identity document (Passport).

Note: In case the mother is deceased, the Death Certificate must be submitted.

* For more information and details please refer to: http://jce.gob.do

What are the requirements for a late declaration of birth?

1) If the declaration is for the mother’s child:

1. The mother’s Identity and Electoral Cards, her Foreign Identity Card or her passport, if she is a foreign national. If she is not and if the child has been born starting on 5/18/07, the birth must be registered in the Birth Registry for children of a foreign mother.
2. Birth certificate from the clinic or hospital (must contain the address, since this is what determines jurisdiction).
3. Resolution No.7/03 and the Manual of Late Declarations of Birth.

2) If the Declaration of Birth is for a child born of a consensual relationship and whose paternity will be recognized by the father:

1. The father’s Identity and Electoral Cards, or his passport if he is a foreign national and the mother is also a foreign national.
2. The mother’s Identity and Electoral Cards, or her passport if she is a foreign national and the father is Dominican.
3. Birth certificate from the clinic or hospital (must contain the address, since this is what determines jurisdiction).

The father’s presence is mandatory.

1. Resolution No.7/03 and the Manual of Late Declarations of Birth.

3) If the Declaration of Birth is for a child whose parents are married to each other:

1. The father’s Identity and Electoral Cards, or his passport if he is a foreign national.
2. The mother’s Identity and Electoral Cards, or her passport if she is a foreign national.
3. Birth certificate from the clinic or hospital (must contain the address, since this is what determines jurisdiction).
4. Marriage Certificate (must be up to date).
5. Resolution No.7 / 03 and the Manual of Late Declarations of Birth.

The Late Declaration of Birth must be ratified by a ruling of the competent Court whose judgment will be recorded at the margin of the birth certificate.

Note: In case the mother is deceased, the Death Certificate must be submitted.

* For more information and details please refer to: http://jce.gob.do

How should the transcript of a Birth Certificate of a Dominican child be recorded abroad?

Art. 33 and 34 of Law 659-44 on Civil Status records

Resolution 9/95 of the Central Electoral Board

1. The original document recorded abroad must be dully stamped or authenticated by the Dominican Consulate in the issuing country. Then, the signature of the Consul must be authenticated by the Foreign Ministry of the Dominican Republic.
2. If the original document is written in a language other than Spanish, it must be translated by a Dominican interpreter of the Court and then authenticated by the Attorney General of the Republic.

Note: The translation must contain all the information included in the original document. Information that is or is not included in the original document cannot be either omitted or added.

(If the document is translated by the Dominican Consul, the translation must be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic).

3. Dominican identity document, photocopy of the Identity Card, passport or birth certificate of the Dominican father or mother, if one of the parents is Dominican.

If it is a transcript of a marriage certificate or of a divorce certificate, submit one of these documents: photocopy of the identity card, birth certificate or Dominican passport of one of the parties who is Dominican.

Transcript of the death certificate: provide a Dominican identity document belonging to the deceased that shows that the person was Dominican, such as: photocopy of the identity card, passport or birth certificate.

4. An application addressed to the President of the Central Electoral Board, requesting that a transcript of the certificate be included in the corresponding Office of the Civil Registry.
5. The fee to be paid for the presentation of the document is $1,000.00 Dominican pesos.

Note: Documents must be presented in original and a set of photocopies, and a folder should also be included.

* For more information and details please refer to: http://jce.gob.do

How does a person over 60 years of age with an Identity Card obtain a birth certificate?

The only requirement is to bring the following documents to the Office of the Civil Registry at the place of birth that appears on the Identity and Electoral Cards:

Present the personal Identity Card (Old Identity Card) or the Identity and Electoral Card (blue card or yellow card) of the person being enrolled.

The Identity and Electoral Cards of the person making the declaration of birth (preferably a family member) must be submitted. The relationship of the person making the declaration to the person being registered must be indicated.

Any other document that confirms the identity of the person who makes the declaration, such as marriage certificates (if married), birth certificate of a child, certificate of baptism, social security card, work card, health insurance card, in short, any document that confirms its identity.

The maternal relationship will be verified by the last name that appears in the Personal Identity Card.

The person whose documents also include the paternal surname must submit irrefutable proof of the paternal filiation to the Office of the Civil Registry (i.e., marriage certificate or certificate of voluntary recognition). Otherwise they must resort to the legal recognition procedure.

* For more information and details please refer to: http://jce.gob.do

What are the requirements for a late declaration of birth for people over 60 years of age?

1. Photocopy of the personal Identity Card or of the Identity and Electoral Card issued by the office of personal identity card records.
2. Photocopy of the Identity and Electoral Card of the person who is making the declaration.
3. Any other document that confirms the identity of the person being enrolled, such as marriage certificate (if married), birth certificate of a child or certificate of baptism.
4. Biometric data collection of the person being enrolled.
5. The person who is making the declaration must be, preferably, 5 years older than the person being enrolled.

The person whose documents also include the paternal surname must submit irrefutable proof of the paternal filiation to the Office of the Civil Registry.

All these documents must be duly submitted to the Office of the Civil Registry corresponding to the place where the Identity Card was issued.

* For more information and details please refer to: http://jce.gob.do

What are the requirements for the celebration of a civil marriage?

1. Identity Cards of the intended spouses.
2. Divorce Certificate (if they have been previously married).
3. Death Certificate (in the case of a widow or widower).
4. Birth Certificates of the intended spouses.
5. Two (2) witnesses, at least. Of the witnesses, two (2) at least, cannot be family members or relatives, directly or indirectly related to the intended spouses, up to and including the third degree of kinship.
6. If they have children in common, their birth certificates (these must be authenticated beforehand).
7. In the case of minor children, the birth certificate of the minor children, Identification Card of the parents, proof of consent by the parents, which may be granted at the time of the marriage ceremony or by authentic instrument or a private signature, duly authenticated. When the intended groom has not attained the age of 16 and the intended bride has not attained the age of 15, they require a waiver issued by a magistrate of the Court of First Instance. In the absence of the parents, the consent may be granted by the grandparents. If there is dissent between the grandfather and the grandmother of the same side of the family, the consent of the grandfather will suffice. Likewise, if there is dissent between the two sides of the family, the tie vote equals consent. In the absence of parents or grandparents, or if it is impossible for them to express their will, the consent must be given by the family council.
8. If the couple is to marry under the separation of property regime, they are required to submit to the Office of the Civil Registry an original of their written statement that must be drawn for that purpose, and which must be recorded and duly notified prior to the celebration of the marriage ceremony.
9. In the case of foreign nationals, they are required to present their birth certificate and passport. If the latter is in Spanish and states the civil status as single, they need not to present further proof of being single. In all other cases, it is mandatory that they submit proof of being single, issued by the Office of the Civil Registry in their country of origin or residence. This statement must be legally recognized by the Dominican consular authority accredited to the place where it was issued. If the document is not written in Spanish, it must be translated by a legal interpreter and legally recognized by the Attorney General of the Republic and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In some cases, the translation can be done by the Dominican Consulate itself. Some Diplomatic Delegations accredited to Dominican Republic receive the proof of being single on behalf of their citizens. In the case of foreign nationals whose countries of origin and residence do not have diplomatic relations with the Dominican Republic, a statement of being single can be made before a Dominican public notary, and must be legally recognized by the Attorney General’s Office.

In case of Italian citizens, the decree must not be waived, and it must be displayed in a visible location in the Office of the Civil Registry at least three (3) days before the date in which the marriage ceremony is to take place. The Registry will place this on record.

Celebration of marriage in the Office of the Civil Registry… RD$3,000.00

Celebration of marriage in the Office of the Civil Registry when both spouses are resident foreign nationals… RD$3,000.00

Celebration of marriage outside the Office of the Civil Registry… RD$10,000.00

Celebration of marriage in the Office of the Civil Registry when one of the spouses is a non-resident foreign national… RD$10,000.00

Celebration of marriage outside the Office of the Civil Registry when both spouses are resident foreign nationals… RD$10,000.00

Celebration of marriage outside the Office of the Civil Registry when one of the spouses is a non-resident foreign national… RD$15,000.00

Celebration of marriage when both spouses are non-resident foreign nationals… RD$20,000.00

* Look for more information and details in: http://jce.gob.do

What is a canonical marriage and what is the procedure?

The marriage performed by the Catholic Church is the only religious marriage that has legal validity. For this reason, Ministers of any other religious denomination must demand proof that the civil marriage has taken place as a prerequisite to the celebration of a religious ceremony within their respective denominations.

The marriage ceremony performed by Priests, Bishops, etc. of the Catholic Church follows the norms established in Canon Law; hence, it has the same legal effects as the civil marriage. For this reason, the only requirement is that the certificate of the canonical marriage be presented to the Office of the Civil Registry corresponding to the city or district in which the ceremony was performed, within five (5) days.

The Parrish priest must provide a verbatim copy of the marriage ceremony procedures to the competent Office of the Civil Registry within the three (3) days that follow the performance of the ceremony. The Office of the Civil Registry must record the aforementioned minutes within the two (2) days that follow their receipt, having further obligation to notify the officiating Priest accordingly. The minutes will be recorded in the Book-Registry intended for these purposes.

After the recording of the minutes has been concluded, the Office of the Civil Registry will be able to issue the marriage certificate. The file that was sent by the Catholic Church must become part of the records kept by the Office of the Civil Registry.

What is the procedure to register demises (deaths)?

The Office of the Civil Registry is responsible for keeping records of deaths.

The Death Certificate is established in the Book-Register intended for these purposes and it may be outlined by any relative of the deceased or by any other person who is in a position to provide more or less accurate information on their civil status.

The deaths that occur in the jurisdictions corresponding to the Office of the Civil Registry of the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Sixth Municipalities of the National District are documented by the Branch of the Office of the Civil Registry, which is exclusively responsible for these records.

* Look for more information and details in: http://jce.gob.do

Visas and Fees for Tourists

What is the Tourist Card?

The Tourist Card is a tax charge that the Dominican Republic imposes on its visitors, according to Art. 1 of Law 199-67: “The Tourist Card allows the entry into Dominican soil, for tourism purposes, without the need of a consular visa.”

The funds obtained from the sale of the visa cards are intended for the development of infrastructure and human resources, in order to offer better services to visitors.

Who should buy a Tourist Card?

All tourists entering Dominican soil must acquire the Tourist Card, except those that are citizens of the countries with which the Dominican Republic has agreements.

Note: Some tour operators already include the Tourist Card in the tourist packages they offer. You should confirm with them before buying it.

Note: Residents that hold visas and naturalized citizens of the Dominican Republic are exempt from paying for the Tourist Card, as well as the foreign nationals from the following countries: Argentina, Chile, South Korea, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru and Uruguay.

The Tourist Card can also be purchased online, through the portal of the Directorate General of Internal Revenue (DGII). Please follow this link: https://www.dgii.gov.do/Tturistaweb/

* For more information and details please refer to: http://www.dgii.gov.do/tarjetaTuristica/sobreTarjetaT/Paginas/default.aspx

How do you lose the right to use the Tourist Card?

Article 3, Paragraph 1 of Law 199-67 establishes: “The right to this tourist card will be lost if the beneficiary engages in profit-making activities while on Dominican soil, and the improper use of the card will be punished by the national immigration authorities with their immediate eviction from the country without any other formality.”

What is the maximum time a tourist can stay in the country with the Tourist Card?

The Tourist Card allows you to remain in the country for a period of 30 days. After this period of time, tourists can extend their stay by paying a fee that will be levied according to the amount of time they decide to remain in the country.

Where can Tourist Cards be purchased?

The Tourist Card can be purchased at the national airports, ports of entry or land control checkpoints at the border. It can also be purchased at Dominican embassies around the world, the country’s consular offices abroad, and through tour operators.

The Tourist Card can also be purchased online, through the portal of the Directorate General of Internal Revenue (DGII). Please follow this link: https://www.dgii.gov.do/Tturistaweb/

Transactions for the sale of Tourist Cards may be made using the following two currencies: Dollars (US$) and Euros (€). The sale price of the Tourist Cards is US$10.00 (ten dollars) or €10.00 (ten euros).

* For more information and details please refer to: http://www.dgii.gov.do/tarjetaTuristica/sobreTarjetaT/Paginas/default.aspx

Who is considered to be a tourist?

A tourist is any person who enters a country for a limited time, for recreational, leisure, health, religious, educational, journalistic reasons, or to dictate or hear conferences and other similar purposes, but never for profit-making activities.

Who does not require a Visa or a Tourist Card to enter the Dominican Republic?

Residents with visas and naturalized citizens of the Dominican Republic are exempt from paying for the Tourist Card, as well as the foreign nationals from the following countries: Argentina, Chile, South Korea, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru and Uruguay.

What documents are required to enter the country with a Tourist Card?

Article 4 of Law 199-67 establishes: “A valid passport will be required to enter the country with a Tourist Card.”

What procedure should a person follow to extend their visit to the Dominican Republic?

In the event that tourists wish to extend their visit while already in the Dominican Republic, they must go to the General Immigration Office to request an extension of their visa.

http://www.migracion.gob.do

What procedure must be followed to enter the Dominican Republic for business purposes?

All foreign nationals who wish to enter the Dominican Republic for business purposes must apply to obtain the single or multiple entries Business Visa at one of the Dominican diplomatic and consular delegations abroad.

Note: Even if the country of origin is in the list of countries that can enter with a Tourist Card, the previous procedure must be followed, since the Tourist Card can only be used for tourist purposes.

Where should a tourist go for consular services?

Tourists who wish to obtain information on consular matters should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Ministry’s information is as follows:

Phone: 809.987.7001 / 809.535.6280
Address: Ave. Independencia No.752 Estancia San Gerónimo, Santo Domingo, National District, Dominican Republic.
Email: relexteriores@mirex.gov.do
http://mirex.gob.do

Who can enter the Dominican Republic only with a Tourist Card, for tourism purposes?

All nationals that are citizens of countries that enter legally into the European Union, the United States, Canada and Great Britain may enter the Dominican Republic by simply presenting the Tourist Card. In addition, the citizens of the following countries:

A
Acrotiri and Dhekelia (United Kingdom), Germany, Andorra, Anguilla (United Kingdom), Antigua and Barbuda, Netherlands Antilles (Netherlands Antilles), Aruba, Australia and Austria.

B
Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria.

C
Canada, Cyprus, Vatican City (Holy See), Costa Rica, Croatia.

D
Denmark, Dominica.

E
El Salvador, United Arab Emirates, Scotland (United Kingdom), Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Spain, United States.

F
Fiji, Finland, France.

G
Gibraltar (United Kingdom), Greece, Grenada, Greenland (Denmark), Greenland (Norway), Guadeloupe (France), Guam (United States), Guatemala, Guyana, French Guiana (France).

H
Hawaii (United States), Hong Kong (valid for holders of the special passport of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China), Honduras, Hungary.

I
Ireland, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), Cocos Island (Australia), Nativity Island (Australia), Palau I Island (United States), American Samoa Island (United States), Iceland, Cayman Island (United Kingdom), Cook Islands (New Zealand), Faroe Islands (Denmark), Falkland Islands or Malvinas) (United Kingdom), Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, Norfolk Islands (Australia), Solomon Islands, Sandwich Islands (United Kingdom), Turks and Caicos Islands, Wallis and Futuna Islands (France), Tokelau Islands, Italy.

J
Jamaica.

K
Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kuwait.

L
Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.

M
Macedonia, Macao (valid for holders of the special passport of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China), Malaysia, Malta, Martinique (France), Mauritius, Mayen (Norway), Mayotte (France), Micronesia, Mexico, Monaco , Montserrat (United Kingdom).

N
Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Nieu (New Zealand), Norway, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand.

P
Wales (United Kingdom), The Netherlands (includes Holland, Curaçao and San Marteen), Panama, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia (France), Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico (United States).

Q
Qatar

R
United Kingdom of Great Britain, Czech Republic, Republic of South Africa, Slovakia, Reunion (France), Romania, Russia.

S
Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Marino, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Helena (United Kingdom), Saint Lucia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, St. John (United States), St. Croix (United States), St. Thomas (United States), Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Svalbard (Norway).

T
Thailand, Taiwan, Tokelau (New Zealand), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu.

U
Ukraine.

V
Vanuatu, Venezuela.

Who requires a visa to enter the Dominican Republic?

Tourists from the following countries require a visa to enter the Dominican Republic:

A
Abkhazia (de facto independent from Georgia), Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan.

B
Bangladesh, Benin, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Bhutan.

C
Cape Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, People’s Republic of China, Northern Cyprus, Colombia, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Congo Democratic Republic, North Korea, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba.

D
Djibouti

E
Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia.

F
Philippines

G
Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, South Georgia (United Kingdom), Ghana, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau.

H
Haiti.

I
India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran.

J
Jordan.

K
Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo (Serbia).

L
Laos, Lesotho, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya.

M
Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar.

N
Nagorno-Karabakh (de facto independent within Azerbaijan), Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfo.

O
Oman, South Ossetia (de facto independent within Georgia).

P
Pakistan, Palau, Palestine (National Palestinian Authority), Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn (France).

R
Central African Republic, Rwanda, Romania.

S
Western Sahara, Samoa, American Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (France), Senegal, Sierra Leone, Syria, Somalia, Somaliland (de facto independent within Somalia), Sri Lanka, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Swaziland , Sudan.

T
Tanzania, Tajikistan, East Timor, Togo, Transnistria (de facto independent within Moldova), Tunisia, Turkmenistan.

U
Uganda, Uzbekistan.

V
Vietnam.

Y
Yemen, Djibouti.

Z
Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

What do foreign nationals require to enter the Dominican Republic?

All foreign nationals who enter the Dominican Republic, whether with a Visa or a Tourist Card, must hold a valid passport, unless agreements with the Dominican Republic exist for the abolition of passport requirements.

What should a tourist do in case the Tourist Card is lost?

If the Tourist Card is lost, a new Card must be purchased at any of the authorized sales locations.

Do minor children also have to buy the Tourist Card?

Yes. All persons entering the country (with some exceptions), regardless of their age, must purchase a Tourist Card.

Is a Tourist Card required for leaving the country?

No, it is only required to enter the country.

How many times can a Tourist Card be used?

The Tourist Card can be used only once.

What is the validity time of a Tourist Card that has been acquired over the Internet?

Tourist Cards purchased through the Internet have a validity of one (1) year, and they can be used only once.

How do I know if the Tourist Card that I purchased is official?

The only way to know if the Tourist Cards you purchased are official is to acquire them through the official sales channels that we currently have in place:

• Sales locations at the national airports, ports of entry or land control checkpoints at the border.
• Embassies and Consulates of the Dominican Republic abroad.
• Travel agencies and local tour operators that have been certified by the Ministry of Tourism (a list can be found at the DGII website): http://dgii.gov.do/tarjetaTuristica/tourOperadores/Paginas/default.aspx)
• Purchasing them at: https://www.dgii.gov.do/Tturistaweb/

We have Tourist Card verification locations at all the airports, ports of entry or land control checkpoints at the border throughout the country. In the event that a tourist purchases the Tourist card through a channel different from those mentioned above, the authenticity of the Tourist Card will be determined at the verification checkpoint at each of the aforementioned locations. If the Tourist Card is not valid or if it has already been used, the tourist must purchase a new card.

How do I get a Dominican Tourist Visa?

The Dominican Republic is a country that is open to the world. All our natural beauty, our history, investment and business options, as well as the warmth of our people, invite visitors from all countries to come and enjoy a charming island full of opportunities.

Tourism visas are granted for purposes of tourism, cultural trips, and to attend congresses or conventions. They will remain in force for 60 days and will be valid for a single entry or for multiple entries. The beneficiaries cannot engage in income-generating activities while on Dominican soil.

All citizens of the world can apply for a Tourist Visa to enter the Dominican Republic at the Dominican consular offices in their respective countries.

* Look for more information in the Dominican Republic Consular Services Portal at: http://www.consuladord.com

What are the requirements to obtain a Dominican visa?

For applicants who are abroad:

Visa application forms must be duly completed and either typed or handwritten clearly using upper case letters. Application forms are available at the headquarters of the consular offices or through the consular services portal www.consuladord.com to be filled online.

One (1) photograph size 4 x 5 centimeters, facing straight ahead and on white background.

Original passport that should be valid for a minimum of six (6) months.

Authorization from the parents or guardian, when it is for a minor child and the person requesting the visa is not the father or the mother.

Proof of sound financial means, such as bank letter(s) providing details on the applicant’s savings account, checking account or bank certificates; letter from the applicant’s workplace indicating the date of entry, position and salary; property titles to the home, business, farm or land, or vehicle registration, if the applicant owns them.

A clearly legible photocopy of the applicant’s national identity document issued by its country of nationality must be provided, as well as a legible photocopy of its resident card, if it resides in another country.

A legible copy of the applicant’s hotel reservation or letter of invitation, with the address and general information of the person who will provide accommodation to the applicant while in the DR.

A legible copy of the flight reservation, updated on the date of the trip.

A legible copy of previously held Dominican visas (if the applicant is requesting to renew its visa or if it has previously traveled to the Dominican Republic).

A Visa application letter (notarization is not required) signed by the visa applicant or representative, including the applicant name, nationality, place of residence, activity in which it is engaged, financial means and purpose of the travel to the DR.

For guarantors in the DR:

A letter of guarantee duly notarized and authenticated by the Attorney General’s Office. This document must be presented by the applicant, along with the other requested documents, on the day of the interview at the Dominican Consulate. To be accepted by our diplomatic or consular office, it is essential that the aforementioned letter of guarantee contains the following clause:

WARRANTY CLAUSE

“I guarantee that (name, nationality and passport) will not remain in the Dominican Republic beyond the time that has been granted by the General Immigration Office, nor will s/he request residency or change of immigration status while on Dominican soil; applicant will be exclusively dedicated to the activity for which the visa has been granted. I am morally and financially responsible for this person’s return to his/her country of origin, and accept to pay to the Dominican State any expenses incurred by this person during his/her stay in the country, or which originates as a result of his/her repatriation or deportation procedures thereof.”

Proof of sound financial means, such as bank letter(s) providing details on the applicant’s savings account, checking account or bank certificates; letter from the applicant’s workplace indicating the date of entry, position and salary; property titles to the home, business, farm or land, or vehicle registration, if the applicant owns them.

Interview: The guarantor will be interviewed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by an officer of the Consular Department.

* These requirements apply to foreign nationals from: Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Cuba, the People’s Republic of China, India and Pakistan, in addition to others as instructed specifically by the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Article 5.5 of the Consular Norms and Practices).

How long does it take to get the Dominican visa?
Between 1 and 10 days from the date it is requested, depending on the urgency, the nationality of the applicant, any previous requests and staff availability.

How much does the Dominican visa cost?

1. Visa with multiple entries: The cost is $80.00
2. Single entry visa: The cost is $70.00

Drivers Licence

How can I get a Dominican Driver’s License?
Traffic in the Dominican Republic is an activity that is regulated by Law 241-67 on traffic of Motor Vehicles; therefore, this activity requires the corresponding official authorization.

According to the law, the General Directorate of Road Traffic (DGTT for its acronym in Spanish) is a State agency that is responsible for the standardization and regulation of road traffic.

The Driver’s License, according to the law, is valid for four (4) years from the date it is issued and the inspection of motor vehicles is valid for one (1) year from the date it is issued.

Drivers’ Licenses are classified into categories, which are determined by the type of vehicle:

Category I: Motorcycles
Category II: Light Vehicles
Category: Heavy Vehicles, First and Second Category
Minibus: a bus with capacity for 40 passengers and 2-axle trucks
Buses of more than 60 passengers, “patanas” and trucks with more than 2 axles
Category V: for operators of special equipment (greda, moto grader, backhoe, etc.).

You must first obtain a Learners Permit and then a Driver’s License to drive motor vehicles, after the candidate has demonstrated to have the moral and physical conditions to possess the document. The candidate must also have theoretical and practical knowledge about driving and the legal provisions in force in the country in terms of road traffic.

Required documents:

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age to acquire a Learners Permit:

• Identity and Voting Cards
• Receipts of the payment made at Banco de Reservas for taxes and services provided to obtain a Learners Permit.
• Certificate of good conduct

To acquire the first Driver’s License:

Requirements:

• Identity and Voting Cards
• Receipts of the payment made at Banco de Reservas for taxes and services provided to obtain a Driver’s License.
• Learners Permit with 45 days and up to one year of expiration.
• In case the Learners Permit has been expired for a period of no more than one year, candidates need to pay the Tax for the Renewal of the Learners Permit and the Practical Examination.

Process:

• a) Registration
• b) Practical examination
• c) Data collection
• d) Delivery of the Driver’s License

Delivery time: 30 minutes.
Price: RD$990.00

* Look for more information at: http://www.mopc.gob.do/servicios/dirección-general-de-tránsito-terrestre/licencia-de-conducir/

Where do the formalities for obtaining the Driver’s License take place?
In Santo Domingo: at the Headquarters of Dirección General de Tránsito Terrestre (General Directorate of Road Traffic), and for document renovation at the Churchill Multímetro and Mega Center branch offices.

Other regions: Regional Santiago, Regional San Francisco de Macorís, Regional Puerto Plata, Regional Romana and Regional Azua, and mobile units that visit the national territory.

(The offices of the General Directorate of Road Traffic located in other regions operate at the same headquarters of the Ministry of Public Works, except in La Romana where they operate at the Provincial Government headquarters.)

* Look for more information at: http://www.mopc.gob.do/servicios/dirección-general-de-tránsito-terrestre/licencia-de-conducir/