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Punta Cana Entry Requirements: Passport, E-Ticket & What to Carry
Entering the Dominican Republic is straightforward for most visitors. The part that trips people up is not the rules themselves but the websites and forum posts that get them wrong, including the ones that charge you for a form the government gives away for free.
Here is what you need to do before you fly, what to keep on your phone and on paper, and the extra paperwork that applies if you are travelling with children.
Passport validity: the rule most people get wrong
Normally the Dominican Republic expects a passport valid for at least six months. Under an exceptional measure in force from 1 December 2024 to 31 December 2026, tourists from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the EU, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia and Ecuador may enter with a passport that is simply valid for the length of their stay. The waiver applies to tourism only, not work or study, and the government has not promised to extend it — if you travel in 2027, assume the six-month rule is back and check the official entry requirements page before you fly.
Use the official free E-Ticket
The electronic entry and exit form is required for passengers entering or leaving the Dominican Republic. Use only eticket.migracion.gob.do. The government form is free.
Information to prepare before starting
- Passport details for each traveler.
- Flight number and airline.
- Email address.
- Accommodation name and full address.
- Arrival and departure details.
- Customs information when applicable.
Save the completed QR code as a screenshot and keep a copy available offline. Families may be able to include multiple members in one submission; follow the instructions shown in the current official form.
Passport validity and visa rules
Do not rely on a resort forum for document rules. Check the Dominican General Directorate of Migration, your nearest Dominican consular source and your airline. Temporary exceptions can have fixed expiry dates, and rules that apply to one nationality may not apply to another.
At the airline counter and on arrival
- Keep your passport, E-Ticket QR code and booking details together.
- Confirm the airline has the same name and document details as your passport.
- Follow the signs for immigration, baggage claim and customs at PUJ.
- Meet your prearranged driver only at the confirmed location and verify the name or booking reference.
Children and group travel
Families and groups should review document requirements for every traveler, including consent or exit-permit rules that may apply to minors. Group leaders should not hold the only copy of everyone’s documents; each adult should retain access to their own information.
The 72-hour document check
Three days before departure, reopen the official Dominican tourism FAQ, confirm airline requirements and verify that names, passport numbers, flight details and accommodation information are accurate.
Sources and verification
Travel conditions and rules can change. Check these sources again close to departure.
What else to carry: proof of stay, children and copies
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities visiting Punta Cana for tourism do not require a visa. Here’s a quick overview:- Visa-exempt countries: U.S., Canada, U.K., EU nations, and several others.
- Visa-required countries: Travelers from certain countries must apply for a visa at a Dominican consulate.
- Travel with valid visas: Nationals from visa-exempt countries but holding valid U.S., Canadian, or EU visas may enter without additional Dominican visas.
Proof of Accommodation & Travel
Immigration officers may ask for proof of your stay:- Hotel booking: Confirmation of your hotel or resort.
- Address of stay: For villas, Airbnbs, or private rentals.
- Return or onward ticket: Proof of departure from the Dominican Republic is required.
Documentation for Children & Families
Traveling with minors requires extra attention. You’ll need:- Passport for each child: Even infants must have a passport.
- Birth certificates or guardianship documents: Needed if children travel with only one parent or with someone else.
- Notarized permission letters: Sometimes requested if a parent is absent.
Additional Travel Tips
To make your arrival and stay in Punta Cana smooth, consider these tips:- Bring copies of all documents: Printed and digital versions of passport, E-Ticket QR, insurance, and hotel reservations.
- Confirm airline requirements: Some airlines check documentation at boarding.
- Know your tourist stay duration: Typically 30 days, extendable if necessary.
- Keep an emergency contact list: Include consulate and local contacts.
The short version
Fill in the free E-Ticket on the official site, screenshot the QR code, check your passport and visa position against an official Dominican source rather than a forum, and keep copies of everything somewhere other than your passport wallet. That is the whole job.
