Dominican Republic 2025 guide: safety, entry rules, best time

TL;DR:

• Advisory is Level 2, exercise increased caution, as of June 12, 2025.
  
• Complete the free digital e-Ticket for arrival and departure.
  
• Stays over 30 days pay an exit fee on a sliding scale.
  
• Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.
  
• CDC advises routine shots, hepatitis A, and mosquito bite control.

This guide gives you the current rules and smart tips to visit the Dominican Republic in 2025. You will learn entry steps, safety, seasons, packing, money, and simple itineraries for beach and culture.

Quick facts for 2025

The U.S. State Department lists the country at Level 2, exercising increased caution because of crime. This advisory date is June 12, 2025. Resort zones see strong police presence, yet you should stay alert in cities and at night. Keep valuables out of sight and use hotel safes. (U.S. State Department)

All travelers must fill the free digital e-Ticket for entry and exit. It combines migration, customs, and health forms. You generate a QR code for immigration. Airlines and airports often check it before boarding. (Ministry of Tourism e-Ticket)

If you stay over 30 days, you pay an extra fee when you leave. The amount rises with the length of stay. You can pay online before you fly out, or at the airport after check-in. (GoDominicanRepublic entry page)

The tourist card fee is already included in airline tickets for most visitors who arrive by air. Arrivals by land or sea follow separate rules through their carrier or port. Check your ticket and carrier notes before travel.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. NOAA’s 2025 outlook, issued on May 22, 2025 and updated August 7, 2025, calls for an above-normal season. Plan flexible dates and consider travel insurance that covers weather. (NOAA)

The CDC page, updated April 23, 2025, recommends routine vaccines, hepatitis A, and strong mosquito bite protection. Yellow fever vaccine is not required for direct arrivals from the United States. (CDC Traveler View and Yellow Book)

When to go

• Best beach weather: December to April, with lower rain and mild trade winds. Prices are higher during the holidays.
  
• Shoulder months: May and November bring deals, with some showers.
  
• Rain and storms: June to October brings tropical downpours and storm risk. Watch forecasts during this window. (NOAA)
  

Simple season table

Entry, exit, and airport tips

1. Complete the e-Ticket before travel and keep the QR code handy. You need one form per family for each leg. (Mitur e-Ticket)
   
2. Passport validity: Carry a passport that stays valid through your trip. Many airlines require six months.
   
3. 30-day limit: Standard tourist stays run up to 30 days. To remain longer, expect the exit fee at departure. (GoDominicanRepublic)
   
4. Airports: Punta Cana (PUJ) is the main leisure gateway. Santo Domingo (SDQ), Santiago (STI), and Puerto Plata (POP) serve other regions. Check transfer times when you pick resorts. (PUJ)
   

Health and safety basics

• Advisory: Level 2 as of June 12, 2025. Use licensed taxis or resort shuttles. Avoid isolated ATMs. Keep copies of documents. (U.S. State Department)
  
• Mosquitoes: Use repellent with DEET or picaridin. Choose lodgings with screens or air-conditioning. Wear long sleeves at dusk. (CDC)
  
• Water and food: Drink sealed or treated water. Choose busy spots for street food.
  
• Sun and heat: Use reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and drink water often.
  
• Insurance: Pick a plan that covers storms, medical care, and trip changes. The U.S. Embassy has urged visitors to carry travel insurance.
  

Money and connectivity

The currency is the Dominican peso (DOP). Resorts and tour desks accept credit cards. Carry small pesos for tips, tolls, and markets. ATMs are common in tourist cities. Confirm foreign transaction fees with your bank.

Plugs are Type A and B, 120 V, 60 Hz. North American chargers usually work without an adapter. Visitors from many other regions will need a plug adapter. (Electrical Safety First; Power-Plugs and Sockets)

Buy a local SIM at the airport or use an eSIM. Wi-Fi in resorts is common, yet speeds vary.

Getting around

Resorts in Punta Cana and La Romana are spread out. Prebook a shared shuttle or private transfer. In Santo Domingo, use trusted taxi apps. For day trips, go with licensed tour operators. Check pickup times and road conditions during rain.

Best places for first-timers

• Punta Cana and Bávaro: Long beaches, calm water, many all-inclusive resorts, and family parks.
  
• La Romana and Bayahibe: Reef trips and Saona Island day tours.
  
• Puerto Plata and Cabarete: Kite surfing, mountain cable car, and a historic core.
  
• Santo Domingo: Colonial Zone, museums, and food scene. Plan daylight walking blocks.
  
• Samaná: Whale season in early year, green headlands, and quieter beaches.
  

7–10 day sample routes

One-island beach week, 7 days

Day 1: Fly into PUJ, transfer, beach walk at sunset.
Day 2: Snorkel or a catamaran cruise, early night.
Day 3: Day trip to Saona or Catalina Island.
Day 4: Spa morning, then dune buggies or cenote swim.
Day 5: Lunch outside the resort, shop local crafts.
Day 6: Beach day, golden hour photos.
Day 7: Souvenirs, airport with time buffer.

Beach plus culture, 9–10 days

Days 1–5: Punta Cana resort base. Add one full-day island tour.
Day 6: Fly or drive to Santo Domingo.
Day 7: Walk the Colonial Zone and museums.
Day 8: Chocolate or rum experience, live music in the evening.
Day 9–10: Samaná or Puerto Plata add-on for nature and cliffs.

What to book in advance

• Airport transfers and resort nights in peak months.
  
• Whale tours in Samaná for January to March.
  
• Popular catamaran or island trips in holiday weeks.
  
• A room with shade access if you travel in summer heat.
  

Smart packing list

• Lightweight clothes, a rain jacket, and a sun hat.
  
• Reef-safe sunscreen and strong mosquito repellent.
  
• Dry bag and water shoes for boat days.
  
• Travel meds, electrolytes, copies of bookings, and a passport photo.
  
• Multi-USB charger and a Type A/B adapter if needed.
  

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not arrive without the e-Ticket. Do not flash jewelry or cash. Do not swim in rough surf or during red-flag days. Do not underestimate transfer times between airports and resorts. Do not ignore storm forecasts in summer and fall.

Why it matters

Rules and risks shift each year. The e-Ticket, the 30-day limit, and hurricane season all affect your plans. With clear steps and the right month, you get smoother travel, better value, and safer days on the sand.
 

Sources:

• U.S. Department of State, Dominican Republic Travel Advisory, https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/dominican-republic.html, June 12, 2025.
  
• Ministry of Tourism, Dominican Republic, e-Ticket portal, https://viajerodigital.mitur.gob.do/english/, accessed 2025-09-26.
  
• GoDominicanRepublic, Entry Requirements and over-30-day exit fee, https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/en/travel/entry-requirements, accessed 2025-09-26.
  
• CDC Traveler View, Dominican Republic, and Yellow Book chapter, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/dominican-republic and https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/americas-caribbean/dominican-republic.html, April 23, 2025.
  
• NOAA, Atlantic hurricane season 2025 outlook and update, https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/noaa-predicts-above-normal-2025-atlantic-hurricane-season and https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/prediction-remains-on-track-for-above-normal-atlantic-hurricane-season, May 22, 2025 and August 7, 2025.
  
• Punta Cana International Airport official site, https://www.puntacanainternationalairport.com/en/, accessed 2025-09-26.
  
• Electrical Safety First and Power-Plugs and Sockets, plug types and voltage, https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/when-travelling/travel-adaptor-for-dominican-republic/ and https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/us/dominican-republic/, accessed 2025-09-26.