Dominican Republic travel checklist: what to do before you go

The two decisions that shape the whole trip are when you go and where you sleep. December to April is the dry, busy window; June to November is cheaper but sits inside hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October. If you want a Punta Cana resort over Christmas or New Year, book early — those weeks sell out and prices climb.

Pick a shape for the trip before you book anything non-refundable. Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial deserves 2–3 nights, then one beach base for 4–5: Punta Cana for resorts, the Samaná Peninsula (Las Terrenas) for quieter beaches, Cabarete and Puerto Plata for wind and surf. Adding a second beach region usually costs a full travel day by road.

Confirm the entry paperwork for your passport and trip length with the Dominican migration authority or your embassy. Passport validity, visa-free stay length and the migration e-ticket process all change from time to time, so treat any figure you read online — including on this page — as something to verify before you book. Save the e-ticket QR code to your phone and print a copy.

Book the rest of the accommodation now if you are travelling in high season, and decide how you will move between bases. Renting a car gives freedom on the north coast and the Samaná Peninsula; for Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, transfers and buses are simpler. Read up on the common scams before you arrive so the airport taxi and the beach vendors do not set the tone for the trip.

Money: the peso is the local currency, roughly DOP 60–64 to US$1 (2026 estimate — check). US dollars are accepted in resort areas but you get worse rates; withdraw pesos from a bank ATM and keep small notes for tips. A 10% service charge is added by law in many places, so tip extra only for good service.

Check the forecast and the storm outlook. Hurricane season runs June to November, and a named storm can close airports and cancel boats to Saona or Samaná. Know your airline's change policy and keep one flexible day in the plan.

Pack for heat, sun and rain: light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, a rain shell, and a refillable bottle. Plugs are types A and B at 120 V, the same as the US and Canada, so UK, Irish, Australian and New Zealand travellers need an adapter. Download offline maps and a translation app — Spanish is the language outside resorts.

Sort out medication and any remaining vaccines. A travel clinic decides what you need — hepatitis A, typhoid and a yellow fever certificate are the usual questions, and some vaccines need about 10 days to take effect. Carry prescriptions in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription.

Have the e-ticket QR code, passport, proof of onward travel and the address of your first hotel ready at the desk. On arrival, use authorised airport taxis or a pre-booked transfer rather than an unmarked car, and agree the fare before you get in if you pay cash.

Carry a little cash for the first hours — a taxi, a bottle of water, a tip — and keep the rest in the hotel safe. If you land late, eat at the hotel or a nearby place rather than heading into an unfamiliar town with your bags. Emergency number is 911.

Passport valid for the whole stay, plus proof of onward or return travel. Visa-free stay length depends on your passport and is set by Dominican migration — check the current rules for your nationality and trip length before booking, and note that extensions are handled by the migration office in Santo Domingo. The migration e-ticket covers arrival and departure; confirm the current process and whether it is free before you fly.

Keep digital and paper copies of your passport photo page, insurance policy and booking confirmations. If you drive, bring your home licence and check whether an international driving permit is expected by the rental company.

The Dominican peso (DOP) is the currency, about DOP 60–64 to US$1 (2026 estimate — check). US dollars are accepted in many resort and tourist businesses, but the rate is poor, so use pesos for everyday spending. Bank ATMs in cities and resorts give the best rate; carry two cards in case one is blocked.

A 10% service charge is added by law in many restaurants and hotels, so a small extra tip is optional. Airport departure tax is normally already included in your ticket — check your booking.

See a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. Routine vaccines should be up to date, and the clinic decides whether hepatitis A, typhoid or a yellow fever certificate applies to you — a yellow fever certificate is normally only relevant if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is transmitted. Malaria and dengue advice depends on your exact route and season, so ask for current guidance rather than relying on a general page.

Pack oral rehydration salts, a basic first-aid kit, insect repellent and any prescription medicine in original packaging. Tap water is not for drinking in most places; use bottled or filtered water. Dengue is present, so repellent matters more than usual in the rainy months.

Light, quick-drying clothes, swimwear, a hat and sunglasses, plus a rain shell for the wet months. Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent are cheaper to bring than to buy. Plugs are types A and B at 120 V 60 Hz, so US, Canadian and Japanese plugs fit directly; UK, Irish, Australian and New Zealand travellers need an adapter.

Bring a refillable water bottle, a small day bag for beach trips, and a dry bag if you plan boat trips to Saona or whale watching in Samaná. Leave space for coffee and rum on the way home.