The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most visited destination, and for good reason. From the world-famous beaches of Punta Cana to the historic colonial streets of Santo Domingo—the oldest European settlement in the Americas—this island nation offers an irresistible mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture. Before you can feel the sand between your toes or dance to merengue rhythms, there's one essential requirement: the Dominican Republic eTicket. This mandatory digital form combines your customs declaration, immigration information, and health declaration into one simple online submission. With DoVisa, completing your eTicket takes just a few minutes, ensuring your Caribbean getaway starts without a hitch.
What is the Dominican Republic eTicket?
The Dominican Republic eTicket is a unified digital form that replaced the old paper-based customs declaration, international embarkation/disembarkation card, and health affidavit. Introduced to modernize and streamline the entry process, it collects all necessary traveler information in one convenient online submission.
When you complete the eTicket, you receive a QR code confirmation via email. Immigration officers at Dominican airports scan this code to retrieve your pre-submitted information, significantly speeding up the arrival process. No more filling out paper forms on the plane or waiting in long lines at customs kiosks.
The eTicket is mandatory for all travelers arriving by air or sea. Airlines may check for it before boarding, and immigration requires it for entry. Completing it in advance ensures a smooth, stress-free arrival in paradise.
eTicket Quick Facts
Required for: ALL air and sea arrivals (mandatory)
When to complete: Within 72 hours of travel
Cost: Completely free
Processing: Instant QR code confirmation
Includes: Customs, immigration, and health declaration
Also needed: Departure eTicket when leaving
Languages: Spanish, English, French, German, and more
Who Needs to Complete the eTicket?
The Dominican Republic eTicket is mandatory for everyone—no exceptions. Whether you're visiting visa-free or with a visa, tourist or business traveler, you must complete it. Here's who needs to apply:
- All nationalities: Every international visitor must complete the eTicket, regardless of citizenship
- Visa-free travelers: US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and 100+ other nationalities can visit visa-free but still need the eTicket
- Visa holders: If you required a tourist card or visa, you still need the eTicket separately
- All-inclusive guests: Even if your resort handles many things, the eTicket is your personal responsibility
- Cruise passengers: Arriving by cruise ship? You need an eTicket before disembarking
- All ages: Children and infants need to be included (can be on a parent's eTicket)
- Departing travelers: You also need an eTicket when LEAVING the Dominican Republic
Visa-Free for Most Visitors
Great news! Most visitors can enter the Dominican Republic visa-free for up to 30 days. US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other nationalities qualify. The eTicket is still mandatory regardless of visa status.
Requirements for the eTicket
Gather the following information before starting your eTicket application:
- Valid passport: Must be valid for your entire stay in the Dominican Republic
- Passport details: Number, issue date, expiry date, issuing country
- Personal information: Full name exactly as in passport, date of birth, nationality
- Contact details: Email address and phone number
- Flight information: Airline, flight number, departure city, arrival airport
- Accommodation address: Hotel/resort name and complete address
- Purpose of visit: Tourism, business, family visit, etc.
- Customs declaration: Items being imported (currency over $10,000, commercial goods, etc.)
- Health information: Current health status declaration
- Emergency contact: Name and phone number of someone back home
- Device with internet: To complete the form and receive your QR code
Airlines May Check Before Boarding
Some airlines verify that you have a completed eTicket before allowing you to board. Don't assume you can complete it upon arrival—you may be denied boarding. Complete it at least 24 hours before your flight.
How to Complete Your eTicket
Completing the Dominican Republic eTicket is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Access the eTicket portal: Visit the official Dominican Republic eTicket website or use DoVisa's guided application for built-in error checking
- Select your language: The form is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, and German
- Choose arrival or departure: You need separate submissions for entering and leaving the country
- Enter passport details: Input your full name exactly as shown in your passport, passport number, nationality, and dates
- Add flight information: Enter your airline, flight number, departure city, and arrival airport in DR
- Provide accommodation: Enter your resort, hotel, or rental's complete name and address
- Complete customs declaration: Declare currency over $10,000, commercial goods, and any restricted items
- Answer health questions: Complete the health declaration honestly
- Include family members: You can add all family members traveling together to one submission
- Review and submit: Double-check all information before submitting
- Save your QR code: Screenshot to your phone AND print a backup copy
Don't Forget Departure
You need TWO eTickets—one for arrival and one for departure. Complete your departure eTicket 72 hours before leaving the Dominican Republic. Your resort may remind you, but don't rely on it!
Complete Your Dominican Republic eTicket with DoVisa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid These eTicket Errors
Even small mistakes can cause problems at the airport. Here's what to watch out for:
- Not completing it at all: Airlines may deny boarding, and immigration requires it—this isn't optional!
- Name mismatches: Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport, including middle names
- Wrong flight information: Double-check airline codes and flight numbers—common errors cause confusion
- Incomplete accommodation: 'Beach resort in Punta Cana' isn't enough—provide the full hotel name and address
- Forgetting the departure eTicket: You need one for leaving too! Hotels may not remind you
- Not including all travelers: Each person needs to be on an eTicket—don't forget children
- Email typos: Your QR code is sent via email—verify your address carefully
- Not saving the QR code: Screenshot AND print it—phone batteries die at the worst times
DoVisa Prevents Errors
Our guided application validates your information as you type, catching common mistakes before they cause problems. We ensure your name formats match, dates are correct, and all required fields are complete.
Travel Tips for the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic offers incredible diversity—from all-inclusive beach resorts to historic cities, mountain adventures, and vibrant nightlife. Here's what you need to know:
- Best time to visit: December through April offers the best weather—warm, sunny, and dry. Hurricane season runs June-November, with September being the riskiest month
- Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP), but USD is accepted at most resorts and tourist areas. ATMs dispense pesos. Credit cards widely accepted
- Language: Spanish is the official language. English is common in tourist areas, especially Punta Cana. Basic Spanish phrases are appreciated
- Getting around: Airport transfers are usually included with all-inclusive packages. Uber works in major cities. Renting a car offers independence but driving can be chaotic
- Must-see destinations: Punta Cana beaches, Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone (UNESCO), Saona Island day trip, Los Haitises National Park, Puerto Plata, Samaná for whale watching
- All-inclusive tips: Book excursions through your resort or reputable companies. Tipping is appreciated (housekeeping, bar staff, restaurant servers)
- Safety: Tourist areas are generally safe. Use common sense—don't flash expensive items, use hotel safes, and be cautious outside resort areas after dark
- Food and drink: Try mangu (mashed plantains), sancocho (stew), and fresh seafood. Stick to bottled water. Mama Juana is the local drink!
- Health: No special vaccinations required. Use reef-safe sunscreen. Mosquito repellent recommended for excursions
Insider Tip
Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial is the oldest European-built city in the Americas—Columbus's son lived here! Take a walking tour to see the first cathedral, first university, and first hospital of the New World. It's just a day trip from Punta Cana.
Why Apply with DoVisa?
Simple guided form in your language
Real-time error checking
Family submission support
24/7 customer support
Reminder for departure eTicket
Secure QR code storage
Mobile-friendly application
Free service for eTicket registration
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the eTicket mandatory?
Does the eTicket cost anything?
How far in advance can I complete it?
Do I need the eTicket to leave the Dominican Republic?
Can I add my whole family to one eTicket?
Does the eTicket replace the visa?
What if I make a mistake on my eTicket?
Do all-inclusive resorts handle the eTicket?
What airports require the eTicket?
Is my information secure?
Ready for the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic offers something for every traveler—world-class beaches, rich history, adventure excursions, and the warmest Caribbean hospitality. Whether you're heading to an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, exploring the cobblestone streets of Santo Domingo, or chasing waterfalls in Samaná, this island paradise delivers unforgettable experiences.
Complete your eTicket with DoVisa and you'll be ready for smooth arrivals and departures. Our guided process ensures accuracy, and we'll even remind you about your departure eTicket so you don't get caught at the airport. Paradise is waiting!
Dominican Republic
Capital: Santo Domingo
Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP) / USD accepted
Language: Spanish
Timezone: UTC-4 (Atlantic Time)
Processing: Instant
Quick Facts
- Best time: December - April (dry season)
- Oldest city in the Americas (Santo Domingo)
- Power: 120V, Type A/B plugs
- Country code: +1-809, +1-829, +1-849
- Population: 11 million
- Famous for: Merengue, baseball, rum
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Comments(12)
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Punta Cana was incredible! The all-inclusive at Secrets was perfect for our honeymoon. Pro tip: book the seafood restaurant early, it fills up fast!
WARNING: Don't forget the departure eTicket! I almost missed it and was scrambling at the hotel lobby 2 hours before my flight. Stressful!
Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone blew me away - so much history! First cathedral in the Americas, first hospital, first university. Take a day trip from Punta Cana, totally worth it.
Question: Can I use USD everywhere or do I need Dominican pesos?
Saona Island day trip from Punta Cana is a MUST! Crystal clear water, starfish everywhere, unlimited rum punch on the catamaran. Best $80 I ever spent. DR is paradise!
Had an issue where my QR code wouldn't load at the airport (WiFi was terrible). DoVisa customer service got me a backup code via WhatsApp in 10 minutes. Lifesavers!
Mama Juana at the resort was interesting... let's say it's an acquired taste 😂 But the local rum (Brugal, Barceló) is excellent and way cheaper than imported stuff.
Traveled with elderly parents - is wheelchair assistance available at Punta Cana airport?
Tipping guide for all-inclusives: $1-2 for drinks, $5/night for housekeeping, $20 for exceptional service. It's appreciated even though 'tips are included'. Makes a difference!
Went to Samaná in January for whale watching - INCREDIBLE! Humpback whales breach right next to the boat. Book through a reputable company, not beach vendors.
As a Spanish speaker, I loved chatting with locals! Even if you only know basics, Dominicans are so friendly and patient. They love when tourists try to speak Spanish!
Is it safe to rent a car? Thinking of driving from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo.