Dominican Republic entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 12, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadians don't need a visa for tourism in the Dominican Republic. You'll get a tourist card (included in your airfare) upon arrival, valid for up to 30 days. This applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in the Dominican Republic. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Dominican Republic | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at passport control. A flight booking out of the country within your allowed stay is sufficient — they rarely check the exact date, but you must have one. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a printed or digital hotel reservation for at least the first few nights. If staying with friends or family, a letter of invitation with their address and phone number works. Officers rarely ask, but it smooths things if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a credit card or bank statement showing you have enough money for your trip. There is no official minimum, but having access to at least $500 USD equivalent is a safe bet. Officers almost never ask Canadians, but it is better to have it. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you will not be allowed to board. Renew early.
E-Ticket saves time at the airport
Fill out the Dominican Republic E-Ticket online before you fly. You'll get a QR code that speeds up immigration and customs. No need to fill out paper forms on the plane.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport in Canada
Check in for your flight. The airline will confirm your passport validity and onward ticket. They'll also collect the tourist card fee (usually included in your ticket price).
2
Fill out the E-Ticket form
Before you fly, complete the Dominican Republic E-Ticket (formulario de ingreso) online. You'll get a QR code. Save it on your phone — you'll show it at immigration and customs.
3
Go through immigration in the Dominican Republic
At the airport (Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, etc.), join the foreign passport queue. Hand over your passport and the QR code. The officer will stamp you in. No visa needed.
4
Collect your luggage and clear customs
After immigration, grab your bags and walk through customs. You may be asked to scan your bags. Keep your QR code handy.
Download Dominican Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 12, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Apply at Dominican embassy/consulate before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD
Requires proof of sufficient funds and travel history.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost~$100 USD
Requires invitation letter from Dominican company.
retirement visa
Residencia por Inversión (Pensionado)
1 year, renewable
~$1,500 USD initial fee
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,500 USD. Allows permanent residency after 2 years.
digital nomad visa
Visado para Nómadas Digitales
1 year, renewable
~$800 USD application fee
For remote workers with proof of income of at least $2,000 USD/month. No local tax on foreign income.
investor visa
Residencia por Inversión (Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$2,000 USD initial fee
For investors who purchase real estate worth at least $200,000 USD or invest $100,000 USD in a business.
work visa
Permiso de Trabajo
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
Requires a job offer from a Dominican employer and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeFor a 30-day extension, applied at immigration offices. | DOP 2,500 (~$45 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration upon departure. | DOP 500 (~$9 USD) per day, max DOP 10,000 (~$180 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Overstay history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Dominican Republic
No transit visa needed
Canadian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Dominican Republic airports.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsPunta Cana International Airport (PUJ) · Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) · Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
Health & vaccines for Dominican Republic
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Low risk in rural areas near the Haitian border; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Santo Domingo
Dirección General de Migración
Av. 30 de Marzo esq. Leopoldo Navarro, Santo Domingo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and permits. Bring passport, E-Ticket, and fee.
Punta Cana
Oficina de Migración Punta Cana
Aeropuerto Internacional de Punta Cana, Terminal B
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Convenient for tourists; limited services for extensions.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalSanto Domingo
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyDominican Peso (DOP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 59.14 DOP
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage110V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BSame as US: two flat pins (A) or with grounding (B).
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
You get up to 30 days as a tourist. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Dirección General de Migración in Santo Domingo or at a regional office. The extension costs around 2,500 DOP (about $45 CAD) and gives you another 30 days.
No. The tourist card fee is included in your airfare when you fly from Canada. You don't need to buy anything at the airport.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline. The Dominican Republic requires 6 months of validity from your entry date. Renew your passport before you travel.
No. You need a return or onward ticket. Immigration and the airline will check this. If you don't have one, you may be refused boarding.
It's not officially required for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Medical costs in the Dominican Republic can be very high. Many Canadian travel insurance policies cover the Dominican Republic.
The E-Ticket is an online form you fill out before travel. It combines immigration and customs declarations. You get a QR code that you show at the airport. Fill it out at least 24 hours before your flight. It's free.
Yes. Visit the Dirección General de Migración in Santo Domingo (Av. 30 de Marzo) or a regional office. The extension costs about 2,500 DOP and gives you an additional 30 days. You can extend up to 90 days total.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 12, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.