Dominican Republic

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

US Embassy/Consulate

[1] (809) 567-7775; US Embassy in Santo Domingo, Av. Republica de Colombia # 57, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; https://do.usembassy.gov/; SDOAmericans@state.gov

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations.html

Telephone Code

809

Local Emergency Phone

911

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the Dominican Republic: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia. influenza, COVID-19.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical maritime; little seasonal temperature variation; seasonal variation in rainfall

Currency (Code)

Dominican pesos (DOP)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

120 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C

Plug Type APlug Type BPlug Type C

Major Languages

Spanish

Major Religions

Evangelical, Roman Catholic, none, unspecified

Time Difference

UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in the Dominican Republic, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Cuidad Colonial of Santo Domingo; Lake Enriquillo; Del Este National Park; Samaná Peninsula and Samaná Bay; Bahia de Las Aguilas and Jaragua National Park; Basilica of Our Lady

Major Sports

Baseball, soccer, boxing

Cultural Practices

Dominican people are generally warm, friendly, direct, and eager to speak about their families. Dominicans are expressive and speak loudly and quickly in conversation.

Tipping Guidelines

At most restaurants, a tip of 10% is expected unless service charges are pre-added. Typical bellhop tips are $1-2 (USD) per bag and $2-3 (USD) per night for housekeepers.

Souvenirs

Larimar jewelry and stones, amber jewelry, woodcarvings, pottery, baskets, limestone carvings, cigars, rum

Traditional Cuisine

La Bandera — rice, red beans, and meat


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Thursday, May 09, 2024