The Dominican Republic is the second-largest country in the Caribbean with nearly 1,000 miles of coastline. It boasts the highest mountain peak in the region, at over 3,000 metres, plus 29 national parks and 32 endemic bird species.
But it is the soul of the nation that really captures tourists. There are few places in the world where people live with a smile on their face and a sparkle in their eyes. The Dominican Republic is one of them.
It is an oasis of light, scent and colour, a place where you can let yourself go – whether it is dancing the merengue among the palm trees or feeling the adrenaline rush on a rainforest adventure.
Can British travellers go to the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic was removed from the red list on November 1, 2021.
As of June 28, passengers aged five and over arriving from, or who have spent spent time in, the UK and Ireland in the preceding 14 days, will need to show proof that they have been fully vaccinated at least three weeks ago, or show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
As of January 9, fully vaccinated travellers returning to the UK must take a Covid-19 test, which can be a lateral flow test, on or before day two, and fill out a passenger locator form.
Travellers returning to the UK who aren’t fully vaccinated must fill out a passenger locator form and take a Covid-19 test before arriving, as well as PCR tests on day two and day eight, and quarantine for 10 days.
The Ministry of Tourism in the Dominican Republic has laid out a series of protocols for tourism operators and establishments to follow.
As part of the security measures and protocols to take care of the health of both visitors and hotel employees, the Ministry of Tourism validates the operation of all hotels, airports and tourist businesses with international certifications. These include the Safe Travels stamp and the Bureau Veritas certification.
All safety measures conform to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation with a guiding principle of offering unforgettable tourist experiences in accordance with the most rigorous standards in the industry.
Please click here for more information.
What do British travellers need to do before going to the Dominican Republic?
Passengers aged five and over arriving from, or who have spent spent time in, the UK and Ireland in the preceding 14 days, will need to show proof that they have been fully vaccinated at least three weeks ago, or show proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.
All visitors to the Dominican Republic must complete the electronic entry and exit form, which combines the Traveller Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration and International Embarkation and Disembarkation forms. These must be completed using the digital e-ticket here.
Passengers will need to fill out one form for arrival and another for departure, and the system will generate two QR codes. They are advised to fill out the form up to 72 hours in advance, then print or screenshot the QR code and keep it on hand until arrival, when it will be scanned as they pass through customs.
If passengers need to make any changes to their information, they must start a new form. For further information and to watch a video that will assist in completing the form, click here.
Travellers should also check with their airline for any other testing requirements. Direct flights to the Dominican Republic are currently suspended, but there are same-day connections from UK airports to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana via Paris, Madrid, Frankfurt and Zurich.
This is the latest information but as the situation is fluid, we would recommend checking with the airline websites directly.
When will cruises restart to the Dominican Republic?
All cruise ports were reopened on July 1, 2020, and are ready to receive cruise ships. Please check with individual cruise companies for their schedules.
What safety measures can travellers expect in the Dominican Republic?
A number of protocols have been put in place to ensure safety and provide reassurance to tourists.
To enter the hotels and access their amenities and services, tourists will not need to present a Covid-19 pass, vaccination card or negative PCR test.
At airports, there are hand sanitiser dispensers, boarding pass readers for a direct scan, and social distancing measures with the closure of children’s play areas and the placement of social distancing floor signage.
However in public spaces across the Dominican Republic, mask wearing is mandatory. Those aged 12 and over must present a proof of vaccination card, along with an identify document, who wish to access public entertainment spaces, such as bars, restaurants, discos, clubs, shopping malls, shops, casinos, gyms and sports centres.
Anyone not fully vaccinated must show proof of a negative PCR test, performed by an authorised local laboratory taken within the previous seven days.
Please click here to find the latest up-to-date information on protocols and measures being put in place.
Social distancing and the use of masks are mandatory for the duration of the visitor’s stay.
The hotel sector has also been proactive. Below is a comprehensive list of hotels and resorts website links that provide details on the quality and hygiene programmes they have implemented. These programmes address all aspects of resort operations and guest experience from welcome to departure.
For further details on specific hotel and resort protocols, visit:
- Amanera
- AMResorts
- Bahia Principe
- Barceló Hotels
- Casa de Campo
- Catalonia Hotels & Resorts
- Club Med
- Eden Roc Cap Cana
- Excellence Hotels
- Hard Rock Punta Cana
- Hilton La Romana and Sanctuary
- Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara
- Iberostar
- Impressive Resorts
- Le Sivory Port Blue
- Majestic Resorts
- Ocean Hotels
- Palladium Group
- Princess Hotels & Resorts
- Riu & Sensatori
- Royalton Luxury Resorts
- Viva Wyndham All-Inclusive Resorts
- Westin Punta Cana and Tortuga Bay
PICTURES: The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic
Last updated January 7, 2022