Dominican Republic

Things To Know

Airline and Airports

More than 60 charter airlines fly to the airports of Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata. Air Santo Domingo, a National airline, offers daily flights to the main airports of the country.

Entry Requirements

As of January 23, 2007: Passports are required for all air and sea travel to or from the Caribbean (including the Bahamas). Click here to learn about our Passports Included offer!

Visas are required for nationals of all countries except for the following:

Nationals of Argentina, Ecuador, Iceland, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Liechtenstein and Uruguay as tourists for a maximum of 90 days.

Nationals of the following countries are entitled to travel on Tourist cards if holding valid passports:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Curaçao, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Finland, France and French Overseas Territories, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, San Marino, Slovak Rep, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, the UK, the USA (including Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Hawaii), Venezuela, Serbia and Montenegro.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

What To Bring

Clothing

Due to the climate, it is advisable to bring a wardrobe of natural fibers such as cotton or linen, for comfort and to ease perspiration during the day while touring the country’s urban and rural areas.

Regardless of what the thermometer indicates when packing, include a bathing suit, sun protection, and sunglasses. When visiting churches, men uncover their heads as a sign of respect. Ladies are not required to cover their heads as in the past, although many continue to wear long sleeves and mantillas during church services. It is considered offensive to enter a temple inebriated or wearing shorts.

Men who are traveling to attend a conference or for business reasons will need to bring a coat and tie. Some events, according to their nature, may require a tuxedo. On certain formal occasions, a white suit is required.

Financial Matters

Currency

Dominican Peso

Bank Hours

Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Utilities

Voltage

American-style plugs are used; power is 110-120 volts, 60 cycles.

Things To Do

There’s virtually no end to the things you can do in the Dominican Republic. Most tourism destinations offer an incredible variety of restaurants and nightlife. The larger Dominican cities host different events and festivals all year round. You can shop for souvenirs, participate in action sports, take a sightseeing tour, or even get married. Your Breezes hosts want to share the beauty of their island with you. Excellent tours are available with experienced, friendly guides and can be arranged by the Concierge at your hotel.

Shopping

The typical shopping visitors do during their visit is to buy souvenirs, either to keep for yourself, or to bring back to loved ones. Souvenir-wise, the Dominican Republic offers locally made handicrafts of all types, which are available in some variety at every tourism destination in the country. Souvenirs range from colorful Dominican and Haitian paintings; to wood and soapstone carvings; to ceramics and mahogany furniture; to fine Amber and Larimar jewelry; to beachwear and sarongs. The most popular though, are the Dominican-made cigars, rum and coffee.

Whale Watching

Between January and March each year, thousands of Humpback Whales of the North Atlantic population, migrate to the Samana Bay region, on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. Boat tour operators will take you out into the bay, trying to get you as close as possible, so that you may witness these incredible, large, warm blooded mammals play in the sea.

Ocean Marine & Water Park

This marine park is located 5 km west of Puerto Plata and has the world’s largest dolphin lagoon, the only sea lion encounter of its kind, the world’s first shark interaction pool, along with tigers, exotic birds, reptiles and tropical fish. Ocean World, the headquarters for exciting natural encounters, has created a park where marine animals and humans can meet on common ground. Designed by a talented group of marine experts, Deep Down Discoveries allows you to choose your own adventure from a long, fascinating list.

What’s your fancy? Swimming with dolphins? Diving over a coral reef? Falling in love with the sea lions? Or, if you are particularly daring, petting and feeding sharks in their 200,000-gallon pool? Or how about holding a seven-foot nurse shark in your lap? Don’t worry, you’re perfectly safe. So relax and glance upwards at the exotic tropical birds in the jungle trees overhead.

Horseback Riding

The Equestrian Center at Sea Horse Ranch allows visitors to see another side of this fascinating island on horseback. The trail leads through picturesque countryside to lush mountains or right along the edge of the sea, a most exhilarating experience. Tours are operated daily, and you can reserve your mount at the resort travel desk.

Columbus Aquaparque/Water Park

This waterslide park is located 2 km west of Sosua and is the largest waterslide park in the Caribbean. The park has many different types (levels) of slides, as well as swimming pools, restaurants and shops. The park is generally open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily and occasionally hosts live musical performances on weekends.