Dominican Republic Travel Restrictions: Latest Tourism Advice and Entry Requirements

The Dominican Republic has reopened for tourism and is one of the few international destinations that doesn't require a negative COVID-19 test result for U.S. travelers. Renowned for its amazing beaches, award-winning all-inclusive resorts, world-class golf and fascinating culture and landmarks, the diverse country has long been a coveted Caribbean escape for Americans, and that's unlikely to change in 2021. But before you pack your bags, here's what you need to know and should expect ahead of a trip to the Dominican Republic in the time of COVID-19.

As of April 2021, the Dominican Republic is listed at a Level 4 on the U.S. State Department's four-level travel advisory scale, which means that Americans are encouraged to avoid travel due to the risk of COVID-19. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the Dominican Republic, recommending U.S. citizens avoid travel to the Caribbean hotspot but to get fully vaccinated or tested beforehand in addition to wearing a face mask, practicing social distancing and frequent hand washing if they must travel.

Visitors to the Dominican Republic (with the exception of those traveling from the United Kingdom) do not need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result to gain entry. Instead, airports are administering temperature checks to all arriving passengers and rapid breath tests to between three percent and 15 percent of arrivals as well as anyone exhibiting coronavirus symptoms. Passengers under the age of five are exempt from random testing. Visitors to the Dominican Republic are also required to complete and submit a printed Traveler's Health Affidavit declaring they haven't felt COVID-19 symptoms in the last 72 hours and providing contact details for the next 30 days or complete an electronic entry and exit form (E-Ticket). The latter combines the Traveler's Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms. Beginning April 1, 2021, a digital form of the Traveler's Health Affidavit or E-Ticket will be mandatory.

Travelers age two and older returning to the U.S. after their trip will need to secure a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result produced within three days of departure in order to meet the CDC's latest requirements. Fortunately, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is offering complimentary viral antigen testing to all international visitors staying at a hotel who qualify for the Free Health Coverage Plan. In some cases, travelers may have to pay out of pocket for a test or a small amount for processing. Visit GoDominicanRepublic.com for a comprehensive look at the latest travel requirements.

The Dominican Republic has implemented enhanced health and safety protocols that travelers will notice from the time they touch down at the airport until the time they board their return flight home. Face mask requirements, social distancing markers, omnipresent hand sanitizing stations and PPE for airport workers, transportation providers and hotel and resort staff are just some of the elevated measures put in place to ensure a safe experience. "I have to say I was extremely impressed with the safety protocols," TravelPulse Senior Editor Codie Liermann wrote after a recent trip to the Caribbean destination. "Upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, there was plenty of room to spread out in the airport. Everyone was wearing a mask, and there are space markers placed to let people know where to stand while waiting in line." Liermann went on to note that "the enhanced hygiene procedures were noticeable" at her resort and that "it never felt crowded."

Visitors to the Dominican Republic will have plenty of opportunities to save and score special perks and benefits thanks to an abundance of exceptional deals. For example, travelers can receive massive savings, hundreds of dollars in resort perks and coupons and free 24-hour cancellation in adults-only and family-friendly all-inclusive properties in Cap Cana and La Romana during Playa Hotels & Resorts' Spring Reset Sale, which currently runs through May 6, 2021. Guests don't have to travel right away either as the discounts are good on stays through March 31, 2022.

The benefits of working with a trusted travel advisor are numerous, but the past year has provided a plethora of examples of the many potential pitfalls of going it alone, especially amid ever-changing travel restrictions due to the pandemic. Planning and booking your Dominican Republic vacation with an experienced travel advisor will ensure no aspect of your trip goes overlooked and you end up in the ideal accommodations to suit your preferences and comfort level. Visit TravelSense.org to begin your quest for the perfect travel advisor based on your destination and trip type.