Citizens of several countries can enter the country without a visa or tourist card.
SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic maintains a visa system that regulates the entry of foreigners into the country based on the purpose of their visit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mirex) details the available categories and the applicable requirements for each case.
The country also has agreements and regulations that allow visa-free entry for citizens of certain countries, as well as preferential treatment for those entering with only a tourist card. These lists are updated by consular authorities.
Types of visas available
Dominican consulates can grant at least seven types of visas: single (TS) or multiple (TM) tourism; single (NS) or multiple (NM) business; business for employment purposes (NM1); multiple dependency (DPM); residence (RS); student (E); and diplomatic, official or courtesy visas (DM, OS/OM, CS/CM), as established on the Ministry's official website.
Requirements
tourist visa requires an application form, a photograph, a passport valid for at least six months, a criminal record check, and documents proving sufficient funds. It applies to visitors entering for recreational purposes or unpaid activities.
business visa requires a letter of application from the applicant's company or institution, employment verification, a photograph, and general documentation. It is intended for business purposes, not employment.
The business visa for employment purposes (NM1) is granted to foreigners hired by public or private companies established in the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mirex) indicates that it requires a job offer registered with the Ministry of Labor and certifications from the SIRLA system.
The Dependency Visa (DPM ) applies to spouses, children, or direct dependents of foreigners with immigration status in the Dominican Republic. It requires apostilled and translated civil records, in addition to the basic documents.
residence visa (RS) is issued to individuals seeking to settle permanently. It includes subcategories such as family reunification, investment under Law 171-07, rentiers, and pensioners, each with its own specific application process.
The student visa (E) is for foreigners who will be studying at Dominican educational institutions. It requires a letter of application, proof of financial support, academic transcripts, and legalized or apostilled documents.
Countries with visa-free entry or tourist card entry
According to the list, citizens of Argentina, Chile, South Korea, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru, and Uruguay can enter the country without a visa or tourist card.
Another group of countries can enter with a tourist card for tourism purposes only. These include the United States, Canada, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Australia, and New Zealand, among others included on the official list.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Mirex) also maintains agreements that allow visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports. Countries with this visa-free access include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, France, Japan, Morocco, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Taiwan, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Uruguay.
