International visitors traveling to the Dominican Republic will no longer be required to pay a US $10 tourist entry fee upon arrival at one of the nation's eight airports. Instead, the tourist card fee is being integrated into the price of the air ticket.
The announcement, made by The Dominican Tax Authorities (DGII), will eliminate the previous system where visitors processed payment upon arrival in Dominican Republic international customs. The change is being implemented to reduce the time visitors need to spend in the airport, allowing them to maximize their vacation time in the island nation.
"From the minute travelers arrive, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience in the Dominican Republic," said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "This announcement supports our promise to offer an unmatched vacation."
The new process only applies to air travelers, however. Visitors entering the country on a cruise ship will still need to follow the current entry requirements.
Most visitors entering the Dominican Republic by air, including those from the U.S., Canada, Great Britain, the European Union, Mexico, and many South American countries only need a valid passport and the bundled tourist card to enter the country.
During the first quarter of 2018, the majority of air arrivals entered the country via Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) which welcomed 1,081,857 international tourists. Santo Domingo's Las Americas Airport (SDQ) was the second-busiest port of entry, with 221,775 passengers.
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