Whether you want an all-inclusive resort vacation or you're looking for an adventure in the tropics, the Dominican Republic may be calling your name. It's a premier destination for golf enthusiasts thanks to scenic courses and challenging play at locations like Teeth of the Dog. The Dominican Republic also offers dazzling beaches, historic landmarks and activities such as hiking, spelunking, and zip lining.
Before you can swim with fish or tee off in the tropics, you have to arrive in the Dominican Republic legally and safely. Find out what you need to travel to this country and how travel protection can help protect you and your belongings.
Essentials to pack for a trip to the Dominican Republic include lightweight, comfortable clothing and swimwear, hats to keep the sun off your face, a beach bag and sandals. Even more critical are the documents you'll need to enter and exit the country with as little hassle as possible.
U.S. travelers need a passport that is valid for the entire time they plan to stay in the Dominican Republic. You'll need one blank passport page for the entry stamp. You may also need to show proof of your planned departure from the country within the required time to avoid the need for a tourist visa.
In addition to your passport, you will need a tourist card. The cost for this card is around $10 and is typically built into airline charges if you fly into the country. If you arrive in the Dominican Republic via cruise, you don't need a tourist card unless you will be staying for more than 24 hours. If your port of call lasts more than 1 day, you will need to purchase a tourist card when booking your cruise or at the appropriate location upon arrival.
You won't need a visa to visit the Dominican Republic unless you are staying for 30 days or more.
When traveling to the Dominican Republic, you may want to review any travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs. This can help you understand what type of travel coverage you might need.
For example, in June 2025, the bureau issued a Level 2 caution advisory due to the potential for crime in some areas of the Dominican Republic. While visitors who follow common-sense safety precautions, plan ahead accordingly and remain aware of their surroundings can have a fun, safe trip in the country, the higher risks of crime might warrant travel insurance that protects you from losses due to theft.
Travel-related coverage is designed to help reimburse expenses you might incur if your trip is canceled, interrupted or delayed for a covered reason. Depending on the type of travel protection you purchase, you may be able to get 100% or more of your expenses reimbursed.
Some covered reasons under these types of plans include:
Illness or injury. If you or your covered traveling companion become too ill to travel or are injured before your trip, you may be able to get reimbursed for nonrefundable trip expenses you prepaid. Coverage typically requires documentation from a physician noting that you are unable to travel.
Certain delays or cancellations by carriers. Flight delays because of adverse weather or other covered delays that cause you to lose nonrefundable prepayments for portions of your trip may be covered.
Jury duty. If a call for jury duty causes you to miss part of your trip, you might be covered.
Mandatory evacuation. In certain situations, a mandated evacuation of your destination for weather or other purposes may result in travel protection coverage for lost prepayments or deposits.
Some other covered reasons include military leave revocation, military duty, job loss, adoption, new vaccine requirements that weren't in effect when you booked your trip or changes to a school year or exam requirements for students. Every covered reason comes with specific requirements, so it's essential to review your travel protection plan to understand when coverage may be applicable.
Health-related travel protection coverage provides options for reimbursement when you experience a medical need when traveling. You may not be able to use your standard health or dental insurance if you have to seek treatment from providers in the Dominican Republic, so you can select a travel protection plan that includes Medical and Dental coverage.
Some other reasons to opt for Dominican Republic travel protection that includes health-related coverage include:
Assistance in seeking care. Often, travel protection includes access to assistance hotlines that help you locate medical resources near your destination or navigate repatriation processes.
When traveling to the Dominican Republic, you might also want travel protection that helps cover your belongings. Such coverage includes baggage loss or delay, Rental Car Damage coverage and coverage for sporting equipment. Some of these are add-ons, so ensure you review your plan options and determine whether all of your belongings would be appropriately covered.
When you purchase travel protection for Dominican Republic through Generali Global Assistance, you get access to 24-hour emergency services from an experienced team. Some help you can get through the Generali Global Assistance hotline includes:
Referrals to legal or medical providers who speak your language and can help with your emergency needs
Assistance locating lost or stolen items, including travel documents or luggage
Emergency cash transfers if you run into unanticipated expenses or your traveler's checks are lost
Translation services in all major languages to help you read and understand written documents
As of June 18, 2025, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 alert for U.S. citizens traveling to and from the Dominican Republic. A Level 2 alert advises travelers to exercise increased caution.
When visiting any destination under a Level 2 advisory, it’s recommended to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, travel with companions, and keep personal items, food, and drinks secure.
Other considerations for travelers include local traffic conditions and general health precautions.
Travel Protection Plans from Generali Global Assistance are designed to help provide peace of mind. We may offer help with reimbursement if your trip is interrupted or delayed for a covered reason, or if your belongings are damaged or stolen during your trip. Terms and conditions apply.
To purchase travel protection for the Dominican Republic, consider your coverage needs and budget. For example, if you plan to bring your golf clubs to hit the scenic links at your destination, you may want to confirm your plan includes sports equipment coverage.
You can get a quote from Generali Global Assistance after reviewing our Premium, Preferred and Standard plan options.
To optimize your enjoyment when planning, traveling to and staying in the Dominican Republic, take time to do some research. Create an itinerary of activities and have a backup plan for fun things to do if your first choice falls through. Ensure you understand the entry requirements at the time you travel so you have the appropriate passport and other documents on hand, and purchase travel insurance with assistance services for maximum peace of mind during your vacation.
Some other tips for traveling to and throughout the Dominican Republic include:
Pay attention to hydration. In a warm, tropical environment where you may be spending lots of time in the sun, hydration is important. Avoid tap water, which may not always be safe to drink, and stock up on bottled water when you can. You might also invest in a personal water filter — you can find these in the camping section at most major department stores.
Equip yourself with some basic Spanish. Learn some basic Spanish phrases before you travel. Being able to ask where critical areas, such as hospitals or hotels, are — or whether there is a bathroom — can enhance your trip.
Get outside of resorts. Explore nature and adventure opportunities, such as beautiful waterfalls. Consider balancing your trip between adventure and relaxing on beaches or poolside.
Follow common-sense safety guidelines. Don't go out into unknown areas at night, avoid exploring alone and don't venture into isolated areas without a lot of research or a trusted local guide.
Explore local foods. Try at least a few foods that are new to you, and enjoy the fresh seafood offered at coastal eateries.
Planning is part of the fun of traveling, but make sure to incorporate some practical considerations. Make a budget and try to stick to it to keep your vacation from becoming a financial burden later. Buy travel insurance with assistance services to help protect yourself and give yourself peace of mind.
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Note: Trip Cancellation for Any Reason coverage is not available to residents of New York and other eligibility requirements apply.