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Tourist cards can be issued on arrival for certain nationalities at a cost of US$10 for a stay of 30 days; extensions are possible. A return or onward ticket is required by all visitors, as well as all documents needed for next destination. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Americans: A valid passport,
or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, is required by US citizens. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days, provided holding a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
UK nationals: British nationals require a passport, but no visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days, provided they hold a Tourist Card (issued on arrival) and passport is endorsed British Citizen. Other UK passport holders should check with the embassy whether a visa is required.
Canadians: A passport is recommended for Canadian nationals, but a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate is also accepted, provided traveling for tourist or business purposes. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days, provided holding a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
Australians: Australians must have a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days, provided travelers hold a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
South Africans: South African nationals require a passport and a visa, which must be obtained prior to travel to the Dominican Republic.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals must have a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days, provided travelers hold a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
New Zealanders: New Zealanders require a passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days, provided travelers hold a Tourist Card (issued on arrival).
Health
No vaccination certificates are required but precautions are recommended against Hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and polio for those who plan to spend time outside the main tourist resort areas. There is a malaria risk throughout the year. Between May and September there is a risk of dengue fever, which is contracted from mosquitoes that bite during the day. It is advisable to use mosquito repellent. Travelers should be aware of the high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus in the Dominican Republic and take the relevant precautions. Flooding from Tropical Storm Noel in November 2007 has resulted in an increase in the number of cases of leptospirosis. Water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated in undeveloped areas; bottled water is available. Some species of fish, including tropical reef fish, may be poisonous to eat even when well cooked. There are good hospitals and other private medical facilities located in Puerto Plata, Santiago and Santo Domingo, but outside of these cities facilities are limited, and staff are unlikely to understand English. Most resorts have doctors that can treat minor medical complaints. Health insurance, including provision for medical evacuation, is recommended.
Safety
Due to the recent unrest in neighboring Haiti and the ongoing unpredictability of the security situation, it is inadvisable to travel across the border to Haiti. There is a low terrorism risk and incidences of violent crime are infrequent. Visitors should take normal precautions against petty crime, however. The Dominican Republic is vulnerable to hurricanes from June to November.
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