Vacation inDominican Republic
Travel information for Dominican Republic – everything you need to plan a quality vacation with Join UP!
Lots of information about trips to Dominican Republic! 🔥 Everything you need to know to organize a great vacation and special holidays with Join UP!
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- •Dominican Republic
Do Latvian citizens need a visa or tourist card to enter the Dominican Republic, and how long may they stay?
No traditional visa is required. The US $10 tourist-card fee is included in most airline tickets. Immigration stamps passports for 30 days. Keep a printed return ticket and hotel voucher in case officers ask.
What documents are needed if your stay exceeds 30 days or you wish to stay longer?
For 31–60 days pay an overstay fee (US $40) at airport exit. For longer, apply for an extension at Dirección General de Migración in Santo Domingo within the first month: passport, photos, bank statement and fee (~US $125).
When is the best time to combine beach holidays with good weather and avoid strong tropical cyclones?
Mid-December–April is dry, sunny and outside peak hurricane season. May-June offers lower hotel prices and brief showers. Hurricanes are most likely August–September—travel insurance that covers storm delays is strongly advised then.
What temperatures and conditions should you expect in the rainy season, and does it hinder travel?
Rainy season (May–October) still sees 30–32 °C days. Showers are heavy but brief, mainly late afternoon. Roads can flood for an hour, but excursions usually run after a short delay. Humidity is high—book rooms with efficient A/C.
How do you get from Latvia to the Dominican Republic and what are the transport options inside the country?
Fastest: Rīga–Amsterdam–Punta Cana (KLM) or Rīga–Madrid–Santo Domingo (Iberia) in 13-14 h. Caribe Tours coaches link cities (€10, AC, Wi-Fi). Resort shuttles or domestic flights (LCI Air 40 min) are quicker between Punta Cana and Puerto Plata than six-hour buses.
Are varied lodging types available—from all-inclusive resorts to cheaper guesthouses?
Absolutely. AI resorts in Bávaro from €120 double, boutique eco-lodges on Samaná €75 B&B, city Airbnbs €45. Hostels in Santo Domingo Colonial Zone €18 dorm. Many small hotels take card but request cash for excursions.
Which cultural aspects should you respect and what’s the safety situation in cities like Santo Domingo?
Dominicans value polite greetings—say “Buenos dĂas” when entering shops. Casual dance invitations are normal. In Santo Domingo keep phones hidden, avoid poorly lit streets after 22:00 and use authorised taxis or Uber. Leave passport in hotel safe; carry a copy.
Is it safe to travel outside resort zones and what are the main things to watch for?
Day trips are generally safe; go with licensed guides, avoid isolated beaches after dark and keep an eye on bags in guagua minibuses. Do not flash jewellery; ATM skimmers exist—use machines inside banks.
Which resorts and beaches are the most popular in the Dominican Republic and what characterises them?
Punta Cana/Bávaro: powder-white sand, luxury AI hotels. Puerto Plata: golden breezy beaches ideal for kite-surfing and cheaper family resorts. Samaná’s Las Terrenas: greener, quieter, whale watching Jan–Mar. La Romana: golf courses and Saona Island day trips.
Is it worth joining excursions to the island interior—mountains, waterfalls—and what activities are offered?
Yes. 4×4 tours visit El Limón waterfall, Los Haitises mangroves, coffee farms and Pico Duarte trekking (2-day). Adventure choices include canyoning the “27 Charcos” falls, zip-lining near Punta Cana and Cabarete kite lessons. Prices €60-90 with transport and lunch.