Dominican Republic Holidays

UK citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your visit. You will need to complete an online entry and exit form up to seven days before arrival, which generates a QR code for immigration. Stays can be extended up to 120 days through the Dominican Republic Immigration Service. No vaccinations are compulsory, but check the latest FCDO advice before travelling.

December to April is the peak season with the most sunshine, the least rain, and average temperatures between 25-31°C. The DR is warm year-round, so the off-season (May-November) still delivers great weather at lower prices, just expect occasional afternoon showers.

Seasonal highlights: Whale watching in Samaná runs mid-January to late March (1,500-2,000 humpbacks). Carnival takes over the country every Sunday in February, peaking at the La Vega carnival which draws over 500,000 visitors. Dominican baseball season runs October to January across five stadiums, the DR has produced over 500 MLB players, more than any country outside the USA. The Punta Cana Gourmet Week (March) and DR Jazz Festival (October-November) are highlights for food and music lovers.

The currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and all-inclusive resorts. Major credit cards work at most hotels and restaurants. ATMs are available in towns and cities. For local markets, street food, and rural areas, carry some pesos in small denominations.

The Dominican Republic has six international airports, making it one of the best-connected Caribbean destinations. Punta Cana (PUJ) is the busiest and has direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. Las Américas (SDQ) near Santo Domingo serves the capital region. On the north coast, Gregorio Luperón (POP) in Puerto Plata connects to European and North American carriers.

Internal flights connect the major regions, but comfortable private transfers are the easiest way to combine destinations, Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is about 2 hours by road, and Samaná is 2.5 hours from Santo Domingo. We arrange all transfers as part of your holiday package.

The Dominican Republic is generally safe for tourists in established resort areas and tourist zones. Use standard precautions in cities: avoid flashing valuables, use registered taxis, and keep to well-lit areas at night. Tap water at resorts is usually treated, but bottled water is recommended elsewhere. Consult your GP 4 to 6 weeks before travel about routine vaccinations and whether malaria prophylaxis is recommended for your itinerary. Travel insurance is essential.

If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, most of what you need is on site. For exploring independently, hire cars are available (an international driving permit is helpful). Registered taxis and organised tours through your hotel or a local operator are the most comfortable options for day trips. Domestic flights connect the main cities. Long-distance buses run between Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, and Samana, but hired transport is more convenient for most visitors.

Our ten-night honeymoon in Cap Cana and Casa de Campo starts from £5,999 per person, including return flights from London. A tailor-made trip is priced around your dates, your hotels and how many of you are travelling. December to April is the busiest season, and Christmas, New Year and Easter cost the most, so flights and hotels are dearer then.

A week is enough for a beach stay with a day in Santo Domingo. Ten days to two weeks lets you add Samaná, with the humpback whales from mid-January to March, or the mountains around Jarabacoa, before finishing on the coast. The flight from London takes around nine to ten hours, so most people stay at least ten nights.