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The Dominican Republic is fully open for travel and tourism! The DR is one of the few international destinations welcoming U.S. travelers that does not require a negative COVID test result. Here’s one of our videos from the Dominican Republic.
Dominican Republic is Fully Open for Travel
In spite of the fact that the DR is open for U.S. travelers, there’s still some things you need to know before you pack your bags.
As of April 2021, the Dominican Republic is listed at a Level 4 on the U.S. State Department’s four-level travel advisory scale, which means that Americans are encouraged to avoid travel due to the risk of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for the Dominican Republic, recommending U.S. citizens avoid travel to the Caribbean hotspot, but to get fully vaccinated or tested beforehand in addition to wearing a face mask, practicing social distancing and frequent hand washing if they must travel.
Visitors to the Dominican Republic (with the exception of those traveling from the United Kingdom) do not need to present proof of a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result to gain entry.
Instead, airports will take temperature checks to all arriving visitors. Additionally, they will administer rapid breath tests to random passengers (between 3% and 15% of all arrivals, as well as anyone exhibiting COVID symptoms). Visitors under the age of 5 are exempt from the random testing.
Visitors to the Dominican Republic are also required to complete and submit a printed Traveler’s Health Affidavit declaring they haven’t felt COVID-19 symptoms in the last 72 hours and providing contact details for the next 30 days or complete an electronic entry and exit form (E-Ticket). The latter combines the Traveler’s Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms. Beginning April 1, 2021, a digital form of the Traveler’s Health Affidavit or E-Ticket will be mandatory.
Travelers age two and older returning to the U.S. after their trip will need to secure a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test result produced within three days of departure in order to meet the CDC’s latest requirements. Fortunately, the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism is offering complimentary viral antigen testing to all international visitors staying at a hotel who qualify for the Free Health Coverage Plan. In some cases, travelers may have to pay out of pocket for a test or a small amount for processing. Visit GoDominicanRepublic.com for a comprehensive look at the latest travel requirements.
Enhanced Health & Safety Protocols
The Dominican Republic has implemented enhanced health and safety protocols that travelers will notice from the time they touch down at the airport until the time they board their return flight home. Face mask requirements, social distancing markers, omnipresent hand sanitizing stations and PPE for airport workers, transportation providers and hotel and resort staff are just some of the elevated measures put in place to ensure a safe experience.
Dominican Republic Travel Deals
Travelers to the Dominican Republic will find many deals and discounts available, right now as they begin to build back their tourism industry.
The DR has many, many all-inclusive resorts for adults and families. One of our favorites is the Now Onyx all-inclusive family resort.
To stay up-to-date with the latest Dominican Republic travel deals and to book your family vacation to the DR with the top travel experts, get in touch with our friends at Destinations In Florida.