Explore: Dominican Republic - Formalities
Clearance
For yachting protocols during the COVID pandemic see Biosecurity.
PRE-ARRIVAL
The SailClear advance web notification service for clearance is now operational here. Completing the online forms prior to checking in may save a lot of time at Customs. For a full explanation of this service and other web clearance services in the Caribbean see report: Eastern Caribbean Cruising: Clearance Procedures Simplified
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
Ports of Entry:
To enter the Dominican Republic you must arrive at a “Puerto Habilitado” (Ports that have a clearing in and out facilities).
On the North Shore, this includes Manzanillo, Luperon and Puerto Plata. If you arrive at Monticristi, they will send to Manzanillo for Immigration for you.
On the East Coast, you can clear in or out at Santa Barbara de Samana (the marina here has customs and immigration on their premises) as well as Cap Cana and Punta Cana.
On the South Coast, you can clear in or out at Santo Domingo, Boca Chica and Casa de Campo. At Las Salinas, although a Port of Entry, it is best just used for clearing out.
Several ports are best to avoid, unless one has special permission (e.g. Puerto Plata’s commercial harbour and Azua).
General Process:
International yachts can arrive in the DR at any time, but it is preferred that you arrive between 08:00 and 16:00 if possible.
Fly the yellow Quarantine Flag when you arrive and also the Dominican Republic Courtesy flag.
In all ports, you must announce your arrival to the “Navy” by VHF channel 16 or 68 and wait to be boarded by them and other security officials. If no answer then you need to call “general inquiry” on Ch 68 to see if any other cruisers/sailors can advise you as to what the procedure is in that particular port as it is considered illegal to step on land without clearance by the Navy first.
The Navy will then advise you on how to check-in with the rest of the officials.
You will be boarded by:
- The Navy
They will want to see papers from the previous harbor and can issue a despacho to the next harbor. They will also issue a free 90 day cruising permit on first arrival into the country – after that time a cruising permit has to be paid for (see documents). The Navy will also want to see all firearms which must be made safe and boxed and then handed to the Navy. They will issue a receipt and keep them safe until you leave the DR; - Immigration for a tourist visa for all crew;
- Department of Drug Enforcement to check for illegal drugs;
- M-2 which is Intelligence and who goes along with the drug inspection officer;
- Customs may appear and require a form to be filled out. This does not occur in every port and not all the time. The requirement exists but is inconsistent as most customs work is directed to commercial yachts/shipping.
You may also have to go ashore after the onboard inspections and visit:
- Port Authority who will want to see your boat papers (vessel information) and collect harbor fees;
- Department of Agriculture who will charge a small fee to cover garbage disposal.
For details of charges to pay to see Fees.
Notes:
- Some officials will ask for small tips throughout the DR (usually a couple of beers worth). There may also be various “invented” fees, which are outlined on the individual port pages. This custom is a form of “direct tax” as the officials get paid so little per month. The entire country works on tips and commissions, so in short, get accustomed to it or don’t sail to the DR.
- Some marinas will offer a clearance service with an all-inclusive charge (including tips). Sometimes this is much simpler than visiting all the various offices, which for some can be lengthy and complicated.
- It is customary to offer officials that board the boat a cold soft drink.
- Any boat that comes into a DR harbor is under DR jurisdiction. If they do not want to stay, the authorities may permit them to depart provided they have not set foot on land. If they have set foot on land, then they must clear in and clear out.
- The DR is concerned about illegal emigration and drug smuggling and monitors ports closely. Most cruising boats are not searched. However, if a boat meets the profile, such as coming from Jamaica and /or an all-male crew, it is likely it will be searched.
Domestic Cruising:
The Navy issues the despacho from harbor to harbor. Despachos are issued only to “Puerto Habilitado” (Ports that have a clearing in and out facilities). Stopping between official ports may be done with your despacho provided you have a reason, such as needing to take a rest, mechanical work etc. There is no official charge for a local despacho and the days of officials asking for a payment (in the region of $20 to $25) to “clear out to a local destination” are almost over.
CLEARING OUT
In all DR ports, no departure is permitted after 18:00.
International Clearance:
When you are ready to leave the DR, you must get an International Despacho from the Navy. Be sure to give 1-2 days notice as the authorities will have to board your vessel again for a security check as per international law.
The DR has agreements with the USA on security that have been imposed upon them by the US, so if a vessel is clearing out to sail to the US mainland, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands, usually an additional step of bringing sniffer dogs on your boat will occur. For this reason, be sure to give plenty of notice that you wish to clear out to one of these countries so security checks can be properly arranged.
Depending on where you are clearing to, you will be asked to pay a “tip” (not voluntary) for the time involved. For an easier check-out, pick a non-US destination and then take it from there.
Note that once you have been issued with a despacho, you must depart within 1-2 hours or your despacho will be taken away and you will have to obtain a new one the next day. Be sure to check in your port of departure what time restrictions are in place.
Domestic Clearance:
In some ports, despacho conditions might be more relaxed if you are simply moving to the next port with a domestic despacho. However, don’t leave it too long otherwise the port you are sailing to may query the time it has taken for you to get to them.
Notes:
- If the weather is “strong”, the Coast Guard may refuse to allow you to depart as at times they close down the coast (including commercial craft). Your departure despacho will be withheld until conditions are deemed safe. Some cruisers have expressed anger about this in the past, but the DR has their own reasons for maintaining the safety of their coast and the security of their environment. There have been occasions in the past when boats have been lost, in particular on the north coast in heavy weather, where the vessel has ended up on the coast, leaking fuel into the sea and the crew requiring rescue assistance.
- All harbors in the DR are on heightened alert as the vigilance against drug runners has increased, which can at times cause a short delay when clearing in or out.
- Some of the intermediate ports get more traffic and the officials at those ports are easier to deal with. Some ports or anchorages like Punta Macao on the east end have a reputation for asking for a fee for stopping, although such requests do not have to be honored.
Last updated: December 2019

Immigration
Immigration Procedure:
All visitors must have a valid passport.
For most nationals, a 30-day Tourist Visa Card is issued on arrival. Citizens of Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Perú, South Korea and Uruguay do not require a Tourist Card or a visa.
List of countries covered by a Tourist Card.
The Tourist Visa Card is easily paid on a sliding scale when checking out by sea or air and works out cheaper the longer you stay in the country. It is easily renewable.
There is no limit as to how long you can stay in the DR.
Other Visa Information:
If wishing to renew the Tourist Visa Card after 30 days, fees are payable depending on how long you wish to stay in the country. See Fees below for details.
If a visa is required, all applications must be authorized by the authorities in the Dominican Republic prior to arrival.
If sailing from the DR to Puerto Rico, see information for non-USA/Canadian passport holders as to how the ESTA process can be used for short stays.
Last updated: December 2019
Customs
Arriving by Yacht:
Customs may appear when you clear-in to the DR and require a form to be filled out. This does not occur in every port and not all the time. The requirement exists but is inconsistent as most Customs work is directed to commercial and charter yachts.
Length of Stay:
Visiting yachts are given a free 90-day cruising permit on arrival. See Documents for more details.
Other Items:
Firearms are checked by the Naval boarding officer so you must “make safe” and box all firearms and hand over the ammunition. Certificates of ownership must be provided. The Navy will keep firearms safe and issue you with a receipt for you to collect them when you check-out of the DR.
Last updated: December 2019
BioSecurity
While the protocols below are as accurate as per the last date recorded, the situation is constantly changing with regards to Covid-19 protocols for yacht arrivals and skippers should always check with their intended port of arrival before getting underway to be 100% certain of what is required.
COVID-19: OPEN
Yachting Protocols:
27 January, 2021
NOTE that the new digital form is not suited (as yet) for yacht arrivals. For now, follow procedures from “Register with SailClear” below under 08 January.
08 January, 2021
Entry of cruisers and tourists into the Dominican Republic from 1st February 2021.
- Prior to arrival a digital form must be completed online. It is easier to do this on a laptop, however, if you only have a phone then hold it horizontally to complete the form. This digital form will replace the completion of all physical forms that are required to date.
- The form is accessed through the following link: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/. That page also contains detailed steps to fill out and is in English and Spanish.
- Register with SailClear – see Clearance.
- There are still no COVID tests required to enter, just health safety protocols upon arrival.
- Drop anchor with the yellow flag flying.
- If any of the crew has a fever or cough or any other symptoms the Captain should let the Commandante know and stay on board under quarantine until the Public Health Officers deem it safe to go ashore.
- If none of the crew are exhibiting symptoms, all crew should go ashore in the dinghy to the government dock, wearing facemasks and practicing social distancing.
- A Health check will be carried out and if any crew members have a temperature all crew will have to return to the yacht for quarantine. All crew shall sign a health declaration.
- Clearance procedures should be followed.
- When you get back to the boat, lower the yellow flag and hoist the DR courtesy flag.
- Yachts that are required to stay under quarantine are expected to strictly observe their quarantine. The tourist office will have a list of authorized suppliers who can assist with fuel, water and provisions.
Notes:
- Not all clearance ports are open (for example Casa de Campo Marina is not operating for international arrivals at this time, but the nearby town of La Romana is). Call ahead to check the port you are heading for is open.
History:
- On March 19, 2020, the country closed its borders.
- On November 1, 2020, the country opened its maritime borders.
Resources:
Reports:
Related Businesses
Ministry of Health Dominican Republic
Address: Av. Dr. Héctor Homero Hérnandez, Esq. Av. Tiradentes, Ens. The Faith , Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic,
Ministry of Public Health – Dominican Republic
Address: Dominican Republic,
Health
The quality of healthcare can vary greatly throughout the DR. In general, hospitals and clinics in the big cities and tourist resorts offer a high standard of care with English speaking staff. Public clinics tend to be under-equipped and private medical insurance is recommended.
CEDIMAT (Centro de Diagnostico y Medicina Avanzada y de Conferencias de Medicas y Tele Medicina) medical center in Santo Domingo is reported to provide high quality care that meets US/Canadian/European standards for quality and patient safety.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
In some of the inland communities, and rural communities, where there are standing water and poor drainage, there have been some reported cases of malaria. There have also been cases of chikungunya virus, dengue fever and the Zika virus. Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.
Prevention:
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
- Pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Ensure that hatch and window screens work properly.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Keep up-to-date with all routine vaccines before going to the DR, including the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine, the chickenpox vaccine and the polio vaccine. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are also recommended.
Food and Water Concerns:
Cases of ciguatera have been reported on the north coast between Samana and Puerto Plata.
In some of the inland communities and rural communities, where the tap water comes up from the ground, there is the risk of parasites in the water. If buying fresh vegetables/fruits then peel them where you can or wash them in water with a tiny amount of bleach in it and let them soak for 5 mins to prevent the same. Always drink RO tap water which is freely available and very cheap.
Documents
Cruising Permit:
Visiting yachts are given a free 90-day cruising permit on arrival.
After that time, if wanting to stay longer in the DR, a cruising permit must be applied for via the Navy and costs Rd$485-525/LOA ft/year.
The DR Flag:
If you want to re-flag your boat under the DR, you will have to pay import tax. It is high because there is a tax of about 30% followed by a selective import tax on top of that of another 20%. With sales tax then added of 16%, this is a pricey option. Most well off Dominicans that are in the yacht clubs, have their boats with an American Flag. They pay $43 to bring their boat into the country and then every year they pay a foreigner renewal fee of $300 or so.
Last updated: January 2020
Fees
Arrival Fees:
The only official fees that cruisers must pay when clearing into the DR are:
- US$60 – a one-off fee per boat
- US$10 for a 30-day Tourist Card per person
Fees are paid to Immigration and a receipt issued.
Renewal Fees:
After the initial one-off payment for a Tourist Card on arrival (valid for 30 days), subsequent charges if spending more time in the DR are calculated on a sliding scale when sailing or flying out of DR. This works out cheaper than US$10/month/person. Keep your card in a safe place with your passport.
Domestic Clearance Fees:
Despachos from port to port will be required and will be administered by the Coast Guard. Officially, there is no charge for them. In the past however it was customary in many ports for officials to request a tip for this service of $15 (for domestic zarpe), $25 (for an international zarpe) and US$50 for an international zarpe to the US or US possession. This does not appear to be the case anymore.
Other Fees:
Whilst overall the authorities in the DR are now showing greater compliance with the official rates, there are some ports where a number of unofficial fees are still being charged – such as pet landing fees, etc. Up-to-date feedback can be found on the FB Dominican Republic cruisers group.
Crew Lists: There is a fee to enroll or disenroll crew if they want to leave the boat and fly out.
Harbor Charges: Individual harbors may assess fees for such services as garbage collection or for agricultural inspection, or for entry into the bay.
Department of Ports: The DOP will request a harbor fee for boats on the water which is now formally published on their rates sheet plus they also charge for use of the government dock.
Cruising Permit: After the first 90 days in the country, a cruising permit must be applied for via the Navy at a cost of Rd$485-525/LOA ft/year (approx. US$300).
See PDF of Harbor Charges in Luperon.
Last updated: December 2019
Local Customs
Working for tips (“Cielito” or “propinita”) is a very big part of the Dominican culture. Sometimes cruising sailors complain about having to give a tip or refer to it as a request for a bribe. It is, however, part of the culture here, so get used to giving a small reward/gift graciously (even if only a couple of beers worth) and if necessary smile nicely and just say ‘no’.
Avoid being dismissive or rude if you are asked. Respect and courtesy are highly valued at all levels of Dominican culture.
Pets
Pets must have a Health Certificate issued and signed by a licensed Veterinarian. The Certificate should contain the name and address of the owner, the complete identification of the animal (name, breed, sex, and age).
The pet must have:
(1) been examined within 30 days and not more than 365 days prior to departure and found to be free of any infectious diseases.
(2) Been vaccinated against rabies. The Rabies Vaccination Certificate (which should have been given between one month and twelve months prior to entry) should include the date of vaccination, product name, and serial number. Triple vaccination (distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis) and parvo-virus vaccine certificate.
(3) The Dominican Republic Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 15 days of travel.
For more information contact the Office of Animal Health – Tel: (809)542-0132.
Animals other than cats or dogs have to be authorized by the Direccion General de Ganadara Tel: 809 542 2858.
Forms from www.pettravel.com