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4,362 mi away
£1 DOP 80.91
Today
6:29 am
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Weather & climate
Weather in Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
29°
Moderate drizzle
Sat
22°
29°
Sun
23°
29°
Mon
21°
30°
Tue
22°
29°
Wed
21°
28°
Thu
22°
29°
Fri
23°
30°
SPF level in Dominican Republic
Recommended: SPF 50+ (extreme)
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Autumn
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 50+
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Dominican Republic
What British travellers need to know
British citizens can visit the Dominican Republic for tourism without a visa for 30 days.
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your visit.
You must fill in an entry and exit form online before your trip to get a QR code.
You may be refused entry if you do not have proof of a return or onward ticket.
You can pay to extend your tourist visit for up to 120 days total.
Children aged 17 and under travelling alone may have specific requirements to check with authorities.
You must declare any goods that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty upon entry.
Safety in Dominican Republic
Tips when travelling
Dominican Republic is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be alert to drive-by robberies from motorcyclists who may snatch bags from pedestrians or through car windows at traffic lights.
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, carrying large amounts of cash, and leaving bags unattended on chairs in restaurants and bars.
Report any crime, including sexual assault, to the local authorities before you leave the country so they can investigate.
Always carry copies of the photo page of your passport and your entry stamp with you for identification.
Check safety standards and ensure you are insured for activities like water sports, quad biking, or horse riding, as providers may not meet UK standards.
Bonus tips:
Keep your payment card in view when paying to avoid cloning, or consider paying in cash.
Use authorised airport or hotel taxi services, or book from a registered provider, rather than using poorly maintained vehicles or risky motorbike taxis.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Dominican Republic
A valid UK driving license is required. An International Driving Permit is recommended, especially for longer stays.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
40 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Dominican Republic drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Dominican Republic
It's crucial to get comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before travelling to the Dominican Republic. Ensure your policy covers all activities you plan to participate in.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip for the latest health advice and necessary vaccinations for the Dominican Republic. Mosquito-borne diseases are present, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk. Drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach upsets.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are accepted in many establishments in tourist areas, including hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, smaller businesses and local vendors may only accept cash. It's always a good idea to carry cash, especially when travelling outside of major tourist areas.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Dominican Republic
Tipping is customary in the Dominican Republic for good service. While not legally required, it is a significant part of service industry workers' income. A 'propina' (service charge) of 10% is often included in restaurant bills, but an additional tip is appreciated for exceptional service.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill if service is not included, otherwise 5-10% for excellent service.
Bar/Café
10% of the bill for good service.
Taxi
5-10% of the fare, or round up to the nearest convenient amount.
Hotel Porter
25-50 DOP per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 DOP per night.
Tour Guide
10% of the tour price for a good tour.
Mobile & roaming
Post-Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in the Dominican Republic. Roaming charges can be high so consider purchasing a local SIM card if you plan to use your phone extensively.
Local SIM
10 GB for 500 DOP (~£7)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Dominican Republic
Voltage
110V / 60Hz
Plug types
Type A, Type B
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cafes, particularly in tourist areas. However, the quality and speed of Wi-Fi can vary significantly. Rural areas may have limited or no Wi-Fi access.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data package for reliable internet access, specifically if you're traveling outside main tourist locations.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
911
Save 911 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Dominican Republic
Country code
+809
To call the British Embassy in Santo Domingo from the UK, you would dial 00 1 809 472 7111.
The country code for the Dominican Republic is 1-809 (plus 1-829 and 1-849 also in use). When calling from abroad, dial your country's exit code, followed by 1-809, and then the local number.
Languages in Dominican Republic
UK Embassy
British Embassy Santo Domingo
Edificio Corominas Pepin, 4th Floor, Avenida 27 de Febrero No. 233, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Dominican Republic
Beaches in Dominican Republic
Frequently asked questions
British citizens do not need a visa for tourism purposes for stays of up to 30 days. Upon arrival, you will be issued a tourist card. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to apply for an extension or the appropriate visa.
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in the Dominican Republic. It is recommended to drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach upsets. Be cautious of ice in drinks as well.
The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is generally during the dry season, from December to April. You can expect sunny skies and lower humidity during these months. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.
Be wary of overly friendly individuals offering assistance, as this could be a prelude to a scam. Common scams include inflated taxi fares, fake police officers, and people offering to carry your luggage and then demanding payment. Always negotiate prices in advance and be aware of your surroundings.
The local currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). While US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, it's generally better to use DOP for better exchange rates. You can exchange money at banks, exchange bureaus, or ATMs upon arrival. Credit cards are accepted in many establishments, but it's always good to have some cash on hand.
The dress code is generally casual, especially in tourist areas. Lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. For evenings out or some restaurants, smart casual attire is appropriate.
Exercise caution when travelling around the Dominican Republic, especially at night. Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics. Research your transportation options carefully. It's generally safer to use reputable taxi services or pre-booked transportation rather than hailing a taxi on the street.
Be sure to try local dishes like 'la bandera' (rice, beans, and meat), 'sancocho' (a hearty stew), and 'tostones' (fried plantains). For drinks, try local beers like Presidente, and enjoy fresh fruit juices like passion fruit and mango. Mamajuana, a local herbal drink, is also worth trying.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.