Dominican Republic Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

The tourist visa is the endorsement issued for people who are entering the country for purely tourism purposes. Thanks to the visa-free arrangements, several nationalities can enter the country without the visa. They will be issued with a tourist card on arrival in the country. In fact, even the fees for it is often included in the airfare. However, since India is not among them, a Dominican Republic tourist visa for Indian citizens is a must.

The application for the Dominican Republic tourist visa for Indians can be done easily. However, before starting the application you will have to ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country in the tourist category. After that, you can proceed to make the application as follows - 

1. Visit the website of the Dominican embassy or one of the embassy authorized VACs (Visa Application Center) and download the visa application form. 
2. Fill in the form with all the necessary details including your basic information, travel information, as well as details of your passport. 
3. Affix a photograph on the application form and sign in the relevant places.
4. Proceed to book an appointment at one of the VACs located across India. 
5. Along with the completed application form and the documents for the tourist visa, visit the respective VAC. 
6. Pay the fees at the VAC and submit your application.

To be eligible to apply for the Dominican Republic tourist visa from India, you must meet the following conditions - 

• You must be living in India while lodging the application. If you are living on a residence permit in another nation, you will have to apply to the respective authority there.
• You must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of your entry in the country. 
• Your sole purpose of the visit must be to take part in tourism alone. 
• You must possess sufficient funds to support your stay.
• If you are invited by a host, you must be able to provide an invitation letter stating the same.

Note: - If you hold a valid Schengen, UK, or US visa or residence permit, you do not need to apply for the tourist visa. You will be issued with a tourist card on arrival and will be valid for 30 days (regardless of your nationality).

As per the Dominican Republic tourist visa requirements from India, the following are the list of documents you will have to submit for your application - 

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel. 
• 1 recent photograph as per the specifications. 
• Completed visa application form.
• Covering letter explaining your visit - along with its Spanish translation.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statements, bank letter, etc. (along with its Spanish translation).
• Detailed travel itinerary.
• Proof of accommodation - hotel bookings, rental agreements, etc.
• If you are invited to visit, an invitation letter in Spanish from the host must be provided. (notarized and legalized in the Republica Dominicana).

Note: - Ensure that you get the translations done using certified translation service agencies.

As per the Dominican Republic tourist visa photo requirements, the photo to be submitted must meet the following specifications - 

• Dimensions:  40mm X 50mm
• Colour: Coloured 
• Head must occupy the central position
• Must be recently captured within the last 3 months
• Background: Solid, plain white or grey
• 80% face coverage
• Neutral expression
• Glasses: Thin framed and prescription are permitted
• Headgears are allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted

The time taken to process the application can vary depending upon the volume of applications at the embassy, as well as on your previous travel history. Normally, it can take around 10 working days to process. As a result, you must ensure that you apply well in advance.

The fees for the tourist visa depends on the duration of the stay. The fees have to be paid in cash or Demand Draft at the VAC. There is no option of paying the fees online. Apart from the application fee, there will additional processing charges and delivery charges (if any) levied by the VAC. As a result, you must ensure that you check the exact amount before starting the application.

Upon successful submission, your application will be forwarded to the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in New Delhi. Even though your application was made at the VAC, the VAC has no influence over the processing. This is solely in the hands of the embassy.

You will not be able to modify the application once submitted. As a result, ensure that you provide correct information and the right documents. Failure to do so can lead to visa rejection. It is, therefore recommended that you use the services of a visa agency for your application. 

Once approved, you can collect the visa directly from the VAC in person, or you can have it delivered to you for an additional charge.

Once you have submitted the application at a VAC, you can check the status by clicking here and entering your reference number and date of birth.  You can also contact the travel agent you have applied through to check the status.

On successfully receiving the tourist visa, you must keep in mind the following few points to ensure that you have a pleasant stay - 

Before you travel - 

• Note the validity and number of entries mentioned on your visa. You must not stay in the country beyond this period. You must also follow the entry type given. 
• Carry all your travel documents before you travel to the country. 
• If you are eligible for the ‘tourist card’, confirm if the fees for it is included in your airfare. 

At the border

• You must show your passport with the visa to the immigration officer. They will stamp your entry date on one of the blank pages in your passport.
• You may be asked to show the copy of the other documents submitted as a part of your application. 
• You may be asked about the basic details of your visit. Ensure that you answer honestly and without any hesitance. 

When you enter the Dominican Republic

• While you are on a tourist permit, you cannot take part in any work or business activities.
• You are permitted to extend this visa for a duration of up to 60 days. 
• Carry a copy of your passport and visa while you are travelling within the country.
• You must respect the culture and customs of the country, as well as abide by the immigration laws during your stay.