Dominican Republic Visa for Indian - Definitive Guide

The visa is the endorsement required by individuals planning to enter the country. A vast majority of the nationals have visa-free entry into the country. A few others have a Dominican Republic visa on arrival (tourist card) for tourism purposes as well. Although, Indians will need a visa to enter for whatsoever purposes. One significant factor about this visa is that unlike other countries, these are all extendable. 

Note;- If you hold a valid Schengen, UK, or USA visa or resident permit, you are eligible for a tourist card on arrival in the Republica Dominicana for a stay duration of up to 30 days. In this case, you will not require a visa.

The application for the Dominican Republic visa for Indians is fairly straightforward. However, before starting the application you will have to ensure that you are eligible to travel to the country on the specific visa. 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 Dominican Republic visa application form.
2. Fill in the form with all the necessary details including your basic information, travel information, as well as details on your travel document. 
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 Dominican Republic visa form and the documents, visit the respective VAC. 
6. Pay the fees at the VAC and submit your application. 

Note:- A Dominican Republic visa on arrival for Indian passport holders may be granted in the form of a tourist card if you possess a valid residence permit or visa for Schengen, UK, or US.

Based on the purpose of the visit, the Dominican Republic permits can be majorly classified into the following - 

• Tourist - This is issued for people travelling to the country to take part in tourism-related activities such as sightseeing, adventure sporting, leisure, etc. 
• Business - These are granted for people travelling in order to take part in business meetings, conferences, symposiums, trade fairs, and other business activities in the country. 
• Student - This type is issued for students entering the country to take part in study courses.
• Work - The work permit is granted for people travelling to the country to take part in employment.
• Residence - This is the permit issued to people who are planning to live in the country for the long term as a resident.

As per the Dominican Republic visa application requirements, the following are the list of general documents you would need for most of the visas. Based on the exact category of the visa, there will be additional documentation necessary. 

• 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 - along with its Spanish translation.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statements, a letter from the bank, etc. 

For certain documents, you will be required to get apostille as well. Ensure that you consult reputed providers for the apostille and translation services.

• Dimensions:  35mm X 45mm
• 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 exact type of the visa, 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 apply well in advance.

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

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 a travel agent you have applied through to know the status.

The applications for the visa has to be made to one of the VACs. The embassy has given the VAC the authority to accept the applications on their behalf. However, the processing is done solely by the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in New Delhi. 

Once the processing is successful, you can pick up the visa from the VAC directly, or you can have them deliver it to you for an additional charge.