Travel Report for Dominican Republic

Country Profile for
Dominican Republic

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2006 13:38 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:41 EST

Dominican Republic

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 2 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

For more information on new entry requirements to the United States as of January 23, 2007, please see our Current Issues page.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The security situation is stable, but demonstrations and protests occasionally occur. These are not targeted at foreigners and do not happen near the resorts. Canadians should exercise caution, monitor local news reports, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations. The crime rate is generally low, but violent crime, including assault, has affected a few foreigners. Petty crime is common. There have been incidents involving robbery, including in major resorts.

If you visit Dominican beach resorts, carefully assess the potential risk of recreational activities. You should be aware that sports and aquatic equipment may not meet Canadian safety and supervision standards and may not be covered with any accident insurance. Check that your own travel insurance covers these activities if you decide to rent equipment or take classes. Exercise caution at the beach. Swimmers should remain in well-marked areas, and children should be supervised closely. Most beaches and pools, including those at hotels, are unsupervised. Avoid swimming alone, after hours, or outside marked areas. Avoid deserted and unpatrolled beaches after dark.

Avoid excursions that are not recommended by tour operators. In general, travellers should ensure tour operators have taken proper safety measures and precautions, including the use of safety equipment such as helmets and life jackets, before undertaking extreme or eco-tourism types of activities. Travellers should not participate in excursions to the 27 Charcos/Damajagua waterfalls near Puerto Plata, until proper safety equipment and regulations are put into place.

Unaccompanied female travellers should exercise caution in dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, and be especially careful about accepting rides, including those on motoconchos (motorcycle taxis), or invitations to go for a drink. There have been reported cases of robbery and assault, including sexual assault. Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have been reported at beach resorts in the Dominican Republic. In some cases, hotel employees and others have been implicated. Anyone who is a victim of sexual assault or other crime should report this immediately to the Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo or the Consulate of Canada in Puerto Plata and is also strongly advised to immediately file a report with Dominican authorities. Note that no criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to the Dominican authorities.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform and help Canadian women travel safely.

Canadians planning to visit any area near the Dominican/Haitian border should be aware that Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is advising Canadians not to travel to Haiti.

Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. In the event that documents are lost or stolen, travellers should obtain a police report in order to receive a passport or an appropriate travel document from the Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo (see below) or the Consulate of Canada in Puerto Plata (see below). Upon departure from the island, present both the police report and the new passport to the Dominican immigration official.

The Tourist Police (POLITUR) can provide assistance to tourists. They can be reached toll-free at: 1-200-3500.

A number of reports have been received of travellers losing large sums of money while playing Progressive Roulette, Progressive Keno, Super Keno and Keno table games. These games operate on a progressive wagering basis, and large amounts of money can be lost rapidly. Canadians should exercise caution in hotel casinos where these games are offered.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

It is useful for tourists to know basic Spanish phrases when travelling outside of tourist resorts and areas since English is not widely spoken outside of these areas.

Traffic laws are similar to those in Canada but are not respected. Undisciplined driving is very common. Intercity roads are in fair condition. Outside major towns, road quality varies. Driving after dark is not recommended due to poor lighting. Drive defensively at all times. Roadside assistance is not available. The Embassy of Canada has received reports of police officers, or criminals posing as police officers, demanding immediate payment of traffic fines. Drivers should insist on paying any traffic fine at the nearest police station. Pedestrians should take extra care.

Taxis are cheap and fairly reliable. Tourist taxis are more expensive. Always negotiate the fare prior to departure. Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are popular and inexpensive, but are very dangerous. Travellers should avoid using motoconchos. Avoid renting them. Public transportation is not recommended. Private companies operate reliable, air-conditioned buses between cities. Taxi-plane services are also available.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions. Heavy rains can occur. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

The Dominican Republic is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes can occur.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Persons convicted of drug trafficking are subject to strict penalties, including long prison sentences in harsh conditions.

Dual nationality is legally recognized. However, in the judicial system, citizens of Dominican origin are considered as Dominican citizens. As such, the Embassy of Canada and its Consulate may be limited in its ability to provide consular services.

Dominican law stipulates that victims of crime (including foreigners) are responsible for reporting incidents to police. Victims who wish to pursue prosecution or seek compensation must retain Dominican legal counsel to file a formal complaint to the police and to pursue the case through the justice system.

Many Canadians have reported financial problems and complications involving time-share arrangements and other property investment activities. Exercise caution whenever approached by time-share representatives, since they use pressure sales techniques. Do not reveal personal information or show your passport or plane ticket. Only provide your credit card if you are certain you wish to make a purchase. Before making any real estate investment, you should consult Dominican and Canadian lawyers with relevant experience.

Marriages legally performed in compliance with the laws of the Dominican Republic are recognized in Canada. Canadians wishing to marry in the Dominican Republic require the following documents for both parties:

a) Proof of Identity: a valid Canadian passport, a birth certificate that includes the names of the parents, and the tourist card received upon entry into the country;

b) Statement of Single Status: you will also need to obtain a sworn affidavit attesting to your single status. This document must be submitted in the Spanish language and legally certified. This can be done prior to leaving Canada by visiting the Embassy or one of the consulates of the Dominican Republic (see below). You may also visit a notary public in Canada to make this declaration, then have the document translated into Spanish and legalized by the Embassy or consulates of the Dominican Republic;

c) Divorce Papers: if you are divorced, you must also submit original copies of your divorce papers, along with a Spanish-language translation of the documents. The translation must be legalized by the Embassy or one of the consulates of the Dominican Republic in Canada. Please note that under Dominican law, women who have recently been divorced must wait a minimum of nine months after the finalization of their divorce before they can remarry. This regulation applies as well to Canadian women wishing to be married in the Dominican Republic;

d) Death Certificate: if you are widowed, you will need to present an original copy of the death certificate of your deceased spouse, translated into Spanish and legalized by the Embassy or consulates of the Dominican Republic; and

e) Change of Name: if you have legally changed your name, you must submit original documents to the Embassy or consulates of the Dominican Republic for legalization.

Prior to departure, all above documents must be translated into Spanish, legally certified by a professional, and legalized by the Embassy or one of the consulates of the Dominican Republic in Canada. For further information, please contact the Embassy or consulates of the Dominican Republic.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following addresses:

Dominican Republic - SANTO DOMINGO, Embassy of Canada
Address: Capitán Eugenio de Marchena No. 39, La Esperilla, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Postal Address: P.O. Box 2054, Santo Domingo 1, Dominican Republic
Tel.: (809) 685-1136
Toll Free: 1-200-0012
Fax: (809) 682-2691
E-mail: sdmgo@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.santodomingo.gc.ca

Dominican Republic - PUERTO PLATA, Consulate of Canada
Address: Calle Virginia E. Ortea, Edificio Isabel de Torres, Suite 311-C, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Tel.: (809) 586-5761
Fax: (809) 586-5762
E-mail: pplat.canada@verizon.net.do

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo and follow the instructions. You may also call the Department in Ottawa toll-free at 1 888 156-3102 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from the Dominican Republic is 1 800 333-0111, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

It is strongly recommended that children under the age of 18 carry a consent letter signed by both parents for each and every trip abroad if they travel with only one parent, unaccompanied, or with other acquaintances. For travel to the

Dominican Republic

, a letter of consent is not required for children under the age of 18 as long as they exit the country accompanied by the same person/people with whom they entered. Adequate proof of entrance together is required. However, children under the age of 18 who exit the country with a different person or unaccompanied require a letter of consent from both parents, the other parent, their legal guardian or custodial parent that authorizes the travel and stipulates the destination and duration of the intended trip. This letter needs to be notarized by the closest Dominican Embassy or consulate to where the parent(s) or guardian resides and translated into Spanish. A passport is not mandatory; however, they must have their original birth certificate and a valid photo ID. If they do not have a photo ID, an affidavit with photo will normally be accepted. Note the requirements for Dominicans and foreigners residing in the

Dominican Republic

vary from those for tourists. For further clarification, please contact the Embassy of the

Dominican Republic

or one of its consulates directly (see below).

It is strongly recommended that all Canadians be in possession of a valid Canadian passport while abroad. However, for travel to the Dominican Republic, Canadian tourists are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). For travel to Dominican Republic, Canadian tourists must also be in possession of a return airline ticket.

Canadians entering the Dominican Republic for tourist purposes must purchase a tourist card, which has a 30 day validity. The cost of a tourist card is US$10. Those wishing to stay for a longer period must pay a surcharge at the airport upon departure. The surcharge fees range from 300 Dominican Pesos for stays of up to 3 months to 15,000 Dominican Pesos for stays of more than 5 years. Alternatively tourists can also request an extension by visiting the Department of Immigration in Santo Domingo. Those wishing to work in the Dominican Republic must apply for a residency permit or work visa through the Dominican Republic Department of Immigration. More information can be obtained by contacting the Dominican Republic Embassy in Ottawa (see below).

Foreigners may gain the right to reside in the Dominican Republic by acquiring a residence visa from the Foreign Relations Ministry and a temporary or permanent residence card from the Immigration Department. For additional information, please contact the Dominican Republic Embassy or consulates in Canada.

Canadians travelling to the Dominican Republic on business for less than 30 consecutive days do not need a business visa; a tourist card will suffice. Those staying for a longer period of time must pay the same surcharges referenced above.

Tourist Visa or Tourist Card: Required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

A departure tax of US$20 is charged for all international flights.

No more than US$10,000 or its equivalent in another currency may be taken out of the Dominican Republic at the time of departure.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Dominican Republic and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Dominican peso. Use pesos or U.S. dollars to make purchases, since Canadian currency is not widely accepted. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at most commercial banks and exchange booths or offices ("casas de cambio") and in resort areas and major tourist hotels. Currency should be exchanged only at banks, official exchange booths, and casas de cambio. Casas de cambio tend to offer better exchange rates than banks.

There have been reports of unauthorized use of credits cards, medicare cards, and debit cards. Tourists are advised not to provide their cards and associated PINs to third parties.

Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops located in tourist and urban areas. ATMs are available in most major cities. Check VISA or Mastercard for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your personal identification number (PIN) must have four digits to be compatible with the local system. Your bank can advise if you need a new PIN for overseas access to your account. Depending on the bank machine and the bank card you are using, there could be a daily maximum for bank withdrawals of RD$5,000 (approx. C$230). If you use an ATM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity, credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution. When using credit cards, ensure your card remains in view, and retain your transaction copy along with the carbon paper. Retain bank slips and check all transactions with your bank statement. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Dominican Republic (capital: Santo Domingo) is located in the Caribbean, on the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, east of Haiti. Spanish is the official language. Tourist facilities and services, including beaches, golf courses, and ecotourism, are widely available.

Under Canadian law, in certain circumstances Canadians residing abroad are eligible to vote in Canadian elections and by-elections. Canadians can obtain information about voting eligibility, registration and voting methods, the electoral schedule, or any other aspects of the electoral process while in the Dominican Republic by visiting Elections Canada's Web site (www.elections.ca).

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

In October and November of 2005 the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) was notified of two cases of P. falciparum malaria in European travellers returning from the province of La Altagracia in the Dominican Republic. The PHAC continues to recommend malaria prophylaxis (medication) and the use personal insect protective measures against mosquito bites for travel to rural areas of the Dominican Republic and to all areas, including resort areas, within the province of La Altagracia. Further information and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

There have been recent indications of an increase in the incidence of dengue fever in some areas of the Dominican Republic. The greater Santo Domingo area (the capital) and the city of Santiago appear to be the most affected regions. The Ministry of Health in the Dominic Republic has implemented insect control measures to minimise the spread of dengue fever. Residents and travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves from contracting dengue fever by using mosquito repellent (DEET), and avoiding swampy or low lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. Using such physical barriers such as mosquito nets, long sleeved shirts and other physical protections are also recommended. People experiencing flu-like symptoms (loss of energy, fever, aching joints and muscles) are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

Do not drink tap water and avoid eating food from street vendors.

Good to excellent medical facilities exist in all tourist areas. Medical care is limited in remote areas. Medical expenses can be very high. It is normal for clinics to require patients to sign an undertaking to pay agreement and to take a credit card impression as guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care. Any incidents of sickness or injury requiring hospitalization should be reported to the Canadian Embassy.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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