Category: Visa

Punta Cana International Airport otherwise known as PUJ is Dominican Republic’s leading airport for inbound flights to the country. It is the first ever privately owned international airport in the world. Moreover, in the year 2014, this airport was said to have accounted for as much as 60% of the total air arrivals into the country.

Also, approximately six million international passengers arrive the country at this airport every year making Punta Cana International airport the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic, and the second busiest when it comes to the Caribbean island. The airport has five terminals and at least two of these terminals are meant for international passengers.

Helpful Tips for Arrival and Departure

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If you are considering visiting the Punta Cana or already scheduled to do so, then here are some useful tips to make your trip as smooth as possible. They have been grouped into two categories and this includes arrival tips and departure tips.

Arrival tips

1. Prearrange airport transportation and pay airport visitor fee. Getting a cab to your final destination once you are in the Dominican Republic can be very chaotic. So in order to prevent being bombarded by different men who want to provide you with transportation services do book transportation via your hotel or a reputable firm ahead of trip.

Like wise, to enter the Dominican Republic you are required to possess a two blank-paged valid passport as well as pay a cash fee of US$10 for a tourist card in place of a visa. The tourist card is valid for 30 days.

2. Be fully prepared before you leave your house. Before jetting out of your home, please make sure that you have packed everything that you need for this trip. Most especially the essentials like flight itineraries as well as hotel itineraries, reading glasses, etc. If possible have a checklist already written so that you can easily confirm what you have packed as against what you must take along with you.

3. Arrive early. You should get to the airport on time in preparation for your flight since this is an international flight you should get to the airport at least three hours before your flight. Also, find out if there has been any changes to your flight time before leaving for the airport. Moreover, you should be familiar with the check-in requirements as well as baggage policies of your airline.

4. Come prepared with lower denomination US Dollars. The US Dollars is accepted as a means of payment by many in the Dominican Republic. However, you should have lower denomination currency with you because it may be difficult to break a $20 bill for instance.

Departure tips

5. Pack and get ready several hours before departure. Similar to when travelling into the Dominican Republic is the need to cross-check what you have packed with what you brought into the country. This way you will most likely not leave behind any valuable item.

6. Confirm payment of departure tax. Dominican law requires that visitors to the country pay US$20 as departure tax before leaving. Nevertheless, this is usually included in airfare. Consequently, do confirm this is the case with your airfare before getting to the airport for departure.

7. Always play safe. Although this is coming last, it is actually part of the arrival tips as well. The word safety is now synonymous with travel and there is probably no where in the world right now that is immune from danger. Therefore, follow common-sense tips like not divulging confidential information to strangers and not walking alone in dark locations, etc.

When you are planning a vacation, especially if it is a faraway destination, certain questions come to mind. Is the country safe? Do you need a visa? Should you get a vaccine? These are just some of the questions you need to ask. With its beautiful beaches and wonderful weather, Punta Cana is generally a beautiful place go on vacation. However, before embarking on your Punta Cana vacation, here are five important things you need to know for a fantastic trip. When you are planning a vacation, especially if it is a faraway destination, certain questions come to mind. Is the country safe? Do you need a visa? Should you get a vaccine? These are just some of the questions you need to ask. With its beautiful beaches and wonderful weather, Punta Cana is generally a beautiful place go on vacation. However, before embarking on your Punta Cana vacation, here are five important things you need to know for a fantastic trip.

1. Is the Dominican Republic safe?
Before planning your vacation to any Latin American country, be sure to ask yourself if the country is safe to visit. The Dominican Republic is, generally, a safe country for tourists. The Dominican Republic is ranked 76th on the list of the world’s safest countries. Dominican people too are quite friendly and most visitors traveled unharmed. However, do not let negligence ruin your vacation. Always stay alert and travel with tour guides when visiting remote areas of the country.

2. Do you need a visa?
Yes, you do need a visa when visiting the Dominican Republic. It is called a Tourist Card and it is an entry fee charged by the government to individuals visiting the country for tourism purposes only. You can apply for this visa online or at the airport upon arrival. It costs USD 10. You are also required to present a valid passport when entering the Dominican Republic. You can stay in the country without a fee for 30 days. However, you will be required to pay a fee should stay in the country longer than 30 days.

3. Should you get a vaccine before visiting the Dominican Republic?
Well, this depends. If you are adventurous and want to try out local street foods, consider getting a vaccine. You can contract hepatitis A or typhoid through contaminated water or food in the Dominican Republic. Besides, CDC recommends this vaccine for travelers, especially if you are going to stay with friends and relatives, or if you are going to visit rural areas.

4. How do you organize your money?
The Dominican Republic’s official currency is the Dominican peso. You may bring your dollars or euros and change them to the local currency at the airport. However, most places accept US Dollars. Just be sure to carry smaller denominations. On the issue of credit cards, it is important that you inform your bank or credit card company about transactions in DR. That said, nearly every place in Punta Cana accepts credit card payment.

5. What about night life in the Dominican Republic?
You have probably heard the phrase, “party like the Caribbean.” If you are yet to, it is time to discover its origin and meaning. Dominicans love to party and this is quite evident when you go out in Punta Cana. People are always happy and positive, and there are many party nightlife destinations to choose from. From little pubs and bars to big clubs and discotheques, Punta Cana nightlife has something for everyone.

Located in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a popular destination for vacationers hoping to relax and enjoy white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. However, there are things to know about Punta Cana before hopping on to that plane for your vacation.