Most visitors do not need a Dominican visa. U.S. citizens and nationals of many other countries enter for tourism without one, completing the electronic entry form instead. Consular visa work in the United States therefore concerns third-country nationals and people going to live, work or study there.
Quick facts
Residence categories are completed in the Dominican Republic, where the migration authority issues the residence card after arrival. The consular visa authorises the entry, not the residence itself.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist or business visa | Consular tariff | For nationalities that need one |
| Residence visa | Higher tariff | Completed in the country |
| Electronic entry form | Free | Completed online before travel |
| Apostille of supporting documents | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State |
| Translation into Spanish | Per page | Where documents are not in Spanish |
For residence files, a criminal background check and a medical certificate are standard, and both have to be recent when the file is reviewed.
How to apply
- Check whether your nationality needs a visa for a short visit.
- Identify the category and gather the documents it requires.
- Have U.S. public documents apostilled and translated into Spanish.
- Book an appointment at the consulate covering your address.
- Attend with originals and copies and pay the tariff.
- Enter within the visa’s validity and complete the residence steps in the country.
Required documents
- Passport valid for the stay, with blank pages.
- Completed application and photographs.
- Proof of lawful residence in the United States for third-country nationals.
- Criminal background check, apostilled, for residence categories.
- Medical certificate where the category requires it.
- Evidence of funds, employment or enrolment.
Where to apply
At the consulate covering your U.S. address, which is also where powers of attorney and legalisations are handled.
No offices currently listed.
Additional notes
The entry form
Travellers complete an electronic form before arrival that combines the customs and migration declarations. It is free and is done online.
Overstays
Staying beyond the authorised period produces a charge on departure, calculated by length of overstay. It is settled at the airport.
Dominicans need no visa
Anyone with Dominican nationality travels on a Dominican passport. Dual nationals should be dealing with the passport section instead.
Documents go stale
Background checks and medical certificates have short shelf lives. Order them close to filing rather than at the start.