Essential information for Dominican Republic

When to go

The Dominican Republic throws a bit of a curveball when it comes to its seasonal weather. The climate is largely tropical all year-round, however December to April is the coolest time of year averaging around 24°C. But, here’s the thing, it’s also the driest.

The wet season, on the other hand, runs from March to November, and at its peak reaches the 30s with high humidity, and stays warm well into the evening. Rainfall varies largely across the country, and usually sees the most up in the northern region.

Typically the summer and winter are the busiest months for tourism. If you want to avoid the crowds and find the best Dominican Republic holiday deals, spring and autumn are still lovely times to visit, as the temperatures really don’t vary all that much across the seasons.

Health and safety

The UK Government recommends visiting your doctor at least four to six weeks before you travel to ensure you’re up to date on your vaccinations and have received those necessary for travelling to the Dominican Republic.

As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and your family on your trip. If you’re visiting the Dominican Republic specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this.

See our holiday extras page for more information and for the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/dominican-republic/health.

Passports and visas

In order to be granted entry into the Dominican Republic, it is required that all UK citizens have a valid passport and tourist card. Tourist cards can be obtained at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in London or upon arrival in the Dominican Republic for 10 USD, and are valid for 30 days.

You should also be advised that there is a Departure Tax of 20 USD. It’s sometimes included in the price of your plane ticket, depending on the operator, though you should check in advance and familiarise yourself with your airline’s rules and regulations.

Getting around

The Dominican Republic is home to seven international airports – the largest and busiest of which are in Punta Cana in the east and Santo Domingo in the south. Transfer times from your arrival point to your final destination shouldn’t take long. If you’re booking cheap holidays in the Dominican Republic, check to see if transfers are included, as most tour operators will arrange them for you as part of holiday package.

The best and most convenient way to get around the Dominican Republic is to hire a car, though there are taxis and public bus services in more urban areas. Santo Domingo even has its own metro system. If you do take a taxi, you should always agree on a price first.

Advice for travellers with children

The Dominican Republic is a supremely kid-friendly destination, with most hotels providing special services for kids. Book All Inclusive holidays to the Dominican Republic at your choice of the great resorts, and you’ll be treated to a wide range of activities and dining options for finicky eaters.

There’s also a fantastic range of child-forward activities, with waterparks, animal meet-and-greets and largely calm water along the coast. Because the weather often climbs to 30° it’s advised that you always bring sun cream for little faces and yourself, to make sure you and your family don’t suffer in the heat.

Electricity

Connector type: North American flat two-pin plugs

Voltage info: 110-120 volts

Emergency information

Call 911 or 112 for all emergencies requiring the police, an ambulance or the fire brigade.

British consulate

If you’re a victim of crime, affected by a crisis overseas or if something happens to a relative or partner, contact the British Consulate in Santo Domingo. It’s open to the public only by appointment. You can contact an advisor by telephone from Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm, and Friday 9am to 1pm.

Address: Ave 27 de Febrero No 233, Edificio Corominas Pepin, Santo Domingo

Email: UK.inDominicanRepublic@fco.gov.uk

Telephone: +1 (809) 472-7111

Hospitals

Santo Domingo Address: Clinica Abreu, Calle Arzobispo Portes 853, Santo Domingo Telephone: +1 (809) 688-4411

Santiago Address: Hospital Metropolitan de Santiago (HOMS), Autopista Duarte, Santiago Telephone: +1 (829) 947-2222

Puerto Plata Address: Centro Medico Bournigal, Calle Antera Mota No. 01, Puerto Plata Telephone: +1 (809) 586-2342

Sosua Address: Centro Medico Cabarete, Carretera Sosua-Cabarete Km 1, Sosua Telephone: +1 (809) 571-4696

Punta Cana Address: Hospiten Bavaro, 1422, Punta Cana Telephone: +1 (809) 686-1414