Dominican Republic All-Inclusive Travel Guide
The Dominican Republic is the value champion of Caribbean all-inclusives — Punta Cana alone has more big, well-priced resorts than almost anywhere, strung along miles of palm-lined beach a short hop from the U.S. East Coast. Here's what to know before you book.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Always confirm entry and safety details with official government sources before you travel.
Do you need a passport, visa, or E-Ticket?
U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport but no visa for tourism. The one extra step is the E-Ticket: a free, mandatory online entry and exit form at eticket.migracion.gob.do that takes about ten minutes. Fill it out within a few days of travel and save the QR code to your phone. The old paper tourist card is now included in your airfare.
Use only the official migracion.gob.do site — lookalike sites charge a fee for what is a free form.
Is Punta Cana safe? And is it safe to leave the resort?
The resort areas — Punta Cana, Cap Cana, La Romana, Samaná — are the safest parts of the country and are patrolled by a dedicated tourist police force (POLITUR); violent crime against tourists in these zones is rare. The U.S. keeps the country at Level 2, 'Exercise Increased Caution,' the same as France or Italy.
Leaving the resort on an organized excursion is fine and recommended. Use resort transfers or licensed operators, don't flash valuables, go easy on the very free-flowing drinks, and ignore the 'pirate lawyers' who linger near tourist areas. Check travel.state.gov before you travel.
Currency, U.S. dollars, and tipping
The Dominican peso (RD$) is the official currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in resort areas. Restaurants and resorts often add a 10% service charge plus tax, and it's customary to add another 10% or so for good service on top. Carry small bills — pesos are handiest for tipping staff directly.
When to visit
Peak season is December through April: dry, sunny, and priciest. Late spring and early summer offer good weather at lower rates. Hurricane season runs June through November. If whale-watching appeals, Samaná's humpbacks arrive from mid-January to mid-March.
Getting there & around
Most travelers fly into Punta Cana (PUJ), the gateway to the Punta Cana, Bávaro, and Cap Cana resort strip. La Romana (LRM) serves Casa de Campo and the southeast, while Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Puerto Plata (POP) cover the capital and north coast. The DR drives on the right; resort transfers and organized tours are the easy, low-stress way to get around.
What to do beyond the resort
Day-trip to Saona Island for postcard sandbars, swim the turquoise Hoyo Azul cenote at Cap Cana, wander the Mediterranean-style artists' village of Altos de Chavón, or zip-line through the hills. History buffs should see Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone — the oldest European city in the Americas — and winter visitors can whale-watch in Samaná.
Good to know
Power & plugs: 110V, the same flat plugs as the U.S. Language: Spanish, with English common at resorts. Water: stick to bottled off-resort. Sunscreen: pack reef-safe for the cenotes and reefs. Dress: beach-casual by day, smart-casual for specialty restaurants at night.
The best all-inclusive resorts in Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic properties we'd actually book — tap through for photos, real guest ratings, and what's included.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport for the Dominican Republic?
Yes, a valid passport. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian tourists, but you must complete the free online E-Ticket before you travel.
What is the Dominican Republic E-Ticket?
A free, mandatory electronic entry and exit form at eticket.migracion.gob.do. It takes about ten minutes — fill it out within a few days of your flight and save the QR code. Use only the official site.
Is Punta Cana safe?
Yes — the resort zones are patrolled by tourist police and violent crime against tourists there is rare. The country is under a Level 2 U.S. advisory (same as France or Italy). Use organized excursions and normal precautions, and check travel.state.gov for the latest.
Can I use U.S. dollars in the DR?
Yes, widely in resort areas. Keep small bills for tips; pesos are handiest for tipping staff directly.
Do you tip at all-inclusive resorts in the DR?
It's customary. Bills often include a 10% service charge plus tax, and adding another 10% or so for good service is the norm, with a few dollars for bartenders and housekeeping appreciated.
Which airport should I fly into?
Punta Cana (PUJ) for the main resort strip; La Romana (LRM) for Casa de Campo and the southeast; Santo Domingo (SDQ) or Puerto Plata (POP) for the capital and north coast.
Not sure which Dominican Republic resort is right for you?
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