The Dominican Republic announced new entry requirements for Canadians as of 15SEP, including the fact that PCR tests are not required on arrival.
As regular flights return to popular beach destinations in the DR such as Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, visitors will have random temperature checks and breath tests administered at the airport upon landing.
Prior to their incoming and outgoing flights, Canadian visitors will be required to complete an arrival e-ticket that includes a health declaration and immigration information.
According to David Collado, Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, the system was created to simplify the arrival and departure process and ensure that Canadians know they are welcome back this winter.
“Many islands have complex and confusing rules – it’s a barrier to travel. While major airlines are requiring PCR tests to board the plane, some destinations also require post-arrival PCR testing and quarantine. This is not only stressful, it can be expensive,” Collado said.
“With vaccine levels high in both the DR and Canada, we are confident of providing a safe and carefree vacation to our visitors without the need for post-arrival testing. Canadians are waiting to exhale - and there is no better place to plan a vacation in the sun this winter.”
The Dominican Republic also notes that its hotels are required to adhere to strong sanitation and safety rules, with hotel staff being fully vaccinated and waiting on booster shots for increased immunity. It also notes that the nation has a large selection of all-inclusive resorts in a variety of price ranges for guests who wish to stay within resort walls and still enjoy access to many activities and restaurants.
“People are exhausted and they want to feel the sun on their faces in a safe environment they can enjoy at a reasonable price. For the past year, we have been working hard behind the scenes to enact safety measures in all sectors – including tours, food and beverage, airports and hospitality – to be ready when travel resumes. We are proud to say we can now confidently welcome our Canadian friends and return visitors “home” to the Dominican Republic this fall and winter,” says Minister Collado.
The Dominican Republic recently announced that it has reached nearly 3 million visitors so far in 2021, a number very close to being on par with the same number of arrivals at this point in 2019. Officials say tourism numbers in 2021 are expected to eclipse 2019 levels by the end of SEP.
For more information on the Dominican Republic, including its entry requirements and offerings, visit its tourism web site.
