Entry Requirements and Visa for the Dominican Republic

People

For French Citizens

For a tourist trip lasting less than 30 days (extendable) in the Dominican Republic, a passport valid for six months beyond the stay is simply required. However, entry and exit from Dominican territory are now also linked to obtaining a mandatory and free QR code. This is generated via the approved site by the authorities and must be presented upon entry and exit from the country. If you do not have this QR code upon arrival, you will have to pay a fine of $80.

Other Nationalities

The same applies to Canadians, Swiss nationals, citizens of the European Union, and a few other nationalities.

Long Stays

If you wish to stay longer than one month, it is possible to apply for an extension of stay, theoretically up to an additional 120 days at the discretion of the authorities. This can be done online through the Immigration Directorate or in person. For longer stays or when the authorized duration seems insufficient, a visa procedure must be initiated with the authorities.

In Case of Violation

Dominican authorities are relatively flexible (though not lax) regarding overstays. Generally, you risk facing a fixed fine upon departure.

Marriage Formalities

While honeymoon packages in the Dominican Republic have become a common offering from tour operators, it is also possible for foreigners to get married there. This sector has grown in recent years, and many travel agencies, as well as hotel complexes in tourist areas, offer "all-inclusive" solutions. Everything is covered, from the civil registrar to the marriage certificate, including celebrations and photos. You can opt for a simple civil ceremony or a religious one for the main faiths.

For the marriage to be subsequently validated in your home country, you must contact the civil registry service at your consulate in the Dominican Republic to ensure the publication of banns and the transcription of the marriage. Note that while the marriage can be recognized, local divorce procedures are generally not recognized abroad.

Documents to Provide

To get married, prepare the following:

Photocopies of passports and birth certificates.

Sworn statement of single status for each future spouse.

Copy of the divorce judgment if there was a prior divorce.

Two adult witnesses, each with a valid passport.

All these documents must be legalized by the Dominican consulate in your country of residence and translated into Spanish. Additional documents may also be required for a religious ceremony.

Consulates

In France

Consulate General: 24 rue Vernier, 75017 Paris. Tel.: 01 55 37 10 30.

In the provinces:

Bordeaux: 2 place de la Bourse, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex. Tel.: 05 56 79 44 44.

Lyon: 1 av. de Bohlen, 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin. Tel.: 04 72 81 23 70.

Marseille: 146 rue Paradis, 13006 Marseille. Tel.: 04 91 57 01 00.

Nice: Le Beau Rivage, 107 quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice. Tel.: 04 93 62 03 16.

Perpignan: 49 chemin del Vives, 66000 Perpignan. Tel.: 04 68 61 17 50.

In the French Overseas Territories:

Guadeloupe: Carrefour de Blanchard, Lot. N°34, Marina-Bas-du-Fort, 97110 Pointe-à-Pitre. Tel: 0 590 21 88 57.

French Guiana: 10 rue Leopold Heder, 97300 Cayenne. Tel.: 05 94 28 92 12.

Martinique: Zone du Bac, 97220 La Trinité. Tel.: 0 596 58 24 24.

Other Countries

Belgium: Consulate: 12 av. Bel Air. 1180 Brussels. Tel.: +32 2 346 49 35.

Canada: Consulate General: 121 Richmond Street West, Suite 301, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2K1. Tel.: (416) 369 0403.

Switzerland: Consulate: Weltpoststrasse 4, Bern 3015. Tel: +41 31 351 1585.