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Canadian Government's information for travelers to Dominican Republic

1. INTRODUCTION

This Travel Report replaces the previous one, dated February 15, 2005. Changes have been made in section 8 of the report.

2. ATTENTION

Travellers should not participate in excursions to the 27 Charcos/Damajagua waterfalls near Puerto Plata, until such time as proper safety equipment and regulations are put into place. In general, travellers should ensure tour operators have taken proper safety measures and precautions, including the use of safety equipment such as helmets and life jackets, before undertaking extreme or eco-tourism types of activities.



3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The security situation is stable, but demonstrations and protests occasionally occur. These are not targeted at foreigners and do not happen near the resorts. Canadians should exercise caution, monitor local news reports, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations. The crime rate is generally low, but violent crime, including assault, has affected a few foreigners. Petty crime is common. There have been incidents involving robbery, including in major resorts. Unaccompanied female travellers should exercise caution. Avoid excursions that are not recommended by tour operators.

Canadians planing to visit any area near the Dominican/Haitian border should be aware that Foreign Affairs Canada is advising Canadians not to travel to Haiti.

Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. In the event that documents are lost or stolen, travellers should obtain a police report in order to receive a passport or an appropriate travel document from the Canadian Embassy in Santo Domingo (see below) or the Consulate of Canada in Puerto Plata (see below). Upon departure from the island, present both the police report and the new passport to the Dominican immigration official.

Exercise caution at the beach. Swimmers should remain in well-marked areas, and children should be supervised closely. Most beaches and pools, including those at hotels, are unsupervised. Avoid swimming alone, after hours, or outside marked areas. Avoid deserted and unpatrolled beaches after dark.

The Tourist Police (POLITUR) can provide assistance to tourists. They can be reached toll-free at: 1-200-3500.

Travellers should exercise caution in hotel casinos where Progressive Roulette, progressive Keno, Super Keno and Keno table games are offered. These games operate on a progressive wagering basis. Large amounts of money can be lost rapidly.



4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Traffic laws are similar to those in Canada but are not respected. Undisciplined driving is very common. Intercity roads are in fair condition. Outside major towns, road quality varies. Driving after dark is not recommended due to poor lighting. Drive defensively at all times. Roadside assistance is not available. The Canadian Embassy has received reports of police officers, or criminals posing as police officers, demanding immediate payment of traffic fines. Drivers should insist on paying any traffic fine at the nearest police station. Pedestrians should take extra care.

Taxis are cheap and fairly reliable. Tourist taxis are more expensive. Always negotiate the fare prior to departure. Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are popular and inexpensive, but are very dangerous. Travellers, especially women, should avoid using motoconchos. Avoid renting them. Public transportation is not recommended. Private companies operate reliable, air-conditioned buses between cities. Taxi-plane services are also available.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The IDP is an internationally recognized document that, when accompanied by a valid Canadian (i.e. provincial) driver's licence, allows you to drive in over 160 countries without a specific test. Its purpose is to overcome difficulties that you may have while travelling in other countries with widely varying licence requirements. It is printed in the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese), plus German, Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese. The IDP can also be a useful form of picture identification in case of a lost or stolen passport. An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the sole issuer of the IDP in Canada.



5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season in the Caribbean extends from June to November. Heavy rains can occur. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

The Dominican Republic is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes can occur.



6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

Persons convicted of drug trafficking are subject to strict penalties, including long prison sentences in harsh conditions.

Dominican law stipulates that victims of crime (including foreigners) are responsible for reporting incidents to police. Victims who wish to pursue prosecution or seek compensation must retain Dominican legal counsel to file a formal complaint to the police and to pursue the case through the justice system.

Many Canadians have reported financial problems and complications involving time-share arrangements and other property investment activities. Exercise caution whenever approached by time-share representatives, since they use pressure sales techniques. Do not reveal personal information or show your passport or plane ticket. Only provide your credit card if you are certain you wish to make a purchase. Before making any real estate investment, you should consult Dominican and Canadian lawyers with relevant experience.

Marriages legally performed in compliance with the laws of the Dominican Republic are recognized in Canada. Canadians wishing to marry in the Dominican Republic require the following documents for both parties:

a) Proof of Identity: a valid Canadian passport, a birth certificate that includes the names of the parents, and the tourist card received upon entry into the country;

b) Statement of Single Status: you will also need to obtain a sworn affidavit attesting to your single status. This document must be submitted in the Spanish language and legally certified. This can be done prior to leaving Canada by visiting the Embassy or one of the consulates of the Dominican Republic (see below). You may also visit a notary public in Canada to make this declaration, then have the document translated into Spanish and legalized by the Embassy or consulates of the Dominican Republic;

c) Divorce Papers: if you are divorced, you must also submit original copies of your divorce papers, along with a Spanish-language translation of the documents. The translation must be legalized by the Embassy or one of the consulates of the Dominican Republic in Canada. Please note that under Dominican law, women who have recently been divorced must wait a minimum of nine months after the finalization of their divorce before they can remarry. This regulation applies as well to Canadian women wishing to be married in the Dominican Republic;

d) Death Certificate: if you are widowed, you will need to present an original copy of the death certificate of your deceased spouse, translated into Spanish and legalized by the Embassy or consulates of the Dominican Republic; and

e) Change of Name: if you have legally changed your name, you must submit original documents to the Embassy or consulates of the Dominican Republic for legalization.

Prior to departure, all above documents must be translated into Spanish, legally certified by a professional, and legalized by the Embassy or one of the consulates of the Dominican Republic in Canada. For further information, please contact the Embassy or consulates of the Dominican Republic.



7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

Canadians in the Dominican Republic can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Canadian Embassy in Santo Domingo or the Consulate of Canada in Puerto Plata at the following addresses:

SANTO DOMINGO: Canadian Embassy, Capitán Eugenio de Marchena No. 39, La Esperilla, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (country code: 809/ tel.: 685-1136/toll-free number in the Dominican Republic : 1-200-0012/ fax: 682-2691/ postal address: P.O. Box 2054, Santo Domingo 1, Dominican Republic/ e-mail : sdmgo@international.gc.ca sdmgo@dfait-maeci.gc.ca/ Web site: www.santodomingo.gc.ca).

PUERTO PLATA: Consulate of Canada, Calle Virginia E. Ortea, Edificio Isabel de Torres, Suite 311-C, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (country code: 809/ tel.: 586-5761/ fax: 586-5762/ e-mail :pplat.canada@verizon.net.do).

Canadians should register with the Canadian Embassy in Santo Domingo or the Consulate of Canada in Puerto Plata if they are going to be in the Dominican Republic for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line. To register on-line, please proceed to www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp and complete all the required fields.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy in Santo Domingo and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 1 888 156-3102 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from the Dominican Republic is 1 800 333-0111, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site ( www.infocanadadirect.com ).



8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

Permission to enter another country is the sole prerogative of that country. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. Contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited and obtain the specific requirements for entry. Conditions are subject to change.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

It is strongly recommended that all Canadians be in possession of a valid Canadian passport while abroad. However, for travel to the Dominican Republic, Canadian tourists are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). For travel to Dominican Republic, Canadian tourists must also be in possession of a return airline ticket.

Canadians entering the Dominican Republic for tourist purposes must purchase a tourist card, which has a 15 day validity. The cost of a tourist card is US$10. Those wishing to stay for a longer period must pay a surcharge at the airport upon departure. The surcharge fees range from 150 Dominican Pesos for stays of up to 3 months to 7000 Dominican Pesos for stays of more than 7 years. Alternatively tourists can also request an extension by visiting the Department of Immigration in Santo Domingo. Those wishing to work in the Dominican Republic must apply for a residency permit or work visa through the Dominican Republic Department of Immigration. More information can be obtained by contacting the Dominican Republic Embassy in Ottawa (see below).

Foreigners may gain the right to reside in the Dominican Republic by acquiring a residence visa from the Foreign Relations Ministry and a temporary or permanent residence card from the Immigration Department. For additional information, please contact the Dominican Republic Embassy or consulates in Canada.

Canadians travelling to the Dominican Republic on business for less than 15 consecutive days do not need a business visa; a tourist card will suffice. Those staying for a longer period of time must pay the same surcharges referenced above.

It is required that children under the age of 13 travelling with only one parent, as well as unaccompanied minors (children under 18) or minors accompanied by adults other than their legal guardian, be in possession of a valid Canadian passport. In all of these cases the minors must also have a letter from the other parent, their guardian or custodial parent that authorizes the travel and stipulates the destination and duration of the intended trip, notarized and translated into Spanish. This document must be legalized by the Dominican Republic Embassy or Consulate in Canada. This document has to be presented to the immigration office at the airport when arriving in and leaving the Dominican Republic.

Tourist Visa or Tourist Card: Required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

A departure tax of US$20 is charged for all international flights.

No more than US$10,000 or its equivalent in another currency may be taken out of the Dominican Republic at the time of departure.

For further information, contact the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, 130 Albert Street, Suite 418, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5G4 (tel.: 613-569-9893/ fax: 613-569-8673/ e-mail: info@drembassy.org/ Web site: www.drembassy.org) or the Consulate in Montreal (514-284-5455 / 1800-563-1611 / email: info@consulado-dominicano.com / montreal@sectur.gov.do) or Toronto (416-739-1237 / 1888-494-5050 / email: toronto@sectur.gov.do).



9. MONEY

The currency is the Dominican peso. Use pesos or U.S. dollars to make purchases, since Canadian currency is not widely accepted. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at most commercial banks and exchange booths or offices ("casas de cambio") and in resort areas and major tourist hotels. Currency should be exchanged only at banks, official exchange booths, and casas de cambio. Casas de cambio tend to offer better exchange rates than banks.

There have been reports of unauthorized use of credits cards, medicare cards, and debit cards. Tourists are advised not to provide their cards and associated PINs to third parties.

Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops located in tourist and urban areas. ATMs are available in most major cities. Check VISA or Mastercard for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your personal identification number (PIN) must have four digits to be compatible with the local system. Your bank can advise if you need a new PIN for overseas access to your account. Depending on the bank machine and the bank card you are using, there could be a daily maximum for bank withdrawals of RD$5,000 (approx. C$166). If you use an ATM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity, credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution. When using credit cards, ensure your card remains in view, and retain your transaction copy along with the carbon paper. Retain bank slips and check all transactions with your bank statement. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.



10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Dominican Republic (capital: Santo Domingo) is located in the Caribbean, on the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, east of Haiti. Spanish is the official language. Tourist facilities and services, including beaches, golf courses, and ecotourism, are widely available.

Radio Canada International (RCI) broadcasts on shortwave to the Dominican Republic. For a schedule of times and frequency of broadcasts, check the RCI Web site (www.rcinet.ca). You may also e-mail RCI at info@rcinet.ca or call 514-597-7500.



11. HEALTH CANADA'S TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

Health Canada and the World Health Organization report that the following diseases - among others - can occur in the Dominican Republic: dengue fever, hepatitis A, malaria (regional), polio, tuberculosis, and typhoid fever.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is closely monitoring reports of malaria and gastrointestinal illness in tourists who have visited the Dominican Republic. Further information on malaria or gastrointestinal illness and recommendations for travellers can be found on the Public Health Agency of Canada's Travel Medicine web site.

Canadians are advised to consult a physician or travel medicine specialist well in advance of travelling to determine health risks and necessary vaccinations. Important factors to be considered include the individual's state of health, current immunization status, and travel destination, as well as the local disease situation. Vaccinations and other special precautions may be required. For a list of travel medicine clinics, call Health Canada's Travel Medicine Program at 613-957-8739. Additional travel health information is available on Health Canada's Web site (www.TravelHealth.gc.ca).

Travellers should ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (eg. tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles) are up-to-date. Yellow fever vaccination may be required to enter some countries. Based on the risk of exposure, vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid fever, or other diseases may also be recommended. Several diseases occur globally. Sexually transmitted diseases(STDs), including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B, occur throughout the world, and the traveller may be exposed to both viral and bacterial infection, particularly if engaging in unprotected sexual activity. Tuberculosis represents a significant risk at certain destinations. Influenza is also a concern, and immunization may be recommended depending on the destination and time of year. Rabies is found throughout the world and is uncontrolled in some areas; risk of exposure may be higher in remote areas. Traveller's diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites in contaminated food and water. Travellers are advised to ensure that food and drinking water are safe.

Infectious diseases not routinely seen in Canada occur and may even be widespread in other countries. Infections acquired abroad such as tuberculosis, diarrhea, STDs, among others, may be resistant to standard North American antibiotic regimens. Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive and payment in advance required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance, including provision for emergency evacuation, prior to departure. Travellers should also carry their prescription medicine in the original container along with the prescription.

If you feel ill when you return to Canada, see a doctor as soon as possible. Inform the doctor - without being asked - where you have been. If you were ill while travelling, tell your doctor what your symptoms were and what treatment you received.



12. LOCAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Foreign Affairs Canada is aware of reports of recent cases of gastrointestinal illness in travellers to the Dominican Republic. Although in recent weeks there was an increase in the number of cases normally seen, the number of travellers reporting symptoms of gastrointestinal illness has since returned to normal levels. The locations that experienced a high number of reports of illness have undertaken preventative measures to ensure facilities are cleaned and disinfected. Canadians should consult with a physician or travel medicine specialist in advance of travelling to discuss any concerns they may have.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is cooperating with the Ministry of Health in the Dominican Republic to ensure that intensive measures are being implemented to halt the trasmission of malaria in the Province of La Altragracia (including in the regions of Punta Cana and Playa Bavaro). The measures include surveillance and fumigation of the region. The measures also include ensuring that medical doctors are available in the affected region to answer questions, to provide preventative treatment, and to treat any symptoms that may appear. All medical services are being offered free of charge. The Punta Cana and Playa Bavaro regions are the only Tourist Regions known to be affected at this time. The Ministry of Health in the Dominican Republic, the PAHO, and the Public Health Agency of Canada are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available.

Do not drink tap water and avoid eating food from street vendors. Use anti-mosquito precautions.

Good to excellent medical facilities exist in all tourist areas. Medical care is limited in remote areas. Medical expenses can be very high. It is normal for clinics to require patients to sign an undertaking to pay agreement and to take a credit card impression as guarantee of payment prior to providing medical care. Any incidents of sickness or injury requiring hospitalization should be reported to the Canadian Embassy.



13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Declare everything acquired abroad, whether purchases for yourself or gifts, as well as goods bought at a Canadian or foreign duty-free store. Keep original receipts. Certain items are restricted from entering Canada. If you are considering importing meat or dairy products, plants, weapons, vehicles, exotic animals or products made from their skins or feathers, contact your local Customs Border Services Office of the Canada Border Services Agency (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca) or the Canada Firearms Centre (www.cfc.gc.ca) beforehand for guidance. The booklet I Declare (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4044/) describes what you can and cannot bring back to Canada if you have been away for less than a year.



14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site (www.cic.gc.ca), or contact your provincial or territorial government.



15. TRAVEL TIPS

You should:
a) carry a Canadian passport for all visits outside Canada;
b) keep a photocopy of your passport's identification page with you;
c) carry passports, tickets, and money separately;
d) keep valuables and passports safe and carry only enough money for anticipated expenses;
e) leave a copy of your itinerary and proof of citizenship with family and/or friends;
f) carry legally certified documentation signed by both parents permitting a child under 18 to travel alone or with an adult (i.e. a relative or teacher), or carry legally certified documentation from the absent parent if only one parent escorts the child, in addition to a copy of any separation or divorce decree or death certificate; and
g) not visit unknown or isolated areas without first obtaining information or assistance.



16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative at home, and your travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you leave the country. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.



17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

The Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs Canada provides: (a) Country Travel Reports (http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp) detailing safety and security conditions, health advice, and entry requirements; (b) information on Current Issues (www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/ci/all-en.asp) highlighting current and ongoing situations around the world; (c) daily e-mail Travel Updates (www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/sub-en.asp) notifying you of changes to our Current Issues and Country Travel Reports; and (d) a series of free safe-travel publications (www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs_menu-en.asp) to help travellers prepare for a safe and problem-free journey.

For additional information, you may contact the Consular Affairs Bureau by telephone: 1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788; e-mail: voyage@international.gc.ca; Web site: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp; and TTY: 613-944-1310 or 1 800 394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.). Specific information may also be obtained from a consular representative by contacting Canadian government offices abroad (www.voyage.gc.ca/main/foreign/fordest/foreign_view_client-en.asp).

This is provided for information purposes only. Please verify all information that you might read on this website.