When you land in the Dominican Republic you go through immigration (with your e-Ticket ready), collect your bags, clear customs and walk out into arrivals, where transfer drivers and the official taxi rank are waiting. On a normal day the whole thing takes 30 to 60 minutes.
The short answer: fill in the free e-Ticket on the official migration website before you fly and save the QR code. The tourist card is usually included in your ticket. On the way out, ignore anyone offering “free” transport in exchange for a presentation, find your driver’s sign or go to the official taxi rank, and agree the price before you get in. Taxi fares by airport are in our airport taxi fares guide.
Before you fly
e-Ticket. The Dominican Republic uses a single free electronic entry and exit form, completed on the official portal of the Dirección General de Migración. When you finish you get a QR code; save it on your phone and print it if you can. Your airline may ask for it at boarding and immigration on arrival. Watch out for websites that charge to “process” the e-Ticket: you don’t need them.
Tourist card. Since 2018, for most visitors arriving by air, the tourist card is included in the ticket. Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality; confirm with your airline or the consulate.
Book your transfer with your flight number. That way the company tracks the flight and adjusts pickup if you’re late. Save the driver’s or office’s WhatsApp number.
Phone data. Turn on roaming or buy a travel eSIM before you leave. Terminals have wifi, but it isn’t always reliable.
After landing: step by step
- Immigration. Join the foreigners’ line. Show your passport and e-Ticket QR; you may be photographed and fingerprinted. Have your hotel address ready.
- Baggage claim. Screens show the belt for your flight. Uniformed porters offer help; if you accept, the usual tip is US$1 to US$2 per bag (more in our tipping drivers guide).
- Customs. Bags go through an X-ray. If you’re carrying a lot of cash, valuables or food, declare what applies.
- Arrivals hall. After customs you reach the area where drivers hold signs, with hotel and agency reps, taxi desks and car rental counters.
Watch out for offers on the way out
In arrivals, especially in Punta Cana, people often approach offering cheap or free transport, gifts or “tourist information”. Often it’s an invitation to a timeshare presentation. Keep walking to your driver or the taxi rank. Never hand your bags to someone who hasn’t confirmed your name and the company you booked.
Airport by airport
| Airport | For | On the way out |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Bávaro, Cap Cana, Uvero Alto, Bayahíbe | Open-air terminals with palm-thatch roofs; drivers and reps wait outside; taxis with a fare table; no official Uber zone |
| Las Américas (SDQ) | Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio | Arrivals area with official taxis and signposted Uber pickup zones |
| Gregorio Luperón (POP) | Puerto Plata, Sosúa, Cabarete | Small terminal; taxis at the exit, drivers with signs |
| Cibao (STI) | Santiago, Jarabacoa, north coast | Taxis and car rental; Uber operates in the city |
| La Romana (LRM) | Casa de Campo, Bayahíbe | Small, quick terminal; most people arrive with a pre-booked transfer |
| El Catey (AZS) | Las Terrenas, Samaná, Las Galeras | Few flights and few taxis; book your transfer ahead |
Punta Cana (PUJ)
The country’s busiest airport, and on high-season Saturdays many flights land together. After customs you walk out into an open area where hotel reps, private and shared transfer drivers and the taxi stand with its fare table are waiting. Uber has no official pickup zone here; read our Uber at Dominican airports guide before you try. For the hotel zone, see prices and times for PUJ to Bávaro or PUJ to Cap Cana.
Las Américas (SDQ)
About 30 minutes east of Santo Domingo. Outside are the official airport taxis and, since 2025, signposted Uber zones. If you’re heading into the city, compare the taxi with a private transfer to the Colonial Zone. If you’re going to the beach, Boca Chica is about 15 minutes away.
Puerto Plata (POP)
A mid-sized terminal where formalities are usually quick. It sits between Puerto Plata and Sosúa, so Sosúa is very close and Cabarete under 40 minutes away.
Santiago (STI), La Romana (LRM) and El Catey (AZS)
Smaller, quieter airports. At La Romana and El Catey few taxis wait, especially on days with few flights, so book your transfer. From El Catey, Las Terrenas is about 25 to 35 minutes away.
What it costs to reach your hotel
These are approximate official airport taxi fares in 2026 for the most common trips. A pre-booked private transfer usually costs about the same or less, with the advantage that the driver waits with your name and tracks your flight.
| Trip | Approx. taxi (2026) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| PUJ to Cap Cana | US$25 to US$35 | 15 to 20 min |
| PUJ to Bávaro | US$30 to US$55 | 20 to 40 min |
| SDQ to the Colonial Zone | US$30 to US$45 | 30 to 45 min |
| SDQ to Boca Chica | US$20 to US$30 | 10 to 15 min |
| POP to Sosúa | US$25 to US$35 | 10 to 15 min |
| POP to Cabarete | US$35 to US$50 | 25 to 35 min |
Taxi fares are per vehicle, not per person, and go up at night or with a lot of luggage. Always confirm the fare before you get in.
Cash, SIM and wifi
- Cash: taxis and transfers are quoted in dollars and almost all accept US cash. There are ATMs in the main terminals; Go Dominican Republic advises using indoor ATMs during the day.
- Currency exchange: airport exchange desks usually give a worse rate than banks or city ATMs. Change only what you need.
- Local SIM: the big terminals have stands for local carriers selling prepaid SIMs. You’ll need your passport.
- Wifi: available in the main terminals, but don’t rely on it to order a ride.
If you land late or your flight is delayed
Night arrivals have fewer taxis and darker roads. Book your transfer with your flight number so they wait for you, and message on WhatsApp if the delay is long. More in our late-night and delayed arrivals guide.
When you leave
- Use the e-Ticket again: the same system covers departure and may be checked at boarding.
- Arrive about three hours before international flights, especially in Punta Cana at weekends.
- Leave margin on the transfer: in Santo Domingo, rush hour can add 30 minutes or more to the drive to SDQ.
Quick checklist
- e-Ticket done and QR saved.
- Transfer booked with flight number and the driver’s WhatsApp.
- Hotel address written down.
- Some US cash in small notes.
- Mobile data working.
If you don’t have a transfer yet, request a quote with your airport, hotel and arrival time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the e-Ticket and is it compulsory?
It's the Dominican Republic's free electronic entry and exit form. You fill it in on the official migration website before your flight, and it generates a QR code that can be checked at boarding and at immigration. Use the official site: some websites charge for the same form.
Do I have to pay for a tourist card on arrival?
For most visitors arriving by air, the tourist card has been included in the ticket price since 2018, so there's nothing to pay at the airport. Check the requirements for your nationality before you travel.
How long does it take to get out of the airport?
On a normal day, 30 to 60 minutes from leaving the plane to walking out with your bags. When several flights land together, as on Saturdays in Punta Cana, it can take over an hour.
Where will my transfer driver wait?
Outside the customs area, in arrivals, holding a sign with your name. In Punta Cana, transfer and hotel reps wait just outside the terminal; confirm the exact meeting point with your company and keep their WhatsApp number handy.
Can I get an Uber when I come out?
It depends on the airport. Las Américas (SDQ) has signposted pickup zones; Punta Cana has no official zone and pickups are awkward. Read our Uber at airports guide before relying on it.
Do I need pesos when I land?
Not essential: airport taxis and transfers are quoted in dollars. There are ATMs in the main terminals if you want pesos for tips, tolls or a colmado (corner shop).