Dominican Republic entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Malta passport holders can visit the Dominican Republic for tourism or business without a visa. As of 2026, you receive a tourist card on arrival (usually included in your airfare) covering up to 30 days. Just bring a valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Maltese passport needs to be valid only for the dates you're in the Dominican Republic — there's no 6-month validity rule. Airlines sometimes enforce their own rules, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the Dominican Republic | Immigration officers at Punta Cana and Santo Domingo routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A printed hotel confirmation or a letter from a host covers this — keep it handy in your carry-on. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence you can support yourself during your stay | Immigration can request proof you have enough money for your trip — bank statements or a credit card usually suffice. No fixed amount is published, but having access to at least $100 USD per day covers most situations. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If you have less than 6 months remaining, they can refuse boarding — even with a valid visa. Double-check your passport's expiry date before booking.
Tourist card included in most airfares
When you book a flight to the Dominican Republic, the tourist card fee (about $10 USD) is usually bundled into your ticket price. You will not need to pay separately at the airport. Check with your airline if unsure.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Punta Cana or Santo Domingo airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Migración' (Immigration). Queue at a counter with your passport and boarding pass ready. The officer will stamp you in. If your airline included the tourist card in your ticket (most do), no forms are needed. If not, pay a small fee (around $10 USD) at a separate counter before the immigration line.
2
Baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your luggage. Customs uses a green/red channel system. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. Random checks occur.
3
Exit the arrivals hall
Once through customs, you are in the arrivals hall. Taxis and hotel shuttles are outside. Official taxi booths sell fixed-price tickets — use those to avoid haggling.
Download Dominican Republic Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$30 USD
Apply at Dominican embassy in Malta or nearest consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$60 USD
Requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$200 USD (approx.)
Requires proof of income or investment.
retirement visa
Residencia por Inversión (Retirement)
1 year, renewable
$200 USD application fee + $1,500 USD annual renewal
For retirees with a monthly pension of at least $1,500 USD. Requires proof of income and health insurance.
digital nomad visa
Visado de Nómada Digital
1 year, renewable
$100 USD application fee
For remote workers with proof of employment and income of $2,000 USD/month. Allows stay and work for foreign employers.
investor visa
Residencia por Inversión (Investor)
1 year, renewable
$500 USD application fee + $2,000 USD annual renewal
For investors with a minimum investment of $200,000 USD in real estate or business. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist card (if arriving by air)Some airlines include this in ticket; otherwise pay on arrival. | $10 USD (included in airfare for most airlines) |
| Stay extension feeExtension up to 60 days total; apply at immigration office. | $25 USD (approx.) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of $500 USD. | $5 USD per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Dominican Republic
No transit visa needed
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Dominican Republic airports.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsPunta Cana International Airport (PUJ) · Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) · Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
Health & vaccines for Dominican Republic
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., parts of South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialCOVID-19EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne; common in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur sporadically.
Zika virusModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; pregnant women should take precautions.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended. Risk exists in rural border regions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Santo Domingo
Dirección General de Migración
Av. 27 de Febrero esq. Av. Luperón, Santo Domingo
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for extensions and permits.
Punta Cana
Oficina de Migración Punta Cana
Aeropuerto Internacional de Punta Cana
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Limited services; best for entry/exit issues.
Practical information for MT travellers
Country basics
CapitalSanto Domingo
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyDominican Peso (DOP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 59.48 DOP
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New Yorksame timezone
vs Los Angeles+3h
Electricity
Voltage110V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BSame as US: two flat pins (A) or with grounding (B).
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
You get up to 30 days as a tourist. To stay longer, apply for an extension at the Dirección General de Migración in Santo Domingo or regional offices. Extensions cost 1,000–2,000 DOP and can grant up to 90 additional days.
No separate form is needed for Maltese citizens. The tourist card is usually included in your airline ticket. If not, pay about $10 USD at a counter before immigration. No online pre-registration required.
No. Tourist entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short courses. Paid work (including remote work for a foreign company) technically requires a work visa. Digital nomads often stay on tourist entry, but this is a grey area.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions for shorter validity.
No, if you transit airside (do not pass immigration). If you leave the airport, you need the same tourist entry as any other visitor.
It is usually included in your airline ticket. If not, pay about $20 USD in cash at the airport before security. Check with your airline before flying out.
Always carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp. Keep the original passport in your hotel safe. Police can ask for ID, and a photocopy usually satisfies them.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.