Contents
A step by step guide on what you need to know when traveling to the Dominican Republic with a US Green Card.
Topics include: what to pack, where to stay, and how to stay safe while enjoying your trip.
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Introduction
If you are a permanent resident of the United States with a green card you may travel to the Dominican Republic without a visa for tourism or business purposes. However, you will need to present a valid Green card and a passport from your country of citizenship at the airport or port of entry. You may also need to show proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or itinerary.
History
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. The Taino Indians were the original inhabitants of Hispaniola. The Taino were a peaceful people and welcomed Christopher Columbus when he arrived on the island in 1492. The Taino were soon enslaved by the Spanish and died from overwork and disease. In the early 1600s, African slaves were brought to the island to work on the sugar plantations.
The Dominican Republic gained its independence from Spain in 1821 but was soon occupied by Haiti. In 1844, the Dominicans fought for and regained their independence.
The Dominican Republic has a long history of dictators and political turmoil. In 1930, General Rafael Trujillo came to power in a military coup. He ruled the country with an iron fist for more than 30 years, until he was assassinated in 1961.
In 1965, another military coup brought General Joaquin Balaguer to power. He ruled the country for 12 years, until his election was overturned in 1978.
In 1986, after years of political turmoil, democracy was finally restored to the Dominican Republic with the election of President Jose Joaquin Melgar-Ureña.
Geography
The Dominican Republic is a sovereign state located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean region. It occupies the eastern five-eighths of the island, which it shares with the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands, along with Trinidad and Tobago, that are shared by two sovereign states. The Dominican Republic is the second-largest Caribbean nation by area (after Cuba) at 48,445 square kilometers (18,705 sq mi), and third by population with 10 million people, of which approximately three million live in the metropolitan area of Santo Domingo, the capital city.
The national territory extends from conjointlyshared maritime borders in its northwestern zone with Haiti, in the north-northeast with Atlantic Ocean waters, in the east with Puerto Rico through the Mona Passage; and to its southeast it borders the Caribbean Sea waters. Its insular platform occupies an area of 18,649 km2 (7,181 sq mi) which represents about 38.5% of Dominican national territory; however its territorial sea—defined as 12 nautical miles from shore—and exclusive economic zone occupy 0.65% more. The country’s maritime space totals 19,314 km2 (7,464 sq mi), about 0.4% less than its land area.
Climate
The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with average temperatures of 27°C (81°F) throughout the year. The trade winds keep the weather fairly consistent year-round, although there is a wet season from May to November when hurricanes are possible. December to April is the tourist season, so prices for accommodation and flights are at their highest during this time. If you’re looking to save some money, travel outside of these months.
Flora and Fauna
The Dominican Republic is home to a variety of plant and animal species. The island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti, is particularly rich in biodiversity.
There are more than 5,000 species of plants on the island, including palms, cacti, mangroves, and flowering plants. The country is also home to a wide variety of animals, including reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals.
Some of the most popular attractions for nature lovers in the Dominican Republic include Los Haitises National Park, Jaragua National Park, and the Lake Enriquillo crocodile sanctuary.
Demographics
The Dominican Republic is a country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean region. It occupies the eastern five-eighths of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. The Dominican Republic is the second-largest nation in the Caribbean by area (after Cuba) at 48,445 square kilometers (18,705 sq mi), and third by population with 10,349,281 people (which includes estimated figures for Santo Domingo metropolitan area). The official language of the country is Spanish.
Government
The Dominican Republic uses a visitado/a system to track foreigners who come into the country. Those who come from the United States do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but must have a return ticket, a passport, and proof ofsolvency (sufficient funds for the length of the stay). For more information, please see the Dominican Republic’s embassy website.
Economy
The Dominican Republic has a healthy economy, with steady growth in recent years. The country’s main industries are tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination, with visitors from all over the world coming to enjoy its beaches and resorts. agricultural products include coffee, cocoa, tobacco, sugarcane, and livestock. Manufacturing industries produce textiles, shoes, cigars, jewelry, and electronics.
The Dominican Republic has a free-market economy with little government regulation. businesses are free to set their own prices and choose their own suppliers. The country’s currency is the Dominican peso (DOP).
Infrastructure
Although the Dominican Republic has made significant strides in improving infrastructure in recent years, traveler should still be prepared for less-than-ideal conditions when travelling outside of the major cities. Roads are often in poor condition, and public transportation is sporadic. Power outages are also not uncommon, particularly in rural areas.
Tourism
The Dominican Republic is a beautiful country situated in the Caribbean Sea. The island of Hispaniola is shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, making it the second largest island in the region after Cuba. The Dominican Republic has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty that make it a popular tourist destination.
About two million people visit the Dominican Republic each year, with most coming from North America and Europe. Visitors from the United States do not need a visa to enter the country for tourism purposes, but they must have a valid passport and a return ticket. green card holders from the United States are also allowed to stay for up to 90 days in the Dominican Republic without a visa.
If you are planning to stay longer than 90 days or engage in any activities other than tourism, you will need to apply for a visa at a Dominican consulate before your trip.
