3 Punta Cana. Share: Punta Cana, on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is one of the most popular tourist areas on the island. Packed with resorts, this large town is known for its beautiful beaches (palm-lined Bavaro is a favorite) and world-class golf courses.
And yes, the name sounds weird and senseless when pronounced without "Republic". Back un 1838, when founding father Juan Pablo Duarte named the projected country which would be named after independence, he used the name "República Dominicana" (Dominican Republic) a derivative of "Santo Domingo".
The Dominican people and their customs have origins consisting predominately in a European cultural basis, with both African and native Taíno influences. The Dominican Republic was the site of the first European settlement in the Western Hemisphere, namely Santo Domingo founded in 1493.
Visas. All visitors need a tourist card to enter the Dominican Republic. You can get a tourist card before travel from the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in London, or on arrival at the airport at a cost of US$10 or equivalent. The Dominican Republic Embassy website has more information.
Do not drink the tap water in the Dominican Republic. Such water is often contaminated with bacteria, according to the U.S. Department of State. All resorts and hotels offer bottled beverages.
* No visa required for stay up to 30 days. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist or business travel to this country. A visa is required for U.S. Official and Diplomatic passport holders traveling for official business.
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all travelers to the Dominican Republic. You may want to consider typhoid vaccine if you will be leaving the resorts for more rustic eateries or visiting local residents. Hepatitis B is recommend for prolonged stays, those who may need health care while in the Dominican Republic.Mar 31, 2013
All non-resident travelers need to show a round trip ticket as proof of their departure. The Dominican Republic has signed an agreement with the US and Canada that allows their nationals to enter the Dominican Republic without a passport or visa by purchasing a US$10 tourist card.
Entry Requirements for Dominican Republic. Travelers heading to the Dominican Republic will need to have a valid U.S. passport with them when entering and exiting the country. If you enter the Dominican Republic via air or sea travel without documents, you may be sent directly back to the United States.