This guide is for travellers flying from the United States to the Dominican Republic: which Dominican airport to pick, what to sort out before you fly and how to have your ride waiting when you land.
Pick the airport by destination, not by fare
A cheaper ticket to Punta Cana can cost you hours on the road if you are staying in Santiago, Puerto Plata or the capital. New York has nonstop flights to all four main Dominican airports, so compare before you book.
Flights from the US
| From | To | How |
|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | SDQ, STI, POP, PUJ | Nonstop |
| Miami | SDQ, PUJ | Nonstop |
| Fort Lauderdale | SDQ, STI | Nonstop |
| Boston | SDQ, STI | Nonstop |
| Orlando | SDQ, STI, PUJ | Nonstop |
| Chicago | PUJ | Nonstop |
| Atlanta | SDQ | Nonstop |
| Philadelphia | SDQ | Seasonal nonstop |
Routes checked in September 2026. They change by season: confirm before you book.
Which airport to fly into
- SDQ — Las Américas (Santo Domingo): best for Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio.
- PUJ — Punta Cana: best for Punta Cana, Bávaro, Cap Cana, Uvero Alto.
- STI — Cibao (Santiago): best for Santiago, Jarabacoa, Constanza.
- POP — Gregorio Luperón (Puerto Plata): best for Puerto Plata, Sosúa, Cabarete.
Destination not listed? See the full airport table.
Time, money and phone
- Time: On the East Coast it is the same time from March to November, and the Dominican Republic is one hour ahead the rest of the year. The DR never changes its clocks.
- Money: US dollars are accepted in tourist areas. Bring small bills in good condition: torn or very worn notes are often refused.
- Phone: Many US plans include roaming in the Dominican Republic: check with your carrier before you fly. Airport wifi is enough to send a WhatsApp message on arrival.
- Busy periods: Christmas, spring break and summer are the busiest periods: book your transfer earlier on those dates.
Documents
Passport and the free e-Ticket at eticket.migracion.gob.do, completed before check-in. Until December 31, 2026, a special measure lets US citizens travelling for tourism enter with a passport that is simply valid for the whole stay, instead of the usual six months. Full entry requirements.
Airport transfer
Send us on WhatsApp the number of the flight landing in the Dominican Republic, the date, how many people are travelling and where you are going. We will send you a quote before you leave the US.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to enter the Dominican Republic?
A valid passport and the free e-Ticket, completed before check-in. Until December 31, 2026 your passport only needs to be valid for your whole stay.
What is the time difference between the US and the Dominican Republic?
On the East Coast it is the same time from March to November, and the Dominican Republic is one hour ahead the rest of the year. The DR never changes its clocks.
Do US citizens need a visa for the Dominican Republic?
Not for tourism. You need a valid passport and the free e-Ticket, completed before check-in.