What it’s like traveling to the Dominican Republic right now
If you’re looking to travel to a place where the only question you’ll ask yourself is, “Is it too early for a pina colada?” then the Dominican Republic just might be for you.
Visitors from all over are currently welcome to travel to the Dominican Republic seemingly restriction-free. Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are welcome with no need to show any proof of COVID-19 vaccination status and no PCR or antigen test required to enter (though it’s always wise to take one prior to departure).
Flight prices on JetBlue have dropped to as low as $308 round-trip from New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), with other viable options from Newark, Nashville, Boston or Chicago, to either Punta Cana, Santiago or Santo Domingo. Between the lax entry protocols and the cheap flight prices, it’s no wonder why the Dominican Republic recently broke records for the most tourist arrivals in its history, bringing in 600,000 visitors just last month.
The only requirement to enter is each passenger must fill out an e-ticket administered by the government of the Dominican Republic. This did not seem to be advertised anywhere and left many travelers scrambling at the gate at JFK to quickly fill out this vital document on their phones. A JetBlue employee announced people should simply google "Dominican Republic e-ticket" and the first option would be the correct one, but be wary. There are many scams out there. The e-ticket is free. If you’re on a website that asks for your credit card information, do not put it in. All that’s required for the e-ticket is to fill out your personal information, flight number, passport number, where you plan to stay and how long you will be in the Dominican Republic. There were no questions about COVID-19.
Once you have your ticket booked and your e-ticket filled out, you’re on your way to paradise. Many passengers on the flight to Punta Cana did not wear a mask. Upon arrival there were signs in Punta Cana International Airport asking people to wear masks, though most people walked around maskless. There were still a few signs about COVID-19 testing requirements, but overall the virus did not seem to be much of a concern to most locals I met.
The Dominican Republic is known to have some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. However, there has been a recent influx of sargassum seaweed, and I was disappointed to see Playa de Arena Blanca, where I was based, completely covered in seaweed.
Related: Cancun and the rest of the Mexican Caribbean battle a sargassum seaweed invasion
I stayed at VIK Hotel Arena Blanca All-Inclusive for a steal of $70 per night. Despite the seaweed-infested beach, I was pleasantly surprised by how much bang I got for my buck. There were three pools, a private beach, a gym, COVID-19 testing on-site, unlimited food, coffee, and fruity rum-spiked drinks to fulfill my tropical dreams. Round-trip transportation from the airport was not included. However, with my Booking.com Genius discount, I was able to get a taxi to the hotel for only $5. Most employees were wearing masks but none of the patrons were.
Related: Here’s what happened when I stayed at the cheapest all-inclusive resort in Egypt
If you want to find a beach that has no seaweed, head to Playa Macao. It’s about 20 minutes north of downtown Punta Cana, and the trek is well worth it. Easily one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, the coastline of Playa Macao is a perfect contrast of white pristine sand and crystal-clear blue waters. You can rent a beach chair for $10, enjoy drinks out of fresh coconuts and take a dip in the salty waters of the Caribbean.
If you’re into snorkeling, I highly recommend this small-group sailing and snorkeling catamaran tour. It’s about a four-hour excursion, including “unlimited happy juice,” with options to paddle-board. Though the weather was overall terrific for my short three-day trip, there were overcast conditions while I was on the snorkeling tour. Overcast or not, bring sunscreen.
Related: 12 of the best far-flung dive and snorkel spots to add to your bucket list
As my Dominican Republic getaway neared its end, I needed to take a COVID-19 test within one day of my departure in order to get back into the U.S. Though I typically carry the Binax now home tests, my shipment had been delayed and didn’t arrive in time, so I was stuck paying for a test at my resort. Luckily, an antigen test was only $12 and I had my results within five minutes. Be sure to double-check your information on the report of your test results. After close examination, I saw that they had typed in an incorrect passport number, which they were able to fix once I brought it to their attention.
Related: Your Guide to at-home COVID-19 Tests for International Travel
If you are headed back to the U.S., a COVID-19 antigen or PCR test is required within one calendar day of your departure, and a Dominican Republic e-ticket exit form is also required. Similarly to takeoff, many passengers, myself included, didn’t seem to know an e-ticket for exiting the country was required, leaving us huddled up by the check-in counter frantically filling out this form on our phones. JetBlue also required a passenger assessment form to be filled out prior to arriving at the airport. It asked specific questions about COVID-19, including but not limited to whether you had taken a negative test within one calendar day, and/or if you had a medical or humanitarian exemption from testing.
I was unable to check in to my returning flight on JetBlue through the airline's app because I was headed to a “restricted destination” (U.S.). I had to wait until I arrived at the airport to check in to my flight, where they quickly confirmed my negative test result report. I was asked to show my e-ticket several times, but I was only asked to show my negative COVID test results once.
Since I could not check in online, I arrived at the airport three hours early, expecting a long line of tourists waiting to return back to their respective origins. However, after filling out my e-ticket, I was through security and passport control in about five minutes, giving me ample time to spend in the VIP Lounge, thanks to the Priority Pass membership included with my Chase Sapphire Reserve card. There I enjoyed some snacks and coffee before my flight back to New York.
Overall, traveling to the Dominican Republic — with the exception of the required negative test to come back to the U.S. — felt somewhat like travel pre-COVID-19 days. There were hardly any masks in sight, and people seemed to be enjoying themselves without the fear of the virus.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.