Dominican Republic

Local Expertise: Dominican Republic clearance information reviewed by local yacht agents - June 2026

1. Arrival & Clearance

All foreign yachts arriving in the Dominican Republic must complete clearance with Customs, Immigration, DNCD drug control, Agricultural Control, the Port Authority and the Dominican Navy. Clearance formalities, navigation permits, extensions, charter permissions and crew-change notifications are always handled through a local yacht agent.

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Arrivals and departures are permitted during daylight hours only. A temporary navigation permit is issued on arrival as part of the clearance process. This permit is generally valid for 90 days and is issued free of VAT. Yachts wishing to remain in Dominican waters for longer than 90 days must complete an extension procedure with the relevant authorities.

Official Ports of Entry/Departure

• North Coast: Ocean World Marina, Puerto Plata
• East Coast: Puerto Bahía Marina, Samaná;
• East Coast: Cap Cana Marina, Punta Cana
• South East Coast: Casa de Campo, La Romana

2. Documents required

• Certificate of Registry
• Last port clearance
• Crew & Guest list
• Copies of all passports
• Visas, if applicable
• Yacht insurance
• Charter documentation, if applicable
• Number of tenders up to 14 ft on board
• Declaration of any merchandise, firearms or cash exceeding USD 10,000
• Pets require a special entry procedure, which should be arranged in advance

Upon arrival, Customs, Immigration, Port Authority, Sanitation and Navy officials will usually come onboard for a brief clearance visit and routine inspection. In certain areas, yachts at anchor may also be cleared, subject to local procedures.

3. Fees

Arrival fees generally include immigration charges per person on board and a vessel fee. Navy and Port Authority inspection fees apply to the vessel and to each tender up to 15 ft. Tourist card fees are charged per person, and Sanitation fees may apply for inspection and garbage disposal, including a fee per garbage bag.

On departure, Navy and Port Authority fees are charged per vessel and per tender up to 15 ft.

4. Visa & Immigration

Immigration will usually stamp passports with a visitor permit valid for up to 30 days. Visitors wishing to stay longer should arrange any required extension in advance.

All travellers entering or leaving the Dominican Republic by air must complete the official Dominican Republic Immigration E-Ticket form:
https://eticket.migracion.gob.do

Crew Arriving and Departing by Air / Crew Changes

Crew members arriving by air can complete their entry formalities by submitting the Dominican Republic Immigration E-Ticket and will be processed as tourists. No port-side immigration or additional authority procedures are normally required when crew members arrive by air.

For crew changes, passport copies and updated crew- and guest lists are required in order to notify Immigration and the Dominican Navy. 

5. Navigation

Yachts cruising in the Dominican Republic are required to obtain port-to-port clearance, known locally as a 'Despacho', before each movement, including day trips.

• Local Despacho: applies to same-day trips returning to the same port or marina
• National Despacho: applies to movements between different ports or marinas.

Night navigation, anchoring and some local cruising areas may be restricted.

Jet skis are not permitted. Seabobs and electric surfboards are generally tolerated, subject to local rules.

6. Chartering

Foreign-flagged yachts can charter in Dominican waters, but charter operations require prior authorisation and must comply with local regulations. Requirements depend on the yacht’s flag, commercial status, itinerary, guest embarkation/disembarkation arrangements and planned activities. Regular clearance fees apply; VAT, cabotage and any local charter-permit requirements should be confirmed through a local yacht agent, before committing to an itinerary or charter contract.

7. Private Jets

Private jets can use several Dominican airports of entry, including Santo Domingo, La Romana, Punta Cana, Samaná, Puerto Plata and Santiago. FBO/GAT clearance is available at key airports, with customs and immigration usually handled through the aircraft’s local ground handler.