Visas, Passports, and Entry/Exit Information

Traveling to the Caribbean can be easier than many other areas of the world. Visas are not needed to enter Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. However, rules always apply when traveling to a foreign state.

Passports

To travel to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, everyone entering needs a valid passport. Make sure to check the expiration date. Your passport is only valid if there are six months left before expiring. If your passport is expiring in five months then you would have to renew it. If you do not have a passport, make sure to give yourself enough time before your trip to apply for one. According to the U.S. Department of State, as of May 7, 2013, applications are now being processed within four to six weeks. There is an option for expedited service that takes up to three weeks and, of course, costs more. My mom recently applied for her passport and she received it within two weeks. So if you have a decent amount of time before your trip, expedited service is not necessary. If you need a U.S. passport in less than two weeks for international travel, you need to make an appointment to be seen at a Regional Passport Agency. Contact info There are two ways you can apply for a passport: 1) mail; 2) in person. If you are applying for your passport for the first time, you would have to apply in person at your nearest post office that accepts passport applications. If you are renewing your passport, you can just apply through mail.

Entry/Exit Information

When I traveled to the Caribbean, I had many questions that were hard to find answers to. For example, can I go to Haiti or the Dominican Republic without a return ticket. I wasn't completely sure how many months I would take to backpack the Caribbean. When I was researching this question, mostly looking for answers in travel forums, other travelers stated a return ticket back to your home country was necessary. However, when I landed in Haiti, customs didn't even question me. Frankly, they seemed quite nonchalant. I'm not saying not to get a return ticket if you are not sure how much time you will be in the Caribbean, however, it's up to your discretion. According to the travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State, Haitian entry and exit requirements are standard. U.S. citizens need a passport to enter and exit the country. Regulations for the Dominican Republic are somewhat more strict. They also require a passport for entry and exit of the island. A $10 tourist card must be purchased before entering the island which you will pay when you land in the Dominican Republic or when you cross the border from Haiti. If you are taking a bus from Haiti to the DR, which is $45 (if they haven't raised the price), the $10 charge for a tourist card is included. This tourist card allows you to be in the country for up to 60 days. If you are staying longer than two months, visit the Migration Department in Santo Domingo and ask for an extension. If you fail to do this, a surcharge upon departure ranges from $30 for a month to $500 for five years. To enter Puerto Rico, U.S. citizens only need a U.S. issued ID. Until next time... Saludos