Canada updates passport rules for travellers to the Dominican Republic
Canadians travelling for tourism can enter the Dominican Republic with passports valid only for the length of their stay, through Dec. 31, 2026. Check requirements before you go.
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By Torontoer Staff
The Government of Canada has updated its travel advisory for the Dominican Republic to reflect temporary changes to passport validity requirements for Canadian travellers. The General Directorate of Migration is allowing Canadian citizens travelling for tourism to use passports that are valid only for the duration of their stay, through Dec. 31, 2026.
The change is limited in scope and does not replace the standard six-month validity rule for other travel purposes. Travellers should confirm entry and exit rules before departure and plan accordingly.
What changed
The advisory notes a temporary relaxation of passport validity requirements. The Dominican Republic’s measure is intended to reduce barriers for leisure travellers from key markets and to simplify entry procedures for visitors during the covered period.
Until Dec. 31, 2026, Canadians can enter the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes with a passport valid for the duration of their stay.
Government of Canada advisory
According to the advisory, the exception means Canadian citizens whose passports are near expiry may still travel for tourism so long as the passport covers their planned stay and departure date. The advisory says the DGM implemented the measure to remove obstacles to tourism and improve entry processing.
a more streamlined entry process for visitors from key source markets.
General Directorate of Migration (DGM)
Who is covered and who is not
The temporary rule applies to Canadian citizens travelling for tourism only. It also applies to citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, the United States, England and countries of the European Union, provided they hold valid and current passports.
The advisory does not mention Canadian permanent residents. Travellers going for reasons other than tourism must still hold passports valid for at least six months after arrival.
Practical steps before you travel
- Check your passport expiry and the dates of your trip. If you travel for tourism and your passport covers your stay and departure, the temporary rule may apply.
- If you travel for work, study, transit or any non-tourism purpose, renew your passport so it is valid for at least six months beyond arrival.
- Confirm airline check-in and boarding requirements. Airlines may require longer passport validity than the destination.
- Verify entry rules close to departure on Canada’s Dominican Republic travel advice page and with the Dominican Republic’s consular services.
- Register with Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) to receive alerts about emergencies or consular updates while you are abroad.
The Canadian government reminds travellers that border authorities determine who may enter or leave a country. Rules can change with little notice, and travellers are responsible for meeting destination requirements.
The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
Government of Canada
Keeping current
Check the official travel advice page for the Dominican Republic regularly, and consult your airline and the Dominican Republic’s migration authority for any last-minute changes. If you need consular assistance, enrol in ROCA before departure so Global Affairs Canada can contact you in an emergency.
If your passport is close to expiry and you plan non-tourism travel, start a renewal now. For tourism travel within the temporary window, confirm requirements with your carrier and carry documentation of your return or onward travel.
Plan and verify entry rules before you go to avoid surprises at the border.
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