New travel advisory for Canadians heading to the Dominican Republic

If you're travelling from Canada to the Dominican Republic, take note: the government has updated its travel advisory with new information.

For those travelling from Canada to the Dominican Republic, the travel advisory includes updated entry and exit requirements. According to the Government of Canada, the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) is extending its passport validity rules for Canadians.

Until Dec. 31, 2026, Canadians can enter the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes with a passport valid for the duration of their stay," reads the advisory.

According to the DGM, that means that Canadians whose passports are about to expire can travel to the Dominican Republic. As an exception, passports only need to be valid for the length of their stay and departure, instead of meeting the standard six-month validity rule. Officials state that this rule seeks to eliminate barriers for tourists, ensuring "a more streamlined entry process for visitors from key source markets."

The rule also applies to citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, the U.S., England, and countries of the European Union, who have valid and current passports. It does not, however, mention whether the same rule applies to Canadian permanent residents.

The temporary rule only applies to Canadian citizens travelling for tourism. If you're planning to travel for a different purpose, you'll need a passport that's valid for at least six months after you arrive in the Dominican Republic.

However, the Canadian government warns that the authorities of a country or territory "decide who can enter or exit through its borders." It also states that information on entry and exit requirements can change at any time.

"The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements," reads the advisory.

To stay up-to-date on the latest advisories and information, visit Canada's Dominican Republic travel advice website.

Canadians travelling internationally can also sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA). The free and confidential service notifies citizens outside the country of an emergency abroad or a personal emergency at home.