Dominican Republic visa requirements for Indian citizens

The Dominican Republic, a vibrant Caribbean nation known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and lively culture, offers an attractive proposition for Indian tourists and business professionals. For Indian citizens eyeing commercial ventures or even short business trips, understanding the Dominican Republic visa requirements for Indian citizens is a critical first step. Unlike some other destinations, Indian passport holders generally require a visa to enter the Dominican Republic, and this process is managed through the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in New Delhi and its authorized visa application centers like VFS Global. This detailed, pointwise article will outline the various visa categories, the essential documentation, the application process, associated fees, and estimated processing times, with a particular focus on the business visa.

1. General Dominican Republic Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Indian citizens typically need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic. However, a significant exemption exists: if you possess a valid residence permit or a valid multiple-entry visa for the United States (USA), Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), or any of the Schengen Area countries, you may obtain a tourist card (visa on arrival) upon arrival for tourism purposes only. For all other purposes, including business, or if you do not hold these specific visas/residence permits, a pre-arranged visa from the Embassy is required.

All visa applications for the Dominican Republic from India are subject to approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic.

Common Documents for Any Visa Application:

Regardless of the visa type, the following general documents are almost always required for Dominican Republic visa requirements for Indian citizens:

• Valid Indian Passport:

  • Original passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the Dominican Republic.

     

     

  • Must have a minimum of two blank pages for visa stamping.

     

     

  • Photocopies of the passport's bio-data pages.

  • All old passports, if any, to show travel history.

• Duly Filled Visa Application Form:

  • Complete the visa application form accurately and legibly. Forms are usually available for download from the Embassy's or VFS Global's website.

  • It is often required to be filled out computerized in block letters.

  • Sign the form in the designated area.

• Recent Passport-Sized Photographs:

  • One recent (not older than 30 days/1 month) color photograph.

  • Dimensions: 4x5 cm (or 40mm x 50mm) or 35x45mm depending on the center, with a white background and 80% face coverage.

     

     

  • Do not staple the photograph to the application form.

• Confirmed Travel Itinerary & Accommodation Proof:

  • Confirmed round-trip flight reservations (travel itinerary issued by a travel agent is sufficient; actual tickets are not required at the time of application).

  • Confirmed hotel reservations for your entire stay in the Dominican Republic.

• Proof of Financial Means (Economic Solvency):

  • Mandatory Bank Letter: A letter issued by your bank indicating the date of account opening, the annual average balance maintained during the year, and the date of the last deposit. This letter often needs to be accompanied by its Spanish translation.

     

     

  • Bank Statements: Original updated personal bank statements for the last 3-6 months, showing sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay. A minimum balance of INR 1.5 to 2 lakhs (or at least USD 5000) is often recommended.

     

     

  • Optional: Certificate of employment indicating salary, or titles of ownership of residence, business, farm, land, or vehicle registration.

     

     

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):

  • A PCC from India, apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and translated into Spanish. It should not be older than 1 year.

• Travel Insurance Certificate:

  • A valid travel insurance policy covering medical emergencies and valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Dominican Republic is compulsory.

     

     

2. Specific Requirements for a Dominican Republic Business Visa for Indian Citizens

For Indian citizens traveling to the Dominican Republic for business purposes, a dedicated Dominican Republic business visa for Indian citizens (often Single or Multiple Entry) is required. The general documents listed above apply, along with these specific additions:

• Official Invitation Letter from Dominican Republic Company/Entity:

  • This is a crucial document. It must be an original letter (or a notarized and legalized copy if specifically required for initial submission) on the inviting Dominican company's official letterhead, bearing their official seal/stamp and signed by an authorized signatory.

  • The letter must be translated into Spanish.

  • It must clearly state:

    • Applicant's information: Full name, passport number, and nationality.

    • Purpose of Visit: Detailed explanation of the business activities (e.g., attending specific meetings, negotiations, signing contracts, participating in trade fairs/exhibitions, exploring business opportunities). It should explicitly state that the activities are non-remunerated in the Dominican Republic.

    • Duration of Stay: Exact intended dates of arrival and departure.

    • Inviting Entity's Information: Full name, address, contact details, and their official registration number in the Dominican Republic.

    • Guarantee Clause: The invitation letter must include a specific clause that guarantees the applicant will not stay in the Dominican Republic longer than permitted by the Directorate General of Migration, will not request residency or a change of migratory status, and will dedicate themselves exclusively to the activity for which the visa was granted. It must also state that the inviting party takes moral and economic responsibility for the applicant's return to their country of origin and will cover any expenses incurred during their stay or due to repatriation/deportation.

  • Mandatory: Copy of the Dominican guarantor's ID (Cedula) or migration status, and a document stating that the guarantor is authorized to sign on behalf of the company.

• Covering Letter from Indian Company:

  • On the official letterhead of your Indian employer/company, signed and stamped by an authorized signatory.

  • Must state: Your full name, designation, passport number, the specific business purpose of your trip to the Dominican Republic (matching the invitation letter), and the exact dates of travel.

  • A clear undertaking from the Indian company to bear all financial expenses related to your trip (travel, accommodation, daily expenses, if applicable) and confirmation of your employment and return to India after the business trip. This letter also needs to be translated into Spanish.

• Indian Company Registration Certificate: A copy of your Indian company's registration certificate (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, GST registration).

• Proof of Business Relationship (if applicable): Copies of contracts, invoices, or other documents demonstrating the existing or prospective business link between the Indian and Dominican companies.

3. Dominican Republic Visa for Indians Cost: Fees and Payment

The Dominican Republic visa for Indians cost includes the visa application fee and a VFS Global logistic service fee. Fees are paid in Indian Rupees.

• Visa Fees (subject to change, approximate as of July 2025):

  • Single-Entry Business Visa: US$ 150 (approximately INR 12,600).

     

     

  • Multiple-Entry Business Visa: US$ 200 (approximately INR 16,800).

  • (For reference: Single Entry Tourist Visa: US$ 100, Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: US$ 150).

• VFS Global Logistic Service Fee:

  • For Business Visa and other categories (excluding Tourist): INR 1,000 (inclusive of all taxes) per applicant.

  • These fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

• Payment Method: Visa fees and VFS logistic charges are typically paid in Cash or POS (Point of Sale) at the time of submission at the VFS Global visa application center.

   

   

4. Application Process and Processing Time for Dominican Republic Visa from India

The application process for a Dominican Republic visa for Indians involves submission through VFS Global, the official partner of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in India.

1. Gather All Documents: Compile all necessary original documents and their photocopies as per the checklist for your specific visa type. Ensure all Spanish translations are obtained.

2. Fill Application Form: Complete the visa application form accurately and legibly.

3. Book an Appointment: Schedule a mandatory appointment at the VFS Global Dominican Republic Visa Application Centre closest to your residential jurisdiction (e.g., New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata).

4. Submit Application In Person: Attend your scheduled appointment at the VFS Global center. Submit your complete application package.

5. Pay Fees: Pay the applicable visa fees and VFS logistic fees in cash or via POS.

6. Biometric Data: While not explicitly mentioned for all categories, be prepared for biometric data collection if required.

7. Processing: All applications require approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo. This means applications are forwarded by the Embassy to the Ministry for a decision.

8. Receive Passport: Once the decision is made, you will be notified to collect your passport with the affixed visa from the VFS Global center.

• Processing Time: The approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs generally takes between 7 and 10 working days. However, the overall processing time from submission at VFS Global to receiving your passport can be 10 to 15 calendar days or more. For cases that are complex or require further verification, it can take longer.

   

   

It is highly advised to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date, preferably at least 3-4 weeks prior, to allow for any unforeseen delays.

5. Key Considerations and Distinction from Work Visa

• No Courier Submission: The Embassy does not receive applications through courier. Applications must be submitted in person or by a representative/travel agent.

• Non-Refundable Tickets: The Embassy advises against purchasing non-refundable air tickets or making other travel plans before obtaining visa approval.

• Language: Key documents like the covering letter, bank letter, and PCC (if required) must be translated into Spanish.

   

   

• Business Visa vs. Work Visa: It is crucial to distinguish between a Dominican Republic business visa for Indian citizens and a work visa.

  • Business Visa (as detailed above): For short-term, non-remunerated commercial activities like meetings, negotiations, attending conferences. You are paid by your Indian employer.

  • Work Visa: This is a long-term visa for individuals who will be employed by a Dominican Republic company and receive a salary from them. The requirements are much more extensive, involving local labor permits and approvals from the Ministry of Labor and Directorate General of Migration in the Dominican Republic. Misusing a business visa for work purposes is illegal and can lead to severe penalties, including deportation and future entry bans.

In conclusion, for Indian citizens aiming to explore business opportunities or attend commercial events in the Caribbean nation, understanding the detailed dominican republic visa requirements for indian citizensDominican Republic visa requirements for Indian citizens is essential. By meticulously preparing all required documentation, especially the Spanish-translated and specific guarantee clauses in the invitation letter for a business visa, and adhering to the application process through VFS Global, Indian professionals can ensure a smooth visa acquisition. Always verify the most current guidelines, fees, and requirements directly from the official website of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in India or VFS Global before initiating your application.