The Dominican Republic is one of the few countries worldwide which has been open for tourism since July 2020 without any interruptions. The Covid restrictions in Punta Cana have been lifted gradually since then making the Dominican Republic one of the easiest places to visit, even in 2022. However, Covid-19 safety protocols in Punta Cana are still in effect for all travelers. Resorts are taking care of the health of their guests, excursions have implemented hygiene protocols and the airports are measuring the temperatures of all arriving passengers. Those are just a few of the regulations to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the Dominican Republic and to protect travelers during their vacation in Punta Cana. Furthermore, the government is following a long-term tourism recovery plan, which underlines the importance of tourism for the Dominican Republic and proves, that the borders will remain open, even if the omicron variant is going to spread in the Dominican Republic. Some resorts are even offering free Antigen tests when required to return to your home country. But how is the situation of Covid-19 in Punta Cana? What has changed since the pandemic?
What can you expect when traveling to Punta Cana in times of Coronavirus? This article will highlight some of the aspects of post-Covid-19 travel to the Dominican Republic with first-hand information from Punta Cana.
- What to expect during your flight in times of Coronavirus?
- What to expect in the Dominican Republic upon arrival in times of Coronavirus (airport and transfers)?
- What to expect in the all-inclusive resorts during Coronavirus?
- What to expect during your excursions in Punta Cana during times of Coronavirus?
- How to get travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage for your Punta Cana holiday?
- Free health insurance provided by the government of the Dominican Republic
- How is the beach in Punta Cana during Covid-19?
- Hospital situation in Punta Cana in times of Coronavirus
- How to get a Covid test in Punta Cana (PCR test/Antigen)?
- Situation and regulations regarding Covid-19 in the Dominican Republic
- Governmental program in the Dominican Republic in response to Covid-19
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Covid-19 in Punta Cana
If you are looking for the best tours and activities you can do during the times of Coronavirus, you can check out the best Covid-19 friendly excursions in Punta Cana.
For a full list of all Punta Cana excursions and tours, continue reading here.
Completely UPDATED: February 2021
Last Update: April 2021; June 2021
Completely UPDATED: December 2021
Last Update: January 2022; March 2022
What to expect during your flight in times of Coronavirus?
When flying to the Dominican Republic during Covid-19, you can expect the safety guidelines most of the airlines have implemented. The main change compared to pre-Covid travel is the mandatory use of face-covering masks during the flight, but also catering has been restricted by most airlines. In-flight magazines have been removed and deep-cleaning protocols after every flight have been implemented – all to secure passenger’s safety and to avoid getting infected with Coronavirus during the flight. As regulations and guidelines due to Covid-19 are changing frequently, please check with your preferred airline on their measures regarding Coronavirus.
Since Covid-19 hit our world, I have already flown a couple of times in and out of Punta Cana. All the flights were super smooth. Thanks to the new Dominican Republic e-ticket, immigration is also as smooth and fast as never before.
The biggest change when booking a flight to Punta Cana (and to all other destinations in the Dominican Republic and the world) compared to times before Coronavirus is a positive one. While airlines usually sold 100% non-refundable tickets with hefty change fees, most of the tickets nowadays – thanks to Covid-19 – are flexible and changeable as the airlines would like to stimulate bookings. This allows you to react to any new situations, it doesn’t matter if they are Covid-19 related or not. However, please note that most airlines only allow 1 change and if you ask for a refund, they usually give you a travel credit for your next trip instead. Make sure to check the current regulations of the airlines (they change frequently as well) to take advantage of flexible cancellation guidelines when booking your flight to the Dominican Republic in times of Covid-19. It is also important to book your flight for your Punta Cana vacation right on the airline website if you’d like to benefit from the flexible booking conditions.
What to expect in the Dominican Republic upon arrival in times of Coronavirus (airport and transfers)?
Once you are on your way to paradise (the Dominican Republic), you can relax and sit back as you have managed the biggest challenge in these unprecedented times: getting started! Soon you are going to arrive at Punta Cana International Airport, where you pass a temperature screening as part of the entry requirements. Even though the Dominican Republic lifted all Covid-19 related restrictions in February 2022, temperature are still being performed.
For your 2022 Punta Cana vacation, the entire immigration process for the Dominican Republic can and has to be done online. Just visit the Dominican Republic Immigration Website linked here* and fill out the linked form to receive a so-called e-ticket. The online form is requesting most information you are usually filling out manually when entering a country. In the end, you will receive a QR-Code (= ticket), which you can show to the immigration officer when arriving in the Dominican Republic. Check out this article if you have any problems or questions filling out the Punta Cana e-ticket immigration form.
This e-ticket also contains a few questions about your health status. Therefore, the final document can also be seen as some kind of Covid QR-Code for the Dominican Republic.
Since April 1st, 2021, online registration is mandatory, paper forms will no longer be accepted. It is advisable to do the e-ticket registration before starting your Punta Cana vacation. The best is to do it 2-3 days in advance to receive the QR-Code allowing you to enter the Dominican Republic. After having used this immigration e-ticket form a couple of times, I have to say that the process indeed is much easier and quicker than before. Once arriving in Punta Cana, the immigration process is super quick.
For your Punta Cana vacation, no negative PCR-test is required to enter the Dominican Republic (except for certain countries if not vaccinated, such as Australia, Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia and the United Kingdom), which makes it easy for you to travel to Punta Cana. However, random Covid-19 tests (fast checks, usually with a breathalyzer) might still be performed upon arrival at Punta Cana International Airport and all other ports of entry into the Dominican Republic – mostly only if you are showing any kinds of symptoms. If you present a negative test or if you are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, you are not subject to any airport testing. If you are not tested nor vaccinated and you get selected for a quick Covid-19 test, don’t worry. Usually, you’ll have the result in 15 minutes and it is absolutely free. The random testing will continue in 2022.
BOOK TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR PUNTA CANA WITH COVID-19 COVERAGE
incl. Covid-19 coverage
Those measures are part of the governmental plan the Dominican Republic has implemented to recover the sector of tourism from the aftermath of Covid-19, which also hit the Caribbean very hard. This has been a full success as the occupation levels at the end of 2021 and in the beginning of 2022 have passed those of 2019. Therefore, most of the Punta Cana Covid restrictions have been lifted.
See below for further information on the very few coronavirus restrictions still in effect.
Once you have passed immigration and customs, you can proceed to your prebooked transfer, grab a taxi or start your journey on your own by taking public transport. Please check this comprehensive article on all the transfer options you have at Punta Cana International Airport (or Las Américas International Airport if arriving in Santo Domingo). Alternatively, you can also rent a car, which is a perfect alternative to explore the Dominican Republic authentically and independently.
In case you have booked your transfer (get the best prices on your Punta Cana private airport transfer here* or reserve yourself a space in a shared shuttle* if you would like to lower the costs), you will be greeted by your representative. According to the Covid-19 guidelines in Punta Cana, hand sanitizer will be held available to disinfect your hands.
There are no Coronavirus restrictions in Punta Cana regarding which type of transfer you have to use like in other countries. You can choose freely which option you’d like to choose.
As you can see, you shouldn’t expect many Covid-19 regulations or travel restrictions in Punta Cana, meaning that you can enjoy your holiday in the Dominican Republic to the fullest.
What to expect in the all-inclusive resorts during Coronavirus?
The all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic were those “institutions” with the most Covid-19 measures and guidelines in effect, which is particularly due to the many different aspects of the holiday an all-inclusive resort is affecting: food, activities, pool, room, service, drinks … there is hardly anything which hasn’t been put under the new coronavirus hygiene protocol in Punta Cana. This protocol was created by the tourism associations, the government and the industry leaders and guarantees the highest level of Coronavirus protection without imposing too many Covid-19 related restrictions.
The most important measures to protect the spread of Coronavirus in the hotels of Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic are:
- Social distancing at all times
- Wearing face masks in all public spaces (except restaurants, pools and at the beach)
- Providing sufficient hand sanitizer
- Guaranteeing sanitation methods in restaurants and buffets (or not offering buffets at all)
- Deep-cleaning of rooms
- New protocols for the interaction between guests and employers
- Postponing activities where social distancing can’t be guaranteed
- Implementing a paperless check-in where possible
- Health protocols for guests and employers
- Running hotels and all-inclusive resorts with a limited occupancy
- And many more …
In the meantime, the government of the Dominican Republic has lifted all Covid-19 related travel regulations, which means you can fully enjoy your Punta Cana vacation. However, some of the hotels are partly continuing their Coronavirus protocol to make sure everyone is safe and sound.
While these guidelines and Covid-19 restrictions might sound pretty general, I have visited a couple of all-inclusive resorts in the last weeks and months to check how these measures are implemented. While you can read my full reviews of AC by Marriott Punta Cana, Bahía Principe Luxury Esmeralda, Be Live Punta Cana, Catalonia Bayahibe, Catalonia Punta Cana, Catalonia Royal Bavaro, Caribe Deluxe Princess, Dreams Dominicus, Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana, Finest Punta Cana, Grand Bavaro Princess, Grand Sirenis Resort Punta Cana, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Lopesan Costa Bavaro, Princess Family Club, RIU Palace Macao, RIU Palace Punta Cana, RIU República, Royalton CHIC, Secrets Royal Beach, Serenade Punta Cana, Tropical Deluxe Princess and whala Bayahibe here, the following measures were some which called my immediate attention in terms of the new Covid-19 hygiene protocol in Punta Cana.
In all all-inclusive resorts:
- Upon arrival, your body temperature gets screened, your luggage disinfected and you shall sanitize your hands.
- Check-in agents are separated by plexiglass from the guests.
- All employers are wearing face masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
- Tables get properly disinfected before and after use.
- According to the Covid-19 hygiene protocol your room gets fully disinfected before your check-in.
- Pool and beach chairs are being moved away from each other to maintain social distancing.
- As an additional Covid-19 measure, dining menus and resort information are available via QR codes only.
- Frequent hand sanitization is encouraged when entering restaurants, bars, the lobby and other common areas.
In some all-inclusive resorts:
- Multi-touch items such as remote control, tablet or bathroom amenities get disinfected and will be placed in a sealed bag afterwards
- At the buffet, you won’t serve yourself, so the food tongs won’t get touched by multiple persons. You rather choose at the buffet what you want to eat and one of the service staff members will put it on your plate. Alternatively, for those resorts where the self-serving method is still in effect, you have to wear disposable gloves to avoid any contamination.
- When ordering a drink, the waiters won’t touch your glass (you either grab it from the tray, they pass it to you with a napkin or they are wearing sanitized gloves).
- Check-in can be done completely paperless in times of Coronavirus.
While some of these rules for the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana might sound bothersome, they are not. The hotels do their best to prevent any inconveniences for the guests. The vibe is really easy-going and 98% of the time, you don’t feel that you are vacationing during a pandemic. In the meantime, most of the Punta Cana covid restrictions in the resorts have been lifted as well, so that discos are going to reopen, social activities are getting back on the schedule and face mask obligation is seen less strict in some of the hotels. Occupancy levels have also significantly risen to (more than) pre-pandemic level, hence the Punta Cana resorts in 2022 are much more busy and active in comparison to 2020.
Please note that some of these measures are discontinued as of February 2022 when the government of the Dominican Republic announced that all Covid-19 related regulations have been terminated. However, it depends on the discretion of the hotel in Punta Cana how they are organizing their operations. For example, even though social events, parties and swim-up bars are allowed again, it doesn’t mean that all of the Punta Cana resorts are opening them up immediately.
As of February 2022, most all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are open again, probably around 95%. Some of the reopened resorts are Barcelo Bavaro Beach, Be Live Collection Punta Cana Adults Only, Breathless Punta Cana, Catalonia Royal Bavaro, Dreams Macao Beach, Excellence El Carmen, Finest Punta Cana, Grand Sirenis Resort Punta Cana, Hard Rock Punta Cana, Iberostar Grand, Lopesan Costa Bavaro, Majestic Mirage, Melia Caribe Beach, Nickelodeon Punta Cana, RIU Palace Punta Cana, Royalton Punta Cana, Secrets Cap Cana and Secrets Royal Beach.
Some of the resorts still closed (as of December 2021) are Grand Bahía Principe Turquesa, Natura Park Resort or Le Sivory Port Bleue.
Good to know: what happens if you get tested positive in a resort
We are receiving a lot of requests about what happens if you test positive in your Punta Cana resort when taking your mandatory Covid-19 test for returning to the United States or other countries.
In general, it shall be noted that in the past, more than 99% of all traveler Covid-19 tests were negative. However, in case you get tested positive, you will be quarantined in the resort you are staying at. The rates for this extended stay depend on your hotel and can vary widely. Please check with the all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana or wherever in the Dominican Republic you have booked. There are three different kinds of options:
– the resort offers a free extended stay option for the quarantine of up to 14 nights
– the resort offers a discounted rate for the quarantine stay
– the resort charges the regular rate for the quarantine stay
Anyway, you most likely have some extra expenses incl. your flight rebookings, but this shouldn’t refrain you from traveling to Punta Cana during Covid-19. Those costs can be easily covered by travel insurance, for example, Liaison Travel Plus insurance*. They cover hotel expenses as a part of their Covid-19 coverage when testing positive during your Punta Cana vacation. This Covid-19 insurance is available for most nationalities, including the US, Canada, UK and all other European countries.
You can find more information about the terms and conditions here*. We also give some helpful tips about this topic further down in the insurance section.
Please note: the quarantine stay in your resort will be in a different part of the hotel, which is exclusively reserved for this reason. The rooms are the same as in the rest of the resort, but you are not allowed to leave the room or take part in any activities. Food and drinks (usually no alcohol) will be delivered to your room.
Once tested positive, the hotel quarantine in Punta Cana might be up to 14 days. Usually and if free of symptoms, you can end the quarantine earlier with a negative Covid-19 test, which normally has to be a PCR test, paid out of your own expense (or by your insurance, if they cover PCR tests). However, this decision can also be changed on a case-by-case basis.
What to expect during your excursions in Punta Cana during times of Coronavirus?
Excursions are up and running in Punta Cana, most tour operators have resumed their operations. Unless other countries after the outbreak of Coronavirus, you are also allowed to venture out on your own in the Dominican Republic. Here on Punta Cana Travel Blog, you find a lot of ideas on how to explore the authentic Dominican Republic. Check out this multi-day itinerary from Punta Cana, have a look at the best day-trips from Punta Cana or check out one of Punta Canas’ waterfalls.
You can also have a look at the best Covid-19 friendly excursions in Punta Cana and check out the best things to do in Punta Cana.
Have you already booked your excursions in Punta Cana? Find the best insider tips and prices here:
However, also the excursion operators follow a strict hygiene protocol and have implemented strict Covid-19 measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in Punta Cana. Some of those Coronavirus guidelines are:
- Mandatory face coverings during transfers
- The guide has to perform a medical check (of his own) before each tour
- Vehicles have to be deep-cleaned before and after every tour
- Vehicles can only be occupied with limited capacity
- Temperature checks for all excursion guests before the tour starts
- Public toilets have to be available and sanitized every 2 hours
- Lunch can only be served on disposable plates and cutlery
As of February 2022, travel restrictions on excursions in Punta Cana have also been lifted. While it is still at the discretion of the tour operator to ask for face coverings in closed areas or vehicles, tours and activities in Punta Cana can operate under normal conditions.
This being said, you can expect to see the Dominican Republic in all its beauty.
Since the pandemic started, I have taken part in a couple of those activities, including buggy tours, ziplining, catamaran tours and many more. It’s absolutely easy and there are hardly any travel restrictions for Punta Cana excursions, so you can look forward to some great adventures and unforgettable fun.
How to get travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage for your Punta Cana holiday?
When you have set everything up for your all-inclusive vacation in the Dominican Republic, it is also time to think about travel insurance – because traveling without would be highly insane amidst a pandemic. Travel insurance for foreign countries always is important as it protects you from the high medical costs in clinics and hospitals when having an accident or getting sick. This is important for Punta Cana as well. Even the general price level in Punta Cana is reasonable, health care is quite expensive, especially when consulting English-speaking doctors or using a hospital with an international standard.
During the times of Coronavirus, travel insurance is even more important as you still can catch the virus in the Dominican Republic, despite all Covid-19 regulations and measures according to the hygienic protocol. Luckily, there are travel insurances with Covid-19 coverage which fully protects you even if you get the virus during your holiday.
I am protected with Safety Wing*, an easy and straightforward international insurance covering me in all countries in the world (except Iran, North Korea, Cuba), including the Dominican Republic. Safety Wing also covers any medical treatment of Covid-19 as long as you have not contracted the Coronavirus before your insurance policy started. In other words, if you travel to Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic and get sick during your holiday, Safety Wing covers you (please read their user-friendly terms & conditions for any exclusions*) – it doesn’t matter if it is Covid-19 related or any other health issue. Even Covid-19 tests for Coronavirus are included if medically necessary.
While Safety Wing initially was a digital nomad company offering long-term health insurance, you can also take out their insurance for short vacations of just a couple of days. Please note that they have a deductible of 250 USD for most medical cases and liability is capped at a certain (reasonable) amount, but this comes with the big advantage that their insurance policies start for as low as 1.20 USD a day (!). Health and travel insurance for a 1-week trip to the Dominican Republic incl. Covid-19 coverage only costs you 12 USD for the entire week and a month is just 40 USD. This even includes travel insurance, so in case of flight disruptions, natural disasters, travel delays or lost checked luggage, you are covered as well – without deductible! Safety Wing covers nationals from all over the world, including US and European citizens.
SafetyWing is probably not recommendable for every type of traveler, but the low prices and strong coverage are absolutely worth a look, taking into consideration that it is health, travel AND Covid-19 insurance in one package. I can recommend it from my experience, so have a look at the services and prices!
If Safety Wing is nothing for you, you can have a look at Visitors Coverage. Visitors Coverage is a price comparison tool* for international travel and medical insurances, doesn’t matter where you are from or where you are traveling to. More or less half of the insurance offers at Visitors Coverage include Covid-19 coverage when traveling, so make sure to activate this filter when browsing through the results. Prices are super low as well (10 USD for a 1-week trip to Punta Cana) and the deductible is as low as 50 USD, which is important if you don’t want to pay much in case of medical treatment. Visitors Coverage offers different insurance companies and packages, some of them for travel insurance (travel delay, trip cancellation, etc.) and some of them for health insurance (medical treatment, hospitalization, etc.). You can use the tool below to check the best prices and services for your trip.
Travel insurance to cover hotel quarantine in Punta Cana
Visitors Coverage is also a perfect option if you are looking for Covid-19 travel insurance that covers hotel quarantine if you get tested positive in your all-inclusive resort. As explained above in the hotel section of this Covid-19 guide for Punta Cana, you will get quarantined in your resort in case you get tested positive during your pre-return Covid-19 test. The cost of quarantine depends on your resort, as some all-inclusive resorts complimentary extend your stay and others charge the full or a discounted rate.
In any case, in case you get tested positive in Punta Cana and need to adjust your hotel and flight schedule, it is very recommendable to have travel insurance which is covering Covid-19 related travel expenses including hotel quarantine. You can compare different insurance options with Visitors Coverage here*.
One insurance that covers your hotel quarantine in Punta Cana is Liaison Travel Plus*. There are only a few conditions that have to be met:
– a positive test result administered by a certified physician (all Covid-19 tests in Punta Cana are done by official laboratories, hence this shouldn’t be a problem)
– a document from the physician or local government mandating a hard quarantine in the resort (in case you get tested positive, ask the resort or laboratory for an official quarantine letter, signed by a doctor or the local authority imposing the quarantine)
– a document from the doctor recommending where you stay (as the Punta Cana hotel quarantine is a common standard, they shall simply write that they recommend quarantining in your hotel as it is the easiest way of quarantine)
Considering that only a few all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are offering a free Covid-19 quarantine, such travel insurance covering hotel quarantine and additional flight expenses might be worth every penny.
Another option for non-US-residents is Safe Travels International – Cost Saver* as they are covering up to 150 USD per day and 2000 USD per stay in trip delay coverage, which also includes hotel and flight expenses if you are getting tested positive in Punta Cana and have to quarantine in the Dominican Republic.
Free health insurance provided by the government of the Dominican Republic
Currently, the free health insurance provided by the government of the Dominican Republic until June 2021 is not offered anymore.
How is the beach in Punta Cana during Covid-19?
While the beach itself isn’t directly affected by any Covid-19 restrictions in the Dominican Republic, it is very interesting to see how the beach has changed in recent months, since Coronavirus hit our world and stopped all travel immediately.
While most of the beautiful beaches in Punta Cana were highly frequented before Covid-19, with all the all-inclusive resorts open, many people walking along the beach and beach bars frequented with happy travelers, everything has been super quiet for a few months. It was impressive to see how pristine and virgin the beach turned in these few months without visitors. Natural flotsam was piling up at the beach, palm trees were swaying in the wind without any people around for miles and some fishing boats seemed to not have moved for ages. It was a totally different atmosphere.
In the meantime, most of the things are back to normal. Most of the all-inclusive resorts are open, plenty of people are strolling at the beach. Check out this article if you want to see more about the best beaches in Punta Cana.
Hospital situation in Punta Cana in times of Coronavirus
When traveling in times of Coronavirus, it is also important to check the available hospitals and medical infrastructure in your holiday destination, just in case you – despite all the measures – get infected or have any other accident. Luckily, Punta Cana has a particularly good supply of international hospitals, private clinics and English-speaking doctors, so that you don’t have to worry about medical treatment, as long as you are properly insured. Also, thanks to the low population density of the area, emergency beds and ventilators were (and are) always available even during peak times of Covid-19 in Punta Cana and it is not expected that this is going to change in the future.
The government of the Dominican Republic has done a great job of offering sufficient hospital capacities and therefore being able to live the coronavirus restrictions in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic. In 2021, the average occupancy of emergency beds and ventilators in the Dominican Republic was around 40% and never reached more than 60-70%. At the beginning of 2022, the hospital occupation is even below 20%. As of March 2022, the hospital occupation in the Dominican Republic even dropped to 5%, meaning the hospitals are actually empty.
There are several clinics and hospitals in Punta Cana. All of them have English-speaking staff and accept different kinds of insurances. In case you need to see a doctor, it doesn’t matter if it’s Covid-19 related or for another reason, make sure to call before to check if the hospital does offer the treatment you are looking for.
The biggest clinics and hospitals in Punta Cana are the following:
- International Medical Group Punta Cana (IMG Punta Cana)
- Centro Médico Punta Cana
- International Medical Center TCMS
- Hospiten Bavaro
The biggest and most modern hospital in Punta Cana is the IMG Punta Cana from the International Medical Group. You can find all kinds of clinics and departments here, with (partly) bi-lingual doctors, the latest technology and the cleanest environment. Without having tried all the hospitals, I would say that the International Medical Group has the best hospital in Punta Cana.
How to get a Covid test in Punta Cana (PCR test/Antigen)?
It is also not a problem to get a PCR test in Punta Cana if you would like to get checked for Covid-19. Even when most countries are requesting a negative Covid test to return to your home country, there are sufficient testing capacities, also thanks to the Dominican government and tourism recovery plan. But how to get a Covid-19 test in Punta Cama. it doesn’t matter if an Antigen test or a PCR test?
First of all, it depends where you are staying: do you travel to Punta Cana to stay in an all-inclusive resort or do you want to spend your vacation in an Airbnb (check out this list, there are so many spectacular Airbnb in Punta Cana)?
If you are staying in an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, you should check with your travel agent or your concierge if the hotel is offering free (or paid) Covid tests during your stay. Most all-inclusive resorts do offer Covid-testing right at the premises. Some Punta Cana resorts are offering them for a fee, some are even absorbing the costs and are offering them for free. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about getting your Covid test on time before returning to your country. PCR tests usually have to be paid extra.
If you are staying at an Airbnb in Punta Cana or a guesthouse, you don’t have to worry either as there are plenty of testing facilities in Punta Cana. Even you are not entitled to a free test, you simply can book an appointment (or head there without advance notice) and get your Antigen or PCR-test done. For Antigen tests, you even don’t need an appointment in most places.
The most recommendable testing facilities are the following:
| as of January 2022 | Amadita Laboratorio | Centró Medico Punta Cana | Hospiten Bavaro | IMG Punta Cana | Laboratorio Referencia |
| Type of test | 1) Antigen test 2) PCR test 3) Respiratory SARS COV 2 | 1) Antigen test 2) PCR test 3) Express PCR test | 1) Antigen test 2) Express PCR test | 1) Antigen test 2) PCR test 3) Express PCR test | 1) Antigen test 2) PCR test 3) Express PCR test |
| Results in | 1) 2-4 hours 2) 48-72 hours 3) 4-8 hours | 1) 2-4 hours 2) 48 hours 3) 24 hours | 1) 20 minutes 2) 24 hours | 1) 1-2 hours 2) 48 hours 3) 24 hours | 1) 3 hours 2) 48 hours 3) 24 hours |
| Price | 1) 1700 DOP 2) 4100 DOP 3) 8500 DOP | 1) 2000 DOP 2) 4500 DOP 3) 5000 DOP | 1) 35 USD 2) 125 USD | 1) 50 USD 2) 5300 DOP 3) on request | 1) 1750 DOP 2) 4300 DOP 3) 5000 DOP |
| Contact (phone/WhatsApp) | +1(809) 682-5414 | + 1 (809) -552-1506 | +1 (809) 686-1414 | +1 (809) 686 1414 | +1(809)221-5545 |
| Test at hotel | yes, at some hotels | yes, at some hotels | yes, at some hotels | on request | on request |
| Notes | Amadita App available as well |
No responsibility is taken for the correctness of this information. Punta Cana Travel Blog can’t be held responsible for any changes or incorrect information. All details of the insurances are subject to change without prior notice.
So far, I have used the Covid-19 testing facilities of IMG Punta Cana and Centro Medico Punta Cana and am absolutely satisfied with them. The results are ready in usually 15 to 30 minutes.
In case you don’t get tested before your flight, you simply forget it or if your test result arrives too late, there are also testing facilities at Punta Cana Airport and Santo Domingo Airport. However, this shall only be considered as an emergency solution, it is much less hassle to get tested before. If you have to get tested right at the airport, plan between 1 and 3 additional hours for it. Those testing facilities at the airport are only open during daytime hours.
Situation and regulations regarding Covid-19 in the Dominican Republic
While all the above is regarding tourism, the safety guidelines during your Punta Cana holiday and any Coronavirus restrictions imposed on certain activities, it is also important to look left and right at what’s happening in the Dominican Republic in terms of Covid-19.
While in the beginning Latin America, in general, had a harder time preventing the spread of Covid-19 due to big families, limited housing space and a large informal economy, they recovered better and had fewer problems with the third and fourth waves caused by the delta or the omicron variants. Especially the Dominican Republic could always score with balanced risk management compared to other Latin American countries. Images from dead people on the street, people queuing up with their gas bottles to buy oxygen for their infected loved ones or week-long 24-hour lockdowns, fortunately, have spared the Dominican Republic. The number of new Coronavirus cases has also been on very moderate levels for months now since autumn 2020 (except a spike around December 2020/January 2021 which the country, fortunately, has been able to stop again). This emphasizes that the Dominican Republic is doing particularly well during the Covid-19 pandemic (and as a person living there I can 100% second this).
In February 2022, the government of the Dominican Republic even announced that all Covid-19 related regulations and travel restrictions will be terminated immediately, including the requirement of a vaccination card when visiting supermarkets, banks or public restaurants.
Furthermore, the Dominican Republic is one of the countries with very stable measures to protect the spread of Coronavirus. While other governments are jumping forth and back with their travel restrictions, the Dominican government is keeping its path to fight Covid-19 in Punta Cana and the entire country. There haven’t been any border closures, testing requirements or quarantine mandates since autumn 2020 except for a few selected countries.
Since the end of October 2021, the curfew in the Dominican Republic also has been discontinued. There is no state of emergency anymore and life is mostly back to normal, except for mask obligations in public and closed buildings.
This also means that Punta Cana nightlife after covid is back to normal. Night clubs such as Coco Bongo or Imagine* are open. You can also visit the local nightlife in Punta Cana, which is open and running.
While a few attractions still might be closed due to the lack of visitors or the possibility to ensure social distancing, the majority of all tours and activities in Punta Cana is open and running. Check out this article about the best excursions in Punta Cana during Covid-19 to find out more.
From October 2021 until February 2022, it has been mandatory to show proof of vaccination when entering public indoor spaces such as governmental buildings, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, banks or public transport. This explicitly didn’t apply to hotels, all-inclusive resorts (including their restaurant and bars), other accommodations, private transport (such as airport transfers in Punta Cana) excursions, natural sites and sites of interest. Hence there is and has been no vaccine requirement in Punta Cana and even in the places mentioned above you were usually not being asked about your vaccination card.
Starting from the 19th of February 2022, this Covid-19 measure in the Dominican Republic has been discontinued, hence you don’t need to be vaccinated to go anywhere in Punta Cana or the entire country.
Governmental program in the Dominican Republic in response to Covid-19
As tourism is an important industry in the Dominican Republic, the government has declared its recovery after the worldwide Coronavirus lockdown as one of the main targets when restarting the economy. To achieve this, the new ruling party – just governing since July 2020 – has implemented a plan which includes several measures to help both, travelers and suppliers.
Further entry restrictions are not in effect, all countries can enter the Dominican Republic, however, visa regulations might apply.
With all these guidelines and regulations, the Dominican Republic is open for everyone and ready to receive you. Are you ready for your vacation in the Caribbean? If so, check out the articles about the best day-trips in Punta Cana, 26 exciting things to do in Bavaro and beyond and don’t forget to visit some of the highlights of the Dominican Republic, such as Isla Saona, Santo Domingo and Los Haitises. You can also have a look at the best excursions in Punta Cana to do during the times of Coronavirus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Covid-19 in Punta Cana
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CHRIS
Author, Travel Coach & Industry Professional (Bachelor’s degree in tourism)Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean soul, who has been living in the Dominican Republic for 6 years. I’d love to be your Punta Cana expert, as I have stayed at more than 45 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and the country, visited more than 70 beaches, explored more than 40 waterfalls and have seen basically all the attractions Punta Cana has to offer. I have also studied tourism for 3 years and worked in the tourism industry my entire life, which is why I am not only giving you recommendations and tips as a traveler but also the best secrets and travel hacks as an industry professional.
Do you need more information? Read more at my About Me Page, send me a travel coaching request or Contact Me here.
ALSO WORTH READING:
The 10 best Bayahibe resorts – the low-key all-inclusive alternative to Punta Cana
Snorkeling in Punta Cana – the best spots and reefs (+ a secret to tell)
Live Aqua Punta Cana – a comprehensive review of this adults-only all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana
Traveling to Punta Cana 2022 in times of coronavirus – What to expect during the period of Covid-19 (update)?
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I booked an all inclusive vacation for middle of February 2021 in Punta Cana
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Do you know if they still offer evening entertainments and if not what people do in the evening? Thank you
Hi Olga,
yes, evening shows are still on the program of the all-inclusive resorts. If the occupancy is very low, they might not have one every night, but as there is still time to go until February and numbers are picking up slowly but steady, there shall be an entertainment show every night.
Enjoy Punta Cana!
Chris
We are coming in Feb and need a Covid test to return to NY.. Can we get a Covid test for our return trip right at the Resort?
Hi Jody,
yes, Amadita Laboratorio and Laboratorio Referencia are offering resort visits for Covid-19 PCR tests. I’ll propose to call, but if you don’t speak Spanish, you can also write an email ahead of time and/or use their websites.
You can also ask in your resort, but it will most likely be more expensive as they don’t have own testing facilities. Most likely they just send the tests to one of the labs mentioned above.
Have a safe trip to Punta Cana
Chris
Traveling in February. Want to go out of resort for evening dinner. But have read that there is a curfew? Is this correct? What is the guidelines?
This is what I found. I have transportation leaving Riu to go to Jellyfish restaurant at 7. So looking at this I should not go?
Is a curfew in place? Yes
Beginning January 27, the government of the Dominican Republic has issued a revised curfew nationwide. Failure to follow the curfew, including for U.S. citizens, may result in arrest and/or fines.
Monday through Friday: Curfew from 7pm to 5am, with a grace period for transit until 10pm each day.
Saturday and Sunday: Curfew from 5pm to 5am, with a grace period for transit until 8pm each day.
Hi Jody,
you are right, there is a curfew in place and all businesses have to close at 7pm (5pm weekends), but you can be on the road until 10pm (8pm weekends).
Therefore, if you’d like to go to Jellyfish Beach, I highly recommend going there for lunch.
The curfew doesn’t affect the resorts in Punta Cana, so restaurants and bars there will be open (might be on a rotating schedule).
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Enjoy your vacation in Punta Cana!
Chris
Scheduled to travel Feb 27, 2021 and realized passports will only be valid for 5 months past travel dates (exp July 21, 2021). Will this be a problem?
Hi Michele,
thanks for your comment. I am happy that you are planning to travel to Punta Cana.
Officially, passports need to be valid 6 months after arrival, so yes there might be problems.
If you want to be on the safe side and there is a chance to get a new (express?) passport in this short amount of time, better choose this option.
If this is not an option, you probably only have the chance to either cancel or try your luck.
What I would do to increase your chances:
– call your airline to ask about the passport validity they require to let you board when flying to the Dominican Republic
– fill out the immigration e-ticket for entering the Dominican Republic. If you get the QR-Code at the end, you are already one step further from gaining entry into the Dominican Republic.
However, the final decision will be taken by the immigration officer. But if your airline lets you board and you have the immigration QR-Code, chances should be higher.
Please note that this is just my personal opinion. Please call your embassy for any legal advice.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
What if on a random covid test , you test postive what happens?
Hi Joanne,
If you get tested positive at the airport, it is most likely that you get transferred to the next quarantine establishment, which might be a hospital or any other governmental facility.
Each resort also has a quarantine section, so if you don’t show any symptoms you might also be lucky and get quarantined in your resort, but I assume they send you first to a health care facility to quarantine, monitor and test you again there.
Cheers, Chris
Hi Chris,
Was just wondering what your views are on the resorts facilities by June. Do you think things like Pools, Clubs and Bars will be open again?
Many thanks,
Josh
Hi Josh,
pools and bars in the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are already open. Clubs and discos are closed right now, and I would say that chances are a maximum of 50% that they will re-open.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hi Chris,
I am so happy that you have a site that I can read what is really to expect when I arrive on April 1st, 2021. I was super nervous, but after reading all your positive notes on Punta Cana I am more relived now. Thank you so much. I am looking so much forward in coming soon.
-Kao
Hi Kao,
great, thanks for your feedback. I am glad that my experiences can help you. 🙂
Enjoy your trip to Punta Cana and make sure to check back if you have any further questions or when thinking about the things you want to do in Punta Cana.
Chris
Hey Chris,
Do you need to to have theses vaccines to travel to the DR:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid and Cholera
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Hi Tami,
no, no vaccines are required to enter the Dominican Republic. However, it is recommended to have your routine vaccines done.
Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid and Rabies are recommended travel vaccines, especially when you have higher exposure (your exposure usually is very low if you are staying in an all-inclusive resort). Cholera is not an issue in the Dominican Republic.
Please also check the recommendations from your local center for disease control.
For professional advice, please consult a doctor specialized in travel vaccines.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hi Chris,
I will be traveling with my husband and 2 kids to Punta Cana the end of April. I am a little nervous with the virus stuff regarding getting back home to US. My concern is should 1 of of test positive do we have to stay for 14 days or till we a negative result? I am so looking forward to a vacation but I don’t want to be stuck there.
Thanks
Maria
Hi Maria,
thanks for your comment.
If getting quarantined when receiving a positive test result is a scenario you would like to avoid at all costs during your Punta Cana vacation, it might be better not to travel to the Dominican Republic.
Just keep in mind a few things:
– some resorts offer a free quarantine on the resort grounds (obvious in a different building and with no access to the public resort facilities)
– there is medical insurance from the Dominican Republic government which is included in all travel packages
– if 1 person gets tested positive, it is likely that other family members have the virus as well
– usually the quarantine should last until all are tested negative
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
We are thinking of a vacation in late September but we have heard that the beaches are closed in September and October is this true?
Also wondering what the temperature is like at that time of year?
Thanks
Hi Tracy,
great that your are planning to visit Punta Cana.
The beaches in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic are open 365 days a year.
You can have a look at the best beaches here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/the-top-10-best-beaches-in-punta-cana/
With regard to the weather, you can find the weather situation for each month in Punta Cana here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/the-weather-in-punta-cana/
Let me know if you have any further questions.
Best regards
Chris
Hi there, I’m thinking about staying at an all-inclusive resort for a week at the end of May as a solo female traveler. Do you think this is safe? Kind regards, Vera
Hi Vera,
thanks for your comment. Yes, Punta Cana is very safe, with regard to Covid-19 and with regard to crime as well. You won’t have any problem traveling as a solo female traveler.
If you are looking for a resort, you can check out the following post to find out which might be the most suitable hotel for you: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/accommodation-resorts/how-to-find-the-best-all-inclusive-resort-in-punta-cana/
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Thank you Chris!!
This post has a lot of great information! Are resorts offering day passes again? I am traveling in July 2021 but staying in an Airbnb and want to visit a resort for a day. Thanks in advance!
Hi EA,
I am glad the information were helpful.
The last time I have enquired for a day pass was in April and I couldn’t get one.
However, each all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana is handling this differently, so I would call the resort you’d like to visit and see if there is a chance.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hello Chris, thanks for creating this travel blog with great authentic information. I found much lower airfare for Santo Domingo ($1500 lower for 4 passengers, 2 adults & 2 kids) than Punta Cana airport. It is 2 hours transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana at an AI resort for my travel dates round trip, that means the private transfer will pick us up and drop us off to Santo Domingo Airport on both dates (at a cost of $245). However, plane would arrive Santo Domingo at 2 AM (in morning). Question 1: Is it ok and safe to book private transfer online?, Question 2: Is it ok & safe to use private transfer at 2 AM in the morning to travel to Punta Cana AI resort?, Question 3: Is night time Curfew still in effect and is it going to affect the transfer? If so, what other alternatives I have? Thanks.
Hi Humorous,
thanks for your comment.
Yes, flying to Santo Domingo definitely is an option if it is that much cheaper. Just keep in mind that the kids might be not that pleased to do so much night-time traveling, especially when an additional 2-hour transfer is involved.
To answer your questions:
Yes, going with a private transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana during nighttime hours is safe if you book with a reliable company (not any kind of private service). It is just not recommended to drive at night on your own, but that’s not the case here. You can check my recently updated post about airport transfers from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana here: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/airport-transfers-in-santo-domingo/
The curfew won’t affect your transfer as airport transfers are allowed 24/7.
You might arrive at 5 to 6am at your resort.
Depending on your budget, you shall consider booking your room already for the night before so that you have access to your room immediately when you arrive and can take a nap there – I guess everyone will be super tired after this trip.
Enjoy your trip to Punta Cana and let me know if you have any further questions.
Chris
Was planning a trip for August 15th, but we’re worried that the curfew will affect the bars/clubs in the resort. Does the curfew affect the stuff in the resort? Would we have to be in our rooms when the curfew begins?
Hi Mike,
no, the curfew absolutely doesn’t affect daily life, the restaurants or the bars in Punta Canas’ all-inclusive resorts.
Chris
Hi Chris,
Will be arriving in August…is there still a curfew for night club such as drink point, coco bongo and casino?…if so has anything been communicated when they will be lifted?
Hi Michael,
right now, businesses have to close at 22:00 on weekdays and 21:00 on weekends and I guess this will be the case in August as well.
Alcohol consumption is a bit limited at the moment in public bars, but I strongly assume that this will be lifted in the next 1-2 weeks.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hello I’m am leaving in a week to melia beach and I’m a bit nervous and concerned for health and safety not cause of the covid but the strange deaths that had occurred some time ago what is the difference now and then how has it improved and should I be worried they said it was something about drinks being spiked I am traveling in a big group and my daughter too is the food safe ? How should I drink water? Did they ever catch the criminals that were doing this how did the government put a stop to this or can this still be happening
Hi Adrian,
thanks for your comment. There is nothing to worry about, there was no tainted alcohol and no poisoned food in Punta Cana. It was just a fake news campaign against the government of the Dominican Republic …
Even the FBI investigated and confirmed that all Americans who died in Punta Cana died because of natural reasons. And if you look at the statistics you can see that this specific year when the fake news campaign was running LESS Americans died in the Dominican Republic than in other years. Obviously, with more approx. 2-3 million American tourists every year it is (unfortunately … ) absolutely natural that people are dying during their vacation because of natural reasons …
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
How does the alcohol restrictions currently effect businesses and resorts? (As of Oct 1st)
Hi Andrew,
there have never been any alcohol restrictions in place within the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.
For public bars, afaik they are allowed to sell alcohol until midnight but I am not sure if this is really enforced as most bars are open (and I am hardly out for nightlife to see what’s up after mid-night 😉 ).
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Thank you for this blog!
We are scheduled to visit January 2022
Advisory level is now a 3
Is it still safe to travel there?
Is omnicron shutting things down?
Reports are saying theft so on is rising so I’m getting nervous we should cancel but
This is a bucket list trip and my family will be crushed if I cancel or what happens if travel gets shut down?
Any updates or advice greatly appreciated please
Hi Kerry,
in my opinion, there is no need to worry about your vacation in Punta Cana for 2022.
For sure omicron is already circulating in the Dominican Republic (even not officially confirmed yet), but I am also sure the country won’t close borders or shut down travel. The Dominican Republic is open for tourism since summer 2020 and it has always been open without quarantine or testing requirements since autumn 2020. On the other side, hospital occupancy never went over 70% and is on a historic low right now with 14%.
Tourism is very important for the Dominican Republic, so the country for sure won’t get shut down.
Furthermore, Punta Cana is absolutely safe.
I am sure you can fully enjoy your holiday in Punta Cana.
Cheers, Chris
Hi Chris. Thank you for posting this helpful info. We are scheduled to travel to punta cana towards the last week of Feb. I am wondering if you can advise on the omicron situation out there and covid in general. Is there many cases to be concerned about? We were thinking about canceling our trip but after your article we are second guessing that and reconsidering yhe cancelation. We love Dominican and really want to do the trip if it’s still safe to do so.
Hi Daniela,
just yesterday the Dominican Republic issued an extended Covid-19 statement about omicron in the Dominican Republic. Currently, 41% of all cases can be accounted towards Omicron, however, the majority of them occurs in the capital of Santo Domingo.
Even though Covid-19 cases are rising a bit, the Dominican Republic has still less than 1000 cases a day and the hospital occupancy stays at a very low level of 15% nationwide, so there is nothing to worry about.
To take it even better in perspective: the entire province of La Altagracia (that’s where Punta Cana is located) had a total of 3 new cases yesterday, so everything is very much under control. 😉
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hi….my husband and I are looking to return to Bahia resort/Ambar. We were last there October 2021…everything was great. My concern, hoping you can advise…..The extended stay option of 10 days for those that contract covid expires March 31/22. Have you heard if the Dominican government is planning to extendbeyond March 2022? Very much appreciate your input
Thank you
Hi Barb,
usually the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are offering an extended stay option if you test positive, I am pretty sure Bahía does have this as well.
As long as the Covid-19 pandemic continues, it is also likely that those measures get extended.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hello Chris,
I have a question on the Extended Stay Option. If my wife or I test positive during our stay is the stay an out of pocket expense? What exactly does it entail?
Regards,
Ian
Hi Ian,
the Covid-19 extended stay option always depends on the all-inclusive resort you are booked at, not on the Dominican government. Please check with your hotel for further information, as there are different policied depending on the resort.
You can also check the two new sections we have just added to the article:
– https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/punta-cana-coronavirus-covid-19/#good-to-know-what-happens-if-you-get-tested-positive-in-a-resort
– https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/punta-cana-coronavirus-covid-19/#travel-insurance-to-cover-hotel-quarantine-in-punta-cana
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hi there! One question: If a tourist at an all-inclusive tested positive for Covid and had to extend their stay in the DR, how many days must they quarantine in their room? I have heard 5 days but cannot find a government policy/guideline published anywhere. Many thanks!
Hi Geordie,
thanks for your comment.
There is no official guideline as of how long the quarantine is supposed to be, but it might be up to 14 days. Usually it can be ended with a negative test.
We have just added another section in this article with regard to quarantining in the resort: https://www.puntacanatravelblog.com/general-information-faq/punta-cana-coronavirus-covid-19/#good-to-know-what-happens-if-you-get-tested-positive-in-a-resort
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hi , great info.
My question is what happens if someone tests positive on a rapid antigen test at the airport. The government website says they would quarantine at a government facility. What would this be like and how long would it last.
Thanks
Nikki
Hi Nikki,
a governmental facility might be a public hospital or any other place for medical treatments. I am not sure of how many of these facilities there are in the Dominican Republic – probably not that many.
The quarantine would be at least a couple of test and probably until you test negative. As there are not a lot of cases which tests positive this way, there aren’t a lot of experiences either.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hi,
I recently traveled to Barbados and had a bad experience. I had a negative PCR test when leaving the US and upon arrival I tested negative as well. The problem was that a passenger on our flight tested positive and we were told that we sat in a “certain” vicinity to that person. Therefore we had to quarantine for 5 days and had to be tested again. Is this something that can happen as well when traveling to the Dominican Republic? Barbados travel requirements were clearly explained and sounded like nothing can happen but they never mentioned that if a passenger on the airline tests positive that other passengers may have to quarantine as well.
Hi Ange,
sorry for the negative experience you had in Barbados.
Officially, this can happen everywhere in the world, but it is not common in the Dominican Republic as arrival testing for Covid-19 is minimal compared to other countries where arrival testing is mandatory. Hence, even though it can happen when arriving to Punta Cana, I would rate the chances to below 0.1%.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Chris, great website and information on PC. I am finding it really difficult to see that the hotels are actually following any of the covid19 precautionary measures that are found in the tourism or hotel industry booklet. They say they are operating at reduced capacity but in fact many are also closing some of the venue services so the intended impact of de-densification is only on paper as in reality the restaurants are packed and there is no control for the covid measures. We also went to get a “express test” for the PCR and found while everyone advertises it that it is almost impossible to achieve a 12 or 24 hour turnaround time in PC. It’s also unclear which protocol is being followed, we were told people who test +ive have to quarantine for 5 days for USA or 14 days for Canada – but what why aren’t they following the local DR protocols?
Hi Dave,
thanks for your comment. There have been several changes to the Covid-19 protocols since 2020. Most of them were published in the local news, but there is not a single source with all the information where I can link to. That’s why the protocol which is linked to in this article is still one of the older ones.
Currently, hotels and resorts in Punta Cana are allowed to operate in 100% occupancy. Besides of this, Covid-19 protocols are still in place, hence masks are required for closed areas and capacity should be controlled in restaurants. However, I also know that some resorts are taking the Covid-19 measures and protocols much more seriously than others. Hence your experience regarding Covid-19 in Punta Cana also depends on where you have stayed.
With regard to the Covid-19 tests, so far we never had a problem to get a super quick turnaround with our tests. Have you tried going to Laboratorio Referencia, IMG Hospital or Amadita? They have own laboratories, which means – opposed to others where you have to factor in additional time as they send the test to other laboratories – that they are able to process the Covid-19 PCR tests pretty quickly.
If you get tested positive, you usually get quarantined until you test negative or for a maximum of 7 days as far as I know. I am not too sure about the last information, but I know that the quarantine time was recently shortened in the Dominican Republic from 14 to 7 or 5 days.
Cheers from Punta Cana
Chris
Hi Chris,
great site with a lot of resources. Unfortunately we got infected while in Punta Cana and therefore failed our Covid test for the flight back. We had mild symptoms that went away withing 3 days, but we keep testing positive (which I understand can happen for a much longer period). Any idea where and how I can get a letter from a physician that clears us for travel?
Many thanks!
Hi Kice,
thanks for your comment and sorry for the inconveniences caused by getting tested positive. Great that it’s nothing severe and that you only have/had mild symptoms.
With regard to your question, you can probably get such a letter from the IMG Hospital or from the laboratory which initially tested you Covid-19 positive. However, I don’t know if this is enough to travel back from Punta Cana to the US.
You can also try to make another Covid-19 test (only Antigen, not PCR), explain your situation (especially considering that you are without symptoms and your first positive is at least 7-10 days in the past) and ask if they can help you. Usually the Antigen tests are not super sensitive, hence I am optimistic a negative test shouldn’t be that much of a problem.
I hope this helps.
Cheers, Chris
Thanks for sharing this information with us , Really helpful post!.
Great if this information was helpful for you.
Chris