Traveling To the Dominican without a Passport?

[cell567]

I was planning on booking a trip to the Dominican for me and my girlfriend for new years and she has never traveled out of Canada and therefore, never really had use for a passport. My question is, has anyone RECENTLY flown to the Dominican without a passport? If so, any hassles? I have read many different pieces of information that suggest you need one and some suggest that you don't. By reading information on www.voyage.gc.ca, it suggests that a passport is not mandatory. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[cell567]

Well I just called the embassy in Ottawa and the lady I spoke to, confirmed that a passport is not mandatory providing we are not doing a stop over in the U.S.A which we are not. She said a birth certificate and a driver's licence with photo i.d. is adequate. Can anyone confirm? I hope this goes through without any hassle...

[industry_killer]

Advice is get a passport. The airline and the Dominican could both refuse you depending on their perogative of your documents.

[cell567]

I agree that if it was a possibility to get a passport in time, it would be the best option. Even though Passport Canada offers urgent/express services, I am paranoid that there will be problems with something and that we wont be able to go on our trip on time. That is why, I would like to make sure I would be able to go to the Dominican without a passport. Thanks.

[industry_killer]

Your best bet would be to call the airline as well and make sure they accept your id. The airline will get fined and have to take you home all on their dollar if you get denied by Dominican immigration. Probably unlikely, but airlines don't like to take the chance either.

[nrgiza_bunny]

I went to Punta Cana this past May (not sure if that's recent enough for you) and was advised that a passport is absolutely necessary in order to avoid any hassles.

The airline also threatened to not allow me on the plane because the name on my e-ticket did not match my passport (someone misspelled my middle name). Keeping that in mind, if they were fussy about a name, chances are they'll be fussy about not having a passport.

Good luck!

[Pavel]

Ensure your name on your passport, birth certificate, or citizenship card is the exact name/spelling as your airline ticket.

[GangStarr]

I agree that if it was a possibility to get a passport in time, it would be the best option. Even though Passport Canada offers urgent/express services, I am paranoid that there will be problems with something and that we wont be able to go on our trip on time. That is why, I would like to make sure I would be able to go to the Dominican without a passport. Thanks.

In this day in age your gf really needs a passport. Apply for the express service (which I am confident will go through) and failing that use your drivers license and birth cert / citizenship + the paperwork that you requested a passport.

I hate how people these days feel they don't need a passport. What if you won a contest that would give you a free flight to hawaii, but you could only fly out tomorrow? I know its extreme but a passport is your ticket to the world!

[thezone]

You should be fine i went last February's and I had no hassles. They do recommend that you have one but it's not necessary. I even got away with just using a health card + birth certificate. I'd suggest a drivers license over health card just because some places are picky about health cards as ID.

[Pete_Coach]

I can never understand why these topics come up. You need a passport in this day and age but, for some reason Canadians do have some privilege in Dominican (probably because they like your money most of all and when you get robbed or mugged you don't stir up as much dung as other nationals).
From the DR website
"Entry requirements for Canadians: A passport is recommended for Canadian nationals, but an original Birth Certificate or Naturalisation papers (with an official photo ID document) are also accepted, provided travelling for tourist or business purposes. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days, provided holding a Tourist Card (issued on arrival)."
http://www.wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Dominican+Republic/Visa

[nepean19]

I just went today and my passport will be ready for pick up Jan 4th. You must bring your travel documents with you and follow the epass method. It took me about 10 minutes at the North York Passport office. It did cost $113.