Getting Through Customs in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic only has few importation regulations, and following the customs guidelines makes for a relatively easy entry into the country.

The Dominican Republic regulates several items that visitors can bring into the country. Up to 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of alcohol, and gifts not exceeding $100(USD) can be brought into the country duty-free.

Most personal items can be brought onto the island without charge with the exceptions of the following:

• Automobiles, motorcycles, and motor boats for which travelers always have to pay duties.  An invoice is required to bring machines, appliances, spare parts, which may also be subject to taxes;

• If prescribed by a medical doctor, medicines, narcotics, and drugs are duty-free, but are otherwise forbidden, and if found shipper could be deported following trial;

• Customs will seize shipments of arms, ammunitions, dangerous goods, and if any found the shipper could be sent to jail;

• Customs will seize and destroy plants sent in household goods shipment;

• Pornographic material is prohibited from being shipped to the island.

When leaving The Dominican Republic, travelers can take all of their personal belongings, but they will have to declare them with their home country. For re-entry into the United States, American citizens will have to abide by these rules:

• If you're at least 21 years of age, you can bring up to one liter of alcohol into the United States. Also, one liter of perfume, 200 cigarettes, or 100 non-Cuban cigars can be returned;

• Packages can be sent into the United States duty-free, with a limit on addressee per day, with the exceptions of alcohol and tobacco products;

• Antiques (items at least 100 years old) and original artwork can be brought into the United States duty-free;

• Up to $200(USD) of items for personal use can be sent to the United States. Be sure to mark the package "Personal Use"and attach a list of the parcels contents and retail value;

• When departing from the Dominican Republic, travelers can not leave with more than $10,000 (USD) cash.

Sometimes customs regulations change, but travelers can stay updated on customs policies by contacting any of these agencies around the world:

Customs officials are just trying to protect the best interests of the Dominican Republic by monitoring and limiting the goods that are imported and exported. Travelers who keep sales receipts easily accessible and avoid brining restricted items back to the country should not have any trouble making it through customs, and will help to make the jobs of customs officials that much easier.