Coming to DR on a One-Way Ticket

Ken · #1 03-12-2003, 09:54 AM

Fabio, we moved from our cruising sailboat to a condo in 2000 and are no longer able to use the boat. It is moored in Samana harbor. One of our sons and a couple of friends are coming to sail the boat to the US in late May. How can I get them permission to enter the country on a one-way airline ticket?

Robert · #2 03-12-2003, 11:43 AM

Ken - Buy a full fare ticket on a credit card and cancel it for a full refund. I'm sure this is much easier than going through a ton of red tape etc etc.

I have flown into the DR many times without a return ticket, I have been lucky and never asked or had a problem.

The DR does not have reciprocal visa agreements like the UK and the USA, so the airline will allow you to board with a one-way ticket.

And a final point

Usually one way tickets are not much cheaper than a return in my experience.

Ken · #3 03-12-2003, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Robert
Ken - Buy a full fare ticket on a credit card and cancel it for a full refund. I'm sure this is much easier than going through a ton of red tape etc etc.

Robert, please clarify. Do you mean cancel the return portion of the ticket? If that is what you mean, when do you cancel, after arriving in the DR?

AnnaC · #4 03-12-2003, 02:43 PM

My two cents Ken.
Charters are cheaper than a regular flight. Just don't use the other half. I did that when I came for a month. I had to buy another return ticket to get back home but it was still cheaper. At that time 99. It cost me 1000 CND for both.

chrisxy · #5 03-12-2003, 04:19 PM

You can write a letter for each traveling sailor on a simple Letterhaed with your Yachts Name on in to "Whom it may concern" explaining that they'll leave the Dominican Republic on board of SY "moored in Samana". Add a copy of the Yachts paperwork and, if you are able to get it, a short notice from MdG in Samana confirming that the Vessel is still in the Harbour.

It worked fine for me always (even without the Letter from MdG)

Chris

Ken · #6 03-12-2003, 05:55 PM

Thanks, Chris. I was thinking about that possibility. Glad to know it has worked for you.

marina · #7 03-13-2003, 01:46 PM

Hi Ken,

I just entered the DR Feb 11 and was not asked to prove that I had a return ticket. I think right now they're more concerned with busting tourists for imports/dominicans for electronics.

good luck!

marina

Ken · #8 03-13-2003, 01:59 PM

What about the airline ticket counters in the US? Does AA, for example, insist you must have a round trip ticket?

chrisxy · #9 03-13-2003, 05:13 PM

They did ask me always for my Roundtrip Ticket, i always went with a letter as discribed above but forgot it one time. They said i had to buy a Ticket to fly back to Miami (about 280 USD) but i could give it back as soon as i arrive in POP. There (in POP) they reimbursed me my money less the Taxes paid in Miami (about 35 USD).

You could try that, too.

This has all been a couple of years ago, i have my Residency now, so i dont have to worry about that anymore...

Chris

marina · #10 03-13-2003, 08:04 PM

No aa did not ask me for my return ticket but I departed from LAX. Miami is much more stringent...

Marina