Current passport/birth cert. issues in Punta Cana?

[Ohioguy]

I'm new to the forum, but will be traveling to the D.R. in October.

I had read some posts from about a year ago in the archives that discussed some possible issues with identification at the airport, particularly Punta Cana.

My question is: Is a birth certificate with a raised seal + a driver's license all you need to enter and exit the Dominican Republic?

OR Is it worth it and a good thing to get a passport?

Thanks in advance.

[Dolores]

A birth certificate with a raised seal + a driver's license is all you need to enter and exit the Dominican Republic. But in these enhanced security days, it is well worth it and a good thing to get a passport. Note that the documents you mention will not serve to exchange travelers checks, for instance. If you plan to ever travel again in the future, it is definitely well worth it to get a passport.

[boneil]

Originally Posted by Dolores

A birth certificate with a raised seal + a driver's license is all you need to enter and exit the Dominican Republic. But in these enhanced security days, it is well worth it and a good thing to get a passport. Note that the documents you mention will not serve to exchange travelers checks, for instance. If you plan to ever travel again in the future, it is definitely well worth it to get a passport.

As I have recently booked a last minute trip to DR I am traveling with a birth certificate and drivers license as there will not be time to secure a passport. I'm curious if the inability to cash travelers checks with these documents is alsothe case in the large resorts/casinos? Thanks for any thoughts

[ricktoronto]

Originally Posted by boneil

As I have recently booked a last minute trip to DR I am traveling with a birth certificate and drivers license as there will not be time to secure a passport. I'm curious if the inability to cash travelers checks with these documents is alsothe case in the large resorts/casinos? Thanks for any thoughts

Until you are well known then they will take a copy of the passport as proof or nothing at all eventually. Unless you are bringing a million bucks just bring US$100's and lock them and your passport in the room safe. I travel with up to US$2000 and don't bother with TC's at all now.

[boneil]

Originally Posted by ricktoronto

Until you are well known then they will take a copy of the passport as proof or nothing at all eventually. Unless you are bringing a million bucks just bring US$100's and lock them and your passport in the room safe. I travel with up to US$2000 and don't bother with TC's at all now.

Thanks for the advice, do you have any thoughts on recent postings I have seen on other travel sites suggesting that although US and Canadian citizens may enter DR with only a certified copy of birth certificate with a raised seal and a drivers lic, they may incure difficulty when leaving the country?

[Dolores]

The first case hasn't happened. That is of Dominican Migration Department sending someone to get a passport. Note that the notice is flawed because the US Consulate issues passports, not the Embassy!

This is but a ploy of the US government to encourage their citizens to get their passports.