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The following is an excerpt from The Turks and Caicos Guide and The Puerto Rico Guide, both by Stephen J. Pavlidis

Most cruisers visiting the Dominican Republic are concerned about clearance procedures, which seem to change with each new Commandante at each port.  It used to be far easier to clear in and out of Luperón, but as the years pass layer upon layer of bureaucracy have been heaped up and now one feels like you are walking into a den of thieves who are anxious to take you for as much as they can.  As of this writing (bear in mind that these procedures and prices are subject to change with no notice, especially as the value of the peso fluctuates), clearance prices are US$43 for your boat, US$10 per person aboard (each of whom will have to purchase a tourist card), an Agriculture inspection which costs US$10, and finally US$11 for the Port Authority.  The Commandante, especially in Luperón, will likely ask for a “gift”, and one of his assistants may ask the same as they board your boat.  If you give a gift to the Commandante you just make it harder for the next cruiser.  Just don’t pay!  If you don’t like saying no, simply say that you don’t understand what they’re saying (No entiendo).  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE COMMANDANTE!!!  If you or your crew is flying out you will have to pay an RD$700 (US$27) departure tax.

When arriving in the DR hoist your “Q” flag and wait for the Commandante and his entourage.  After they clear your vessel all persons aboard must go to Immigration, the small blue trailer on the right at the head of the town dock.  Immigration can give you 90 days with one renewal for $10, however they often give you less so you have to come back in and buy another tourist card.  After six months you must leave the country and then clear back in, many folks go to the Turks and Caicos and return.  It is not acceptable to get a Haitian stamp on your passport to show that you left.

When clearing out you must obtain a despacho.  On the day of your departure, one hour before you plan to leave, you must go to the Port Authority office.  If you have been in the harbor for over 7 days you will pay US$15.  Take that receipt to the Commandancia and obtain your despacho.  If leaving Luperón the Commandante will then come to your boat for an inspection and give you your despacho which will be good for 24 hours, but they will want you to leave within an hour.   

Firearms must be declared upon arrival and boarding.  Pets must have a valid rabies innoculation and a health certificate.

In 2009, the Dominican Republic passed a new law that pertains to cruisers arriving and clearing in at marinas only.  The law states that only two officials may board your vessel and the are not permitted to ask for compensation of any sort.  After the officials leave you must go to the Immigration office to have your passports stamped.  For a typical 90 day stay some new fees have been set up.  The vessel must pay 5% of the dockage fee as a tax and 2% of any fuel bill as a tax.

Ports of Entry

Manzanillo, Luperón, Puerto Plata, Samaná, Cofresi (Ocean World Marina), Boca Chica, Caso de Campo, Punta Cana, Santo Domingo