Country Information

The Dominican Republic's former national airline was Air Santo Domingo (EX), which has now merged with Servicios Aéreos Profesionales.

A departure tax of US$20 is levied on all passengers. Passengers should check with their airline as this may already be included in the price of the airline ticket.

A 'Stay tax' is levied on all passengers staying longer than three months: RD$60 (three to nine months); RD$100 (nine to 12 months) or RD$160-600 (one year or more).

Note: When buying an international air ticket in the Dominican Republic a tax of approximately 12% is levied on the carrier by the government. This expense is passed on directly to the customer on the price of the ticket. If the ticket is bought outside the Dominican Republic, there is no tax.

Puerto Plata Gregorio Luperón Airport (POP). (www.aerodom.com) Puerto Plata Gregorio Luperón International Airport is located in the Silver Port province, 18km (11 miles) to the east of Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Tel: <p>221 809 291 0000</p>.

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). (www.puntacanainternationalairport.com) Punta Cana International Airport is located on the eastern tip of the island, 34km (21 miles) east of Higúey. Santo Domingo, the country’s capital, is a three-hour drive to the west. Tel: <p>809 668 4749.</p>.

Las Americas International Airport (SDQ)Santo Domingo (SDQ) (Internacional de las Américas) is 18km (11 miles) east of the city (journey time - 30 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxi services are available to Santo Domingo. Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop, post office, bank/bureau de change, restaurants, bars and car hire.

Some international cruise lines call at the Dominican Republic.