Traveling to the Dominican Republic With Children

Traveling internationally with a child sounds intimidating, especially the first time.
The good news is that families travel to the Dominican Republic every day, and the airport process is very routine. Immigration officers are not looking to make your trip difficult — they are simply confirming identity and permission to travel.

This page will walk you through what parents actually need so there are no surprises.

Every Child Needs a Passport

Every traveler, including infants and toddlers, must have their own passport.

A child cannot travel internationally using only a birth certificate.
The passport is the document immigration uses to confirm identity when entering and leaving the country.

If your child does not have a passport yet, apply early. Processing can take several weeks, and travel dates cannot speed it up.

Before your trip, check the expiration date.
Your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay for U.S. tourists visiting the Dominican Republic. However, some airlines have their own boarding policies, so it is always wise to make sure the passport does not expire close to your return date.

The E-Ticket for Children

Each traveler needs an e-ticket record, including children.

The good news: you can add family members on the same form.
You do not need to fill out a completely separate application for each child — just include them when the form asks for additional passengers.

When you finish, you will receive a QR code for entry and another for exit.
Save or screenshot these just like you would for yourself.

Traveling With Only One Parent

This is the part that worries parents the most.

The Dominican Republic does not usually require a notarized permission letter when one parent travels with a child. However, airlines and U.S. immigration officers may ask questions when returning to the United States.

Because of that, it is strongly recommended that the traveling parent carry a simple consent letter signed by the other parent.

The letter should include:
• the child’s name
• both parents’ names
• travel dates
• destination (Dominican Republic)
• a statement giving permission to travel

You will likely never be asked for it — but if you are, it prevents delays and uncomfortable conversations at the airport.

At the Airport and Immigration

Children go through the same immigration line with you.
There is no separate or more difficult interview.

An officer may smile at your child, ask a simple question, or say nothing at all. They are confirming identity, not interrogating families.

Have these ready in your hand:
• Passports
• Boarding passes
• The e-ticket QR code

The process is usually faster than most parents expect.

Daily Life Once You Arrive

After leaving the airport, most family concerns shift from paperwork to comfort.

Resorts and hotels in the Dominican Republic are very accustomed to children. Families travel there year-round, and staff expect strollers, snacks, and tired travelers after flights.

Food is usually not a problem. Many resorts and restaurants serve familiar options alongside local dishes, and bottled water is widely available.

The biggest challenge is usually simply travel fatigue — not safety or documentation.

Reassurance

Parents often imagine international travel as complicated for children, but in practice the process is mostly paperwork preparation before the trip. Once you arrive, the experience becomes a normal family vacation very quickly.

As long as each child has a passport and you completed the e-ticket, you have handled the important parts.