Tourist tax brings RD$3.85 billion to Dominican economy

Santo Domingo.- The tourist tax, or US$10 tourist card, applied to foreign visitors entering the Dominican Republic, generated RD$3,852.8 million in the first eight months of 2025, reflecting a 0.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the General Directorate of Internal Revenue (DGII). The fee is mandatory for tourists but exempts Dominicans, foreign residents, diplomats, and certain private aviation travelers.

In August 2025, the tax contributed RD$469.8 million, marking a 7.8% growth from August 2024. While there have been calls to eliminate the fee, only Arajet has managed to exempt certain passengers, particularly those who do not require a consular visa. The DGII maintains a reimbursement mechanism for passengers charged ineligible fees, and refunds can be requested via the DGII portal within one month of ticket purchase. In 2024, refunds totaled US$118,940.

The tourist tax has been in effect since 2018 and is included in airfare purchased abroad. It is enforced by multiple institutions, including the General Directorate of Immigration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DGII, Civil Aviation Institute, and Ministry of Tourism. Similar tourist taxes are applied in other countries, such as Japan, Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, and New Zealand, often varying by season, accommodation, or type of tourist.