Travelling to Dominican Republic for treatment
How do I get there?
For Santo Domingo, use the AERODOM airport operator's information for Las Américas International Airport. Ask the clinic to name the operating facility and the airport expected by its transport service; a package name alone may not establish either.
Do I need a visa?
The Dominican Republic's official entry information lists these visitor groups:
- Canada: ordinary tourist visits do not require a visa.
- United States: ordinary tourist visits do not require a visa.
- United Kingdom: ordinary tourist visits do not require a visa.
- European Union: EU citizens are included in the tourist visa exemption.
The normal tourist stay is 30 days. The Dominican Immigration Service describes an application for extension up to 120 days. For travel specifically for treatment or a longer recovery, ask the consulate which permission is appropriate before departure.
Commercial-flight passengers must complete the free official e-ticket for entry and exit. The tourism authority's instructions say it may be completed once flight details are known, and before the airline counter; there is no need to wait until 72 hours before departure. The e-ticket is not a visa.
Before departure, read Canada's travel advice for Dominican Republic, US travel advice for Dominican Republic, UK travel advice for Dominican Republic and the European Commission's gateway to EU national travel advice.
How do clinics usually take payment?
Dr. Escobar Jaramillo's own otoplasty page publishes prices in US dollars. Ask the practice for a case-specific written quotation and identify the hospital billing entity.
Confirm how a deposit and the final balance can be paid, whether bank or card charges apply, and the refund terms if surgery is deferred after assessment. Ask whether tax, anaesthesia, laboratory tests and postoperative reviews are included. Do not infer financing eligibility from a promotional offer.
What language and documents do I need?
Dr. Hermes Marrero's medical-travel page offers information for overseas patients. Ask the practice to confirm English communication with the surgeon, anaesthetist and recovery team, and request consent documents in a language you understand.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises patients to bring relevant medical records, test results, prescriptions and a medication list, and to tell the receiving team about allergies. It also advises obtaining complete records before returning home and arranging any necessary English translation.
Ask for a medical or dental report, an itemised invoice, prescriptions and a follow-up contact. If an implant or other device is used, request its identifying details and the operative record so your clinician at home knows what was placed.
Who can I complain to?
The Ministry of Public Health's DHSES handles authorisation of health facilities. Its contact page gives a contact route for the department. The information is in Spanish. Ask the ministry which office takes your complaint and whether English documents need translation; checking a licence and requesting compensation are separate processes.
How to check a doctor's licence in Dominican Republic: our guide.
How long do people stay?
Ask the surgeon to state the minimum local stay for your specific procedure, scheduled postoperative assessments and the process for extending recovery. Do not treat the tourist allowance or a package's included nights as medical clearance to leave.
The CDC's medical-travel guidance says flying after surgery can increase clot risk and discusses delaying air travel 10–14 days after major surgery, especially chest procedures. This is general official guidance; ask the treating team and airline about your own return journey.
What should I know about the place?
The Dominican Ministry of Public Health describes its supervision of health and aesthetic establishments, including action against unauthorised services. Ask it to verify the operating facility rather than relying on medical-travel marketing.
Checked on 24 October 2026.