Flights to the Dominican Republic

Where to land

Punta Cana (PUJ), on the eastern tip of the island, serves the resort coast of Bávaro, Cap Cana and Uvero Alto and handles most UK holiday flights. La Romana (LRM), on the south coast, is handy for Bayahíbe and Casa de Campo. Santo Domingo (SDQ), the capital, has the colonial old town and is reached via Madrid or US hubs, while Puerto Plata (POP) serves the north coast. Samaná, in the north-east, is known for humpback whales from January to March.

Airlines from the UK

British Airways flies non-stop from Gatwick to Punta Cana, and TUI flies from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, mostly as part of holiday packages, with a short summer season from Belfast. Iberia and Air Europa connect through Madrid to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, and American Airlines and Delta offer routes via the US.

A short history

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Columbus landed here in 1492, and Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, has the oldest cathedral in the Americas. Independence came in 1844, and today the country is one of the most visited in the Caribbean, known for merengue and bachata music, baseball and cigars.

Entry, money and time

British visitors don't need a visa for tourist stays, and the tourist card is usually included in your airfare. Everyone must complete the free online e-ticket form for entry and exit. The Dominican peso is the local currency, though US dollars are widely accepted in resorts. The country is four hours behind the UK in winter and five in summer. Check current UK government travel advice and your insurance before you go.

When to go

December to April is dry and sunny, with highs around 29°C. The hurricane season runs from June to November, and tap water isn't safe to drink, so stick to bottled water.

Planning a resort stay or a twin-centre trip? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll price your flights.