Punta Cana for Ukrainian Travelers — Documents, Visas, and What Actually Matters

Much of our client base is the Ukrainian-American community in Chicagoland, and we get this question constantly: can I travel to Punta Cana on a Ukrainian passport? Yes — with some planning. Here’s the practical rundown.

Visa situation (as of 2026)

Ukrainian citizens do not need a tourist visa for the Dominican Republic for stays under 30 days. You will receive a Tourist Card on arrival, which is included in most airfare since 2018. Confirm with the airline at check-in.

What you need:

• Valid Ukrainian passport (biometric, with at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates)
• Return ticket (always bring a printed copy)
• Proof of accommodation (your resort confirmation)

If you’re flying through the US

This is where it gets specific. If you’re flying from Kyiv, Warsaw, or any other European city through a US hub (Chicago, Miami, New York) to Punta Cana, you will need a US transit visa (B1/B2 or ESTA-equivalent). The US does not have a sterile transit zone — even if you’re just changing planes, you clear US immigration.

Ukrainian passport holders cannot use ESTA. You’ll need:

• A valid US B1/B2 visa
• Or a connection that doesn’t route through the United States (Toronto, Mexico City, Madrid, Frankfurt all work)

If you’re already in Chicago

Much simpler. If you have US legal status (green card, valid visa, pending asylum, TPS, etc.), you can fly direct from Chicago to Punta Cana on your Ukrainian passport with no extra paperwork for the DR.

Bring to the airport:

• Ukrainian passport (for DR entry)
• US document proving your status (for re-entry to the US on return)
• Printed resort confirmation
• Printed return ticket

Things we’ve seen go wrong

1. Passport expiring within 6 months. The DR is strict. Check your expiration date NOW. Renewal at the Ukrainian consulate in Chicago takes 4–6 weeks.
2. Passport name vs. airline ticket. If your passport shows your name in Ukrainian transliteration that doesn’t exactly match how you booked, call us. We can re-issue.
3. Bringing cash in hryvnia. No one will exchange it in Punta Cana. Bring US dollars.

We speak Ukrainian

Oksana is originally from Ukraine and has walked through this process with dozens of families. If you’re unsure about any document, call us in Ukrainian at 224-550-3760 and we’ll figure it out together before you book.

Ми говоримо українською.