Punta Cana for couples: E-Ticket, safety, excursions

Summary: Punta Cana is the best-known resort destination in the Dominican Republic and attracts many couples. This guide does not recommend hotels: it gathers what you should know before going according to official sources accessed on 10 November 2026, namely the electronic entry form, the official British advice on resort safety, drinks and taxis, excursions, and the hurricane season.

Entry: the E-Ticket form

According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), you must complete the entry and exit form at eticket.migracion.gob.do before arriving and before leaving. It can be submitted up to 7 days before arrival and generates a QR code to show at check-in or at the border. British tourists need no visa for 30 days and can request an extension of up to 120 days from Dominican immigration. Until 31 December 2026 they can enter and leave for tourism as long as their passport is valid for the visit; rules may change after that. Rules depend on your nationality: check yours.

Safety at a resort

The FCDO says the crime rate in the country is high, from bag-snatching to carjacking, and that assaults on foreigners have occurred "including at beach resorts", sometimes involving staff or guests. Hence its advice:

• Do not leave drinks unattended.
• Be cautious with strangers and anyone offering you a lift.
• Keep valuables out of sight and do not resist if robbed.
• Report any incident through official channels: crimes must be formally reported before you leave the country.

This does not mean resorts are dangerous by definition, but that safety is also managed through habits. Talk before travelling about when you separate, how you check in with each other and what you do if one of you wants to go back to the room.

Drinks and alcohol

The British advice includes a warning that spirits contaminated with methanol, including cheap vodka and "guaro", have caused deaths and cannot be detected by taste or smell. Order drinks at the resort bar or at trusted venues, be wary of very low prices and seek urgent medical attention if you have symptoms after drinking.

Taxis and transfers

Many taxis are in poor condition, warns the FCDO. It recommends authorised airport or hotel taxis, a registered provider or a ride-hailing app. "Motoconchos" (motorbike taxis) are often poorly driven and may not provide helmets. If you book an airport transfer with the resort, keep the confirmation and the provider's name.

Excursions and water sports

According to the FCDO, operators may not meet UK safety standards and lifeguards or rescue equipment may be absent. Its advice: ask each provider about safety and check that your insurance covers water sports, boat tours, quad biking and horse riding. The advice was updated on 7 August 2026 with information on outdoor activities and adventure tourism.

Local laws and health

• Drugs: penalties are severe even for small amounts; never carry luggage for someone else.
• Documents: carry copies of your passport's photo page and entry stamp.
• Same-sex relations: they are legal, but same-sex marriage is not recognised and public displays of affection may attract negative attention.
• Mosquitoes and health: check your own country's health recommendations in advance.

Hurricanes

The hurricane season runs from June to November, according to the FCDO, which recommends following local alerts (for example the national emergency centre's app) and sea warnings, since the sea can be dangerous. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) sets the Atlantic season from 1 June to 30 November, peaking on 10 September, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October.

Quick list

1. Complete the E-Ticket (entry and exit).
2. Insurance covering activities and evacuation.
3. Transfer booked and confirmed.
4. Couple agreement: limits, stop signal, what is shared on social media.
5. Passport copies and emergency numbers.

Sources

• GOV.UK (FCDO), Dominican Republic travel advice, accessed 10 November 2026.
• GOV.UK (FCDO), Dominican Republic: safety and security, accessed 10 November 2026.
• GOV.UK (FCDO), Dominican Republic: entry requirements, accessed 10 November 2026.
• NOAA, National Hurricane Center, Climatology, accessed 10 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fill in a form to enter?

Yes, the entry and exit E-Ticket, up to 7 days before arrival.

Can I leave the resort without risk?

There are no guarantees: the FCDO recommends caution, registered providers and not accepting transfers from strangers.

Are motoconchos safe?

According to the FCDO they are often poorly driven and may not provide helmets.

What do I do if something happens?

Tell the resort and the police; crimes must be formally reported before you leave the country.