There's nothing on the DR consular website about needing a birth certificate plus a passport. It says US citizens can use a passport OR other proof of citizenship (e.g., a birth certificate and a picture ID like a driving licesnse). The website says US citizens do need buy a $10 tourist card.

OK- I thought we finished this discussion a while back, but from your new post I have to ask for clarification...

Your friend had a passport AND needed a birth certificate to enter the Dominican Republic?

Yes, suze, my friend had her valid passport but also needed her birth certificate to enter the D.R.

She is a U.S. citizen (U.S. passport). Apparently this is a recent requirement and hence the confusion. I know it doesn't make sense, nevertheless. . .

I just verified the facts with her to be sure.

well, it wasn't good that she assumed it was to re-enter the US rather than finding out what the reason was, but I guess she learned. This is totally bizarre -- why would the DR want US citizens to have a birth certificate, they are very dependent on tourism and should be trying to get tourists, not drive them away.

Was your friend a naturalized US citizen, or has dual citizenship, or something different than just being born in the US and a citizen from birth? Their own tourism website doesn't say anyone needs a birth certificate to enter, just a passport, nor does the embassy's website. They do say you need one if you intend to get married there.

Well, I wasn't planning on going there anyway, but this is really rather bizarre.

When we went to Italy in June, we did not need our birth certificates. I don't imagine it's changed since then.

Christina -
She is born and raised is the U.S.A.

I agree, it's bizarre. However, she was told she would need both and did not bother to completely find out why and paid the price. Too bad.

Tarheel-
I'm sure we won't need it when we go to Italy next month, but I think I'll bring it just in case . . .

I'm having trouble with the concept that the Dominican Republic has different requirements than ANYwhere else in the world.

And I'm having trouble with the concept that the Dominican Republic has requirements different than those clearly described on the pages of their embassy and consulate (and described by Rufus above). Are you sure your friend had her passport with her?

I know this is the Europe board (and only a US passport is needed for entry) but I need to clear something up.....

>>I'm guessing maybe she was confused because you used to be able to travel into Mexico and the Caribbean from the U.S. on only a birth certificate and photo I.D. Now a passport is required<<

Just to make sure there is not confusion- The U.S government has postponed the implementation of requiring a passport for US citizens between the western hemisphere (caribbean, bermuda) and the US. The date WAS going to be Dec. 31, 05, but it has been moved forward. The US gov. now proposes to implement the plan by Dec. 31, 2008 with phases which begin on Dec. 31, 2006. These phases will be released in the near future.

A passport is NOT required for a US citizen for travel to the Dominican Republic, although it will be soon. So, a birth certificate is a required with another form of ID such as drivers license for entry IF a passport is not presented. A tourist card for $10 must also be puchased.

Please visit
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/...ures_1229.html
for requirements in each island as there are exceptions. Barbados and Costa Rica require passports for example!

Oh, I meant to list Mexico on the list of "future" passport required for U.S citizens as well. But, BC and ID are all that is required as of now.

Thank you wtggirl! As I stated before, my friend had been told that she would need her birth certificate but thought she knew when it would be needed and was wrong.

Anyway, hopefully no one else will have to go through this. However, since this is on the Italy forum and not the Caribbean, maybe they will!