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It is a requirement for entry into the Dominican Republic for visitors to have a return ticket. Some airlines ask for proof on checking in.

Some visitors have avoided buying a return ticket.

A fully digitalized e ticket filled in prior to check in is supposed to be mandatory from 1st September for all travellers. You will have to fill in flight details and where you will be staying. You can apparently update your e ticket if your flight details change. Haven't used it yet so perhaps others can offer more advice if you must declare your return or onward flight.

how's the border control in DR, do they ask a lot of questions, regarding the return ticket, stay and many other things or since they have many tourists on a daily basis, they don't really mind? please keep me informed with some details (I am seeing to buy a refundable ticket to Panama which is the cheapest ticket so I don't lose the money for the return ticket)

The checking for a return ticket is done by the airlines at departure.  It is not done here in the country.

It is often not done and it is the responsibility of the airline.  You take your chances if you buy a one way ticket.  Airlines are supposed to force you to have a return ticket.

You have 24hrs to cancel any ticket free of charge (in NoAmerica at least)

Buy the ticket if asked - then cancel

Airlines are required by the DR to ask for a return ticket for non DR Citizens or Legal Residents of the DR.  Do they?  That depends.  So it depends upon the airline and they may or may not ask. It's as simple as that.

A return Ticket is required.  On my last trip here from the USA in January, all of the e-ticket, proof of health registration was required.

I bought a return ticket  The day before I left the USA and had the confirmation printed and on my phone. I personally recomend having paper copies of of all travel documents.  When I received my boarding pass, I cancelled my return ticket.  Make sure you read the cancellation policy,  My return ticket had a cancellation and full refund if cancelled within 24 hours

A return ticket is required by immigration law to stay in DR as a non resident or tourist for the duration of their stay.

You could have been asked for it by the immigraion officer on arrival so cancelling it after getting your boarding pass was a calculated gamble albeit they don't apparently ask to see it.

All airlines are probably now checking for return tickets (and residency cards) with the e-ticket also being compulsory. The airlines are responsible for any repatriation costs that may arise if they deliver passengers without proper documentation by law. It was the norm before flying (often at the gate) to be asked for return ticket or residency card when flying from the islands to DR including Puerto Rico.

I am travelling from UK to DR in January via Transat (Toronto) If I book a ticket to say Miami on the return date will I be able to board?

they just need to know you are leaving.

I usually buy a return ticket on the day of travel and cancel it at soon as I arrive - at least, Jetblue allows you free cancellations on the same day

Jwoddis wrote:

they just need to know you are leaving.

I usually buy a return ticket on the day of travel and cancel it at soon as I arrive - at least, Jetblue allows you free cancellations on the same day

American Airlines has the same 24-hour cancellation policy.

We travel a lot. Never once was I asked about a return ticket. We also have family and freinds visit and for the most part they leave their return open ended. I may be that some ticket agents at the airline counters take this more seriously than others.

Again we will state that legally the airlines are responsible for making sure you have a return ticket OR residency.  That is the LAW.

If they don't ok, that is on them.  But YOU can be stopped at boarding and required to get a return ticket.  YOU can be blocked from entry at the airport here on arrival and returned at the airlines expense!

Thousands will continue to say  it didn't happen to me.   

We have all seen proof this govt is enforcing laws!

Buy a return ticket or not!  It's up to you.  You will deal with all the consequences!

Asking for the return ticket is 'hit or miss'
some ask, some don't

My experience?
Few ask.... it's rare

Bryce Harland wrote:

I am travelling from UK to DR in January via Transat (Toronto) If I book a ticket to say Miami on the return date will I be able to board?

To answer your question, for a non resident staying in the Dominican Republic they are required by immigration law (irrespective if it is not being implmented to date) to hold an inbound (presumably stub or other record) and return ticket (Boleto aéreo, marítimo o terrestre de ingreso y regreso;)
from the Dominican Republic during their stay. A return to Miami meets that requirement. Airlines often ask because they would foot the repatriation bill if refused on arrival.

The UK travel advice to DR is as follows:

You must carry a photocopy of your identification (such as a passport), a copy of your entry stamp and proof of onward or return travel at all times, so that you can produce them if you’re asked to do so by the authorities.

Proof of onward or return travel
You may be refused entry if you don’t have proof of onward or return travel.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/dominican-republic/entry-requirements

Make your own decision from the advice given and so accept any possible consequences.

Just a point of clarification - if you have a return ticket on the same airline, they don't need to ask for one! We've never been "asked" by the airlines or anyone else to "show" our return tickets. Before we had our residency, we always had a return ticket, but most times they were on separate reservations with the same airline. The airline knew we had a return, so they didn't ask.

So, if you've not been asked, it could be because they didn't need to ask! Play it safe and play by the rules! It's really not that hard.

planner wrote:

Again we will state that legally the airlines are responsible for making sure you have a return ticket OR residency.  That is the LAW.

If they don't ok, that is on them.  But YOU can be stopped at boarding and required to get a return ticket.  YOU can be blocked from entry at the airport here on arrival and returned at the airlines expense!

Thousands will continue to say  it didn't happen to me.   

We have all seen proof this govt is enforcing laws!

Buy a return ticket or not!  It's up to you.  You will deal with all the consequences!

Extactly, if you want to gamble is up to you, by law you must have a return ticket if coming as a tourist, also the tourist card - of Visa as is called for some people only let you be legal in the country for 30 days, if you want an extension of you stay over 30 days then you must apply for an extension of your stay in the inmigration website.

Glad you will go to see the real Dominican Republic outside of all inclusive, enjoy your vacations and stay safe.