Airport
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) – official site – is today the Dominican leader in number of arrivals of passengers. Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), is a privately owned (by Grupo Punta Cana) commercial airport. The airport itself is considered something to see, as it is built in a traditional Dominican style with open-air terminals with their roofs covered in palm fronds. Punta Cana International Airport is between 10 to 50 minutes from the major hotels.
The current Punta Cana Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1 and 2 are the terminals for international flights while Terminal 3 is used for domestic flights within the Dominican Republic and private jets. The privately owned commercial airport (the unique in the world) is small and easy to navigate upon arrival and baggage claim is close at hand. As it is the closest to the resorts (La Romana Airport is about 1.5 hours away), Punta Cana International Airport is probably the best airport to fly into, and most major airlines fly there.
When arriving, you’ll walk out off the plane right outside using the wheeled stairs that connect to the plane door. Punta Cana Airport does not have ramps connecting to the terminal but not to worry, it is a short nice walk or bus ride to the immigration area. As you enter the airport you will find yourself directly in the immigration area. The airport is usually very busy and, depending on the time your flight will arrive, to get your passport checked could take more than a hour queuing.
In the past (till 3-4 years ago) on the plane your stewardesses will have given you the forms to fill out for the immigration and customs process. A blue customs entry form and a white customs declaration form. Since 2019 everything has been digitalized and both forms have been reunited in a new form called E-Ticket which every person must fill online before the flight (the airline will ask for it at the departure point). The E-ticket must be filled also at the exit of the country (E-Ticket official website).
When it’s finally your turn, a customs officer will stamp your passport and then you’re off to collect your luggage. There are television screens that will direct you to the correct belt for your baggage. There are many porters available to help you with your luggage for a small tip and they will also help you find where to go with your tour company or to get a taxi.
After clearing customs you will usually pass a band playing Caribbean music with a hat on the floor hoping you will drop a dollar in it. As you exit the Airport you may be approached by guys that want to cart your bags to your taxi. Make sure to have people in charge of certain bags so none are scattered while they grab your luggage. If you choose to let them take your luggage please sure to tip them, that is why they are there. The drive is another 15 to 50 minutes which allows you to see some of the life style in the Dominican Republic.
About the departure, dress comfortably for the airport. As stated above, it’s an open air building. Until you are all checked in you will be without the benefit of air conditioning. The lines are sometimes dreadfully long (specially in high season), and it could take an hour or more to get completely checked in.
AVOID E-CIGS: there are now almost everywhere signs that say “no electronic cigarettes allowed”. Seems it is ok to take them into the country but not back out for some reason. It’s ok with the airlines (provided they are in carry on), but not allowed at PUJ.
