Travel Note
You will need a passport to travel outside of the U.S. If this is your first time applying for a passport: Click the "View" button below to get started You'll need to apply in person with proof of citizenship, ID, a passport photo, and the application fee We recommend applying by September 2025 at the latest Typical passport processing times are as follows: 4–6 weeks (routine) + 2 weeks shipping 2–3 weeks (expedited, with an extra fee) + 2 weeks shipping Already have a passport? Check the expiration date! The Dominican Republic enforces the "6-month passport validity rule," which means your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. If your passport expires sooner than that, you'll need to renew it before traveling.
Flight
The wedding will take place in Santiago. We recommend purchasing your flight 3-4 months before the wedding, if not sooner. For guests traveling from Iowa to Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI - Cibao International Airport), you'll need to take a connecting flight. Here are the main airlines that can get you there: American Airlines: Connect through Miami (MIA) United Airlines: Connect through Newark (EWR) Delta Airlines: Connect through New York (JFK) JetBlue: Connect through New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), or Orlando (MCO) Spirit Airlines: Connect through Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - seasonal service Money-saving tip - Consider larger nearby airports: Chicago O'Hare (ORD) - 3.5 to 5 hours drive from most Iowa locations Minneapolis−Saint Paul (MSP) - 3.5 to 4 hours from northern Iowa If you're looking to save on airfare, driving to Chicago or Minneapolis might offer more flight options and potentially lower fares for international travel. Just remember to factor in driving time, gas, and parking costs. What you should know: All flights from Iowa will require at least one connection The most common connection points are Miami, New York, or Newark We recommend arriving at least 2 days before the wedding (January 22 or earlier) Setting price alerts on sites like Google Flights, Kayak, or the Hopper app can help you catch the best deals You're welcome to choose arrival and departure dates that work best for your schedule—many guests may want to extend their stay to enjoy the Dominican Republic!
Travel Note
In addition to your passport, the Dominican Republic requires an entry-ticket filled out with travel and flight information. Be sure to fill out your e-ticket to meet Dominican Republic travel requirements. What is an E-Ticket? It's simply the Dominican Republic's digital version of an immigration and customs form. Instead of filling out paper forms on the plane, you complete it online before your trip. The form is easy to complete. Click the "View" button to get started You can add multiple travelers to a single E-ticket form Once completed, you'll receive a QR code that you can download, print, or screenshot on your phone Complete it at least two weeks before travel and keep it handy for your arrival.
Hotel
ENGLISH 🇺🇸 Reservation Link (copy & paste or click below): https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/chantalfermin-erikkobussen-boda-2026/ The hotel is conveniently located next to Ágora Santiago Center shopping mall—perfect for any last-minute "emergency" wedding outfit shopping. It's just 11 minutes from our wedding venue, giving you plenty of time for retail therapy and getting ready to celebrate with us. ESPAÑOL 🇩🇴 Enlace de Reserva (copiar y pegar o dar click abajo): https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/chantalfermin-erikkobussen-boda-2026/ El hotel está convenientemente ubicado justo al lado del Ágora Santiago Center - perfecto para cualquier compra de "emergencia" de último minuto para el atuendo de boda. El hotel está a solo 11 minutos de nuestro lugar de la boda, así que tendrás tiempo de sobra tanto para terapia de compras como para prepararte para celebrar con nosotros.
Hotel
ENGLISH 🇺🇸 Want to keep the party going and explore more of the beautiful Dominican Republic? Please reach out to Geraldin Canario at canariotravel@hotmail or via WhatsApp at +1 (809) 426 -1948 to book your reservation and mention "Boda Chantanl y Erik" Don't know how to get there? No worries! We're coordinating shuttle transportation from Hotel Santiago directly to the Puerto Plata resort, making your post-wedding getaway as seamless as possible. ESPAÑOL 🇩🇴 ¡Mi gente local, ustedes ya saben cómo es la cosa! Ustedes ya se conocen el país de memoria, así que si quieren ponerse en modo "tour guide" y llevar a los invitados internacionales a los lugares que de verdad valen la pena—como donde están los mejores chicharrones—¡háganlo! Que prueben la comida buena y aprendan a bailar bachata como Dios manda.
Shuttle
January 24, 2026 4:00 pm - 2:00 am
ENGLISH 🇺🇸 There will be a shuttle running between the Hotel & Wedding Venue. Scheduled will be finalized soon. ESPAÑOL 🇩🇴 ¡Para los que quieren ser responsables porque saben que van a amanecer en la boda, tranquilos que lo tenemos resuelto! Habrá transporte corriendo entre el Hotel y el lugar de la celebración. Los horarios se los confirmamos prontito.
Travel Note
ENGLISH 🇺🇸 We understand that international travel can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time! Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. We'll be adding more details to this page as they become available, so check back regularly for updates! ESPAÑOL 🇩🇴 ¿Tienen preguntas o dudas de cualquier cosa? ¡Tranquilos, que tenemos un equipo completo! Pueden escribir a Yocasta, Manuel o Chantal para lo que necesiten, y si no, pregúntenle a Doña Silvia que esa mujer se sabe hasta lo que no ha pasado todavía y tiene más información que Google. Sigan visitando esta página porque vamos añadiendo más información según vaya saliendo.