Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is one of the more smoker-friendly airports in the Caribbean. Designated outdoor smoking areas exist both before and after security in both Terminal A and Terminal B, so you won't have to go completely without a cigarette during your trip through the airport.

Before Security

Landside smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas outside the terminal buildings. You cannot smoke freely inside the check-in halls or anywhere inside the terminal. Look for the "Area de Fumadores / Smoking Area" signs near the terminal exits to find these spots. They are open-air, unshaded, and have no climate control, which means you'll be standing in the Caribbean heat.

After Security - Terminal A

Terminal A has multiple outdoor smoking areas past security, all open-air and post-security:

• Near Gate A8: This is the most frequently mentioned spot by travelers. It is so close to the gate that one traveler described being able to show their boarding pass at the gate and step right out. The area has an ashtray/bin and tropical plantings.

• Near the food court: A second outdoor area is accessible from the food court level. It features a stone-wall enclosure with gravel ground, a standing ashtray, and seating. The food court area (with Pizza Hut and other outlets visible nearby) is just steps away.

• Near Gate A16: A third outdoor area is confirmed near Gate A16, also open-air with signage.

• VIP Lounge (Terminal A): As of August 2024, the VIP lounge in Terminal A also has a smoking area. Access to the VIP lounge typically requires a paid ticket or lounge membership; check with the lounge directly for current walk-in pricing.

After Security - Terminal B

Terminal B has a well-regarded outdoor smoking terrace after security, located between gates 25 and 26. It is a spacious open-air balcony with bar-height tables and chairs, offering a direct view of the tarmac and taxiing aircraft. This is one of the more comfortable airside smoking spots in the Caribbean. A second outdoor terrace area (shown in photos) also appears to be accessible from the Terminal B departure level, with glass railings overlooking the runway.

Note: One source from 2017 mentioned Terminal B was "presently closed for departures" at that time, but more recent reports from 2024 confirm the Terminal B smoking area between gates 25 and 26 is open and in use.

VIP Lounge - Terminal B

The VIP Lounge by Gate B29 in Terminal B departures has an outdoor smoking area above Gate B32, with views over the airport. The lounge itself is non-smoking. Entry is with a lounge membership such as Priority Pass or a paid pass. Book Punta Cana VIP lounge access.

Vaping Rules

According to the Dominican Republic's airport security authority (CESAC), passengers may carry vaping devices and e-cigarettes in carry-on luggage only (not checked bags). The airport FAQ does not explicitly address where vaping is permitted within the terminals, so treat it the same as cigarettes and use the designated smoking areas to be safe.

Transit and Layovers

If you have a layover in Terminal A or B, you can access the post-security smoking areas without leaving the secure zone, which is a genuine advantage over many other airports. There is no confirmed information on whether you can exit security and re-enter during a layover.

Bottom Line

PUJ is genuinely accommodating for smokers, with multiple outdoor airside areas in both terminals. Head to Gate A8 or the food court terrace in Terminal A, or the terrace between gates 25 and 26 in Terminal B.