The importation of reptiles is difficult as no one seems to have done it before. One applies for permission to import a particular species. There are fees and govt checks for CITES animals etc. Export license is required from the country where the animal is coming from. Vet check in the US, Vet checks in the DR, a quarantine period, more fees and on and on it goes. Much more work than I am prepared to undertake. Maybe in my next life.
I shudder to think how many times I would have to explain what a tortoise is. I can see DR customs trying to open the shell to check for drugs...