Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
The Dominican Republic is a popular Caribbean destination. Resort areas like Punta Cana are generally safe; take normal precautions against petty crime in Santo Domingo and rural areas.
- Overall risk
- Moderate; resorts are well policed, city and rural areas need more care
- Main concern
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching and opportunistic theft
- Emergency number
- 911 (nationwide)
- Millions of tourists visit each year without incident. Most trouble is petty theft; keep valuables secure, avoid displaying cash or jewellery, and use hotel safes. The tourist police (CESTUR/POLITUR) patrol major resort zones.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no formal no-go zones, but some poorer neighbourhoods of Santo Domingo and isolated rural roads warrant extra care, especially at night.
- Higher-risk areas
- Some outer barrios of Santo Domingo and quiet, unlit areas
- At night
- Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or deserted places
- Stick to well-frequented tourist and resort areas such as Punta Cana, the Zona Colonial and main beaches. Use registered taxis or hotel transport after dark rather than walking through unfamiliar districts.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
The Dominican Republic lies in the hurricane belt. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June to November (peak August to October). Earthquakes and heavy rain flooding are also possible.
- Hurricanes
- June to November, most intense August to October
- Flooding
- Heavy tropical rain can cause flash floods and landslides
- Earthquakes
- Located on an active Caribbean plate boundary
- Monitor local weather and the national emergency agency (COE) during hurricane season and follow evacuation advice. Sudden downpours can flood roads quickly; the country also experiences occasional earthquakes, so know your hotel's safety procedures.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Private clinics in resort areas are good but can be expensive. Do not drink tap water; use bottled water. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue occur.
- Tap water
- Not safe to drink; use bottled or purified water
- Mosquitoes
- Dengue, chikungunya and Zika risk; use repellent
- Emergency
- 911 for ambulance
- Private hospitals in tourist zones offer good care but require upfront payment or insurance. Protect against mosquito bites, especially in the rainy season, and consider hepatitis and typhoid vaccinations. Carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Petty theft, bag snatching and distraction scams occur in cities, markets and on beaches. Use only registered taxis and be alert at ATMs.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing, bag snatching and opportunistic theft
- Common scams
- Overcharging, unofficial taxis and ATM card skimming
- Advice
- Keep valuables out of sight and use hotel safes
- Book taxis through your hotel or a recognised app rather than hailing on the street. Withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks or hotels during the day, and do not leave belongings unattended on the beach.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
The Dominican Republic is a stable democratic republic. Politics rarely affect tourists; occasional demonstrations are usually peaceful.
- Government
- Stable presidential democratic republic
- Demonstrations
- Generally peaceful; rarely affect resort areas
- The country holds regular elections and is politically stable. Protests can occasionally cause traffic disruption in Santo Domingo; avoid large gatherings as a routine precaution and follow local news.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Drug offences carry severe penalties. Traffic is right-hand drive. Carry ID and respect local customs; dress modestly away from the beach.
- Drugs
- Severe penalties, including long prison sentences
- Driving
- Right-hand traffic; carry your licence and documents
- ID
- Carry a copy of your passport photo page
- Penalties for possession or trafficking of drugs are harsh. Roads can be poorly lit with unpredictable driving, so take extra care if renting a car. Beachwear is fine at resorts but dress modestly in towns and religious sites.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 911 for all emergencies: police, ambulance and fire. The tourist police (CESTUR/POLITUR) assist visitors in resort areas.
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist police
- CESTUR / POLITUR in tourist zones
- Note
- English is spoken in tourist areas
- The nationwide 911 system covers police, ambulance and fire and works across the main tourist regions. In resort areas, the tourist police (CESTUR/POLITUR) can help with lost documents and reporting crime.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Private clinics require upfront payment, and medical costs plus repatriation can be high.
- Essential
- Insurance with medical and repatriation cover
- Payment
- Private hospitals often require payment or a guarantee upfront
- Activities
- Include water sports, diving and excursions if relevant
- There is no reciprocal healthcare arrangement, so travellers must pay for treatment. Ensure your policy covers emergency treatment, repatriation and any adventure or water activities you plan to do.