Navigation
Select Country
Map Layers
Dominican Republic
- The Dominican Republic has a moderate to high crime rate, especially in cities such as Santo Domingo and Santiago. Caution is advised when traveling at night.
- Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, are risks during the hurricane season from June to November.
- Public transportation can be unsafe, and taxis should be booked through reputable services or ride-hailing apps.
- Travelers should avoid border areas with Haiti due to armed robberies and security risks stemming from Haiti’s volatile security environment and ongoing gang war.
Risk Factors
- Crime remains the primary safety concern in the Dominican Republic, with the highest rates occurring in Santo Domingo. Resort areas like Punta Cana and La Romana are generally safer as authorities maintain a strong security presence.
- Bag snatching and theft of unattended belongings are common, especially around beach areas.
- While violent crime can occur, it generally takes place on the outskirts of cities and affects locals more frequently than tourists. Avoid walking alone at night and do not resist if confronted by criminals; many are armed and will escalate to violence
- Though less common in tourist zones, armed robberies can occur, particularly in isolated areas or at night. Motorbike-mounted thieves are known to target individuals walking alone.
- Credit card fraud and ATM scams are common. Use ATMs located inside banks or hotels, and avoid using them at night or in isolated areas.
- Political demonstrations and protests are common in cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago. These can turn violent, so avoid large gatherings and follow local authorities’ guidance.
- Protest activity is more common during election cycles and in relation to major political developments such as corruption scandals; monitor for updates on planned protest activity.
- Road safety is poor, with high rates of traffic accidents. Roads are often poorly maintained, especially in rural areas. Avoid driving at night.
- Use official taxis or ride-hailing services like Uber or Cabify for safer transportation. Many hotels offer private car services, especially in resort areas. These services come with verified drivers and are considered among the safest options for travelers. Unlicensed taxis pose a significant risk of robbery.
- Public buses and shared taxis (carros públicos) are unsafe and often unregistered, making them unreliable and a potential safety risk.
- The Dominican Republic faces a risk of hurricanes due to its location within the Atlantic hurricane belt. The Atlantic hurricane season spans from June to November, with peak activity occurring between August and October. Flooding and landslides are common after heavy rainfall.
- The risk posed by natural disasters is slightly lower along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic due to the mountainous terrain of the central regions.
- Earthquakes and tsunamis are possible due to the country's location in an active seismic zone. However, most are mild and don’t result in damage.