Travel advice for Dominican Republic

Australia advises a high degree of caution for Dominican Republic.

Exercise caution throughout the Dominican Republic because crime is very high and firearms are widespread. Armed robberies affect tourists in Santo Domingo, Boca Chica and northern coast tourist areas, while motorists face risks at traffic lights and on intercity roads. Do not resist. Be especially careful in secluded rural areas and outside banks or currency exchanges, avoid dark areas at night, carry little cash and copy documents.

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime, including violent crime, petty theft, sexual assault, fraud and cybercrime. Land and sea borders with Haiti are closed, and the border area, particularly Dajabón, is highly unpredictable, with disturbances, potential violence and limited emergency services. If travelling near the Haitian border, keep your passport accessible, avoid travelling after dark, monitor local media and follow local authorities.

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic because crime, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and armed robbery, is prevalent. Avoid remote areas after dark, secure belongings, and take care when driving due to frequent fatal road accidents. Monitor weather reports during the Caribbean hurricane season and protect passports and other documents.

Japan advises a high degree of caution for Dominican Republic.

Use caution in the Dominican Republic: theft and robbery occur around resorts and in cities, often involving violence with knives or guns. Do not travel to Haiti because the border is closed; avoid the border area, where armed robberies occur. Prepare for storms, floods, earthquakes and dangerous sea currents; poor traffic safety outside Santo Domingo. Drug use, possession and sale are prohibited; expect discrimination or aggression if you are LGBTQ+.

Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic because theft and armed robbery linked to illegal drugs are increasing, and fake-police scams occur. Take particular care in Bavaro-Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and Las Terrenas, and use extra caution near the Haitian border, where armed robberies have occurred. Protect against Zika and dengue, follow hurricane and evacuation guidance, and drive cautiously, especially at night and outside major cities.

United States advises a high degree of caution for Dominican Republic.

Travel to the Dominican Republic is generally safe when usual precautions are followed, and you should have emergency funds plus insurance covering international healthcare and repatriation. During the Caribbean hurricane season, tropical storms may become hurricanes, with heavy rain and squalls creating dangerous conditions; El Niño can make some locations more intense. Follow local crisis authorities’ instructions and heed their warnings.

Take normal precautions when travelling to the Dominican Republic. Follow local authorities' instructions when a hurricane approaches, as the season usually lasts from June to November. Estonian tourists driving must carry a valid Estonian licence and an international permit, and may visit visa free for up to 30 days. As Estonia has no embassy, seek consular help from its honorary consulate in Santo Domingo or the nearest EU representation.

Germany advises normal precautions for Dominican Republic.

Hong Kong advises normal precautions for Dominican Republic.

Normal precautions apply, but monitor hurricane warnings from 1 June to 30 November because Atlantic and Caribbean storms can bring destructive winds, floods and landslides. Guard against theft, robbery and scams targeting tourists, verify accommodation QR payment details, and use official airport taxis or accommodation transfers, avoiding crowded streets, buses and shared taxis. After dark, power outages may increase crime; remain at accommodation during outages and seek help from Politur.

No travel advisory is in force; normal precautions apply. Be alert to robbery, avoid displaying large amounts of cash or jewellery, use official taxis, and engage reputable operators and guides; do not resist if robbed. Drug offences carry heavy penalties, so pack your own bags and refuse gifts from strangers. Earthquakes and hurricanes may occur, and travellers should monitor local guidance and obtain health advice and comprehensive insurance.

No travel warning is in force. British tourists may visit without a visa for 30 days if their passport remains valid for the stay, but must complete an entry and exit form and may need proof of onward or return travel. Border officials take fingerprints and a photograph. Customs rules are strict, and standard emergency service coverage is not full across the country.