Regional risks - Dominican Republic travel advice (2024)

FAQs

Is there a travel warning for the Dominican Republic? ›

Dominican Republic - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Country Summary: Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic.

Although it's not the safest destination in the world, you and your family can visit the Dominican Republic as long as you are careful. This means that you should stay away from public buses, dangerous neighborhoods, and forlorn areas in the cities, and avoid going out at night.

The crime rate in the Dominican Republic is high. Incidents range from opportunistic bag-snatching and pickpocketing to violent crime and carjacking. Stay alert when on the street or driving to the risk of drive-by robberies.

The Bottom Line: Is Travel Insurance for a Dominican Republic Vacation Worth It? When traveling to the Dominican Republic, you should buy travel insurance. Having good coverage for any trip is always worth it, as it protects you from losing money if you have an accident or trip interruption.

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.

For a more relaxed and laid back feel, travelers should plan to stay in Punta Cana. This eastern destination is one of the Dominican Republic's safest areas since it has such low crime rates. Punta Cana also has world renowned beaches and all-inclusive hotels that offer plenty of amenities.

Danger level: 3 - Travel with high caution. This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

Your U.S. health insurance won't work in the Dominican Republic, so it's especially important to have travel medical and medical evacuation insurance. In addition to medical emergencies, a comprehensive travel insurance policy will also cover trip cancellations or delays, lost baggage, and more.

So you should make sure you have cover if you're planning a trip away. It's particularly important to take out travel insurance if you are travelling independently because you may find yourself stranded with no way to get home and no-one to help sort out your holiday problem.

Though both destinations are extremely safe for tourists (especially most parts of Montego Bay and Punta Cana), there are two very specific caveats that might make some visitors uncomfortable.

Can American travel to Dominican Republic? ›

Any person, regardless of their nationality, can visit Dominican Republic if they are a legal resident of or, if they have one of the following valid visas in their passport: United States, Canada, United Kingdom or Schengen.

Cancun is known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling tourist scene. Punta Cana has a lower crime rate compared to Cancun, making it a safer choice for some travelers. Regardless of the destination chosen, it is important to be mindful of your surroundings and follow local safety guidelines.