Dominican Republic Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Dominican Republic due to crime.

Violent crime is a concern in the Dominican Republic despite more police presence in areas often visited by tourists. Do not display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals from online in secluded locations.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Dominican Republic

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in the Dominican Republic, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political demonstrations

Political demonstrations sometimes happen, although not usually near tourist areas. Take care not to get caught up in demonstrations or large gatherings and follow the instructions of the Dominican Republic authorities.

Crime

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. Thieves on motorcycles snatch bags and valuables from pedestrians and sometimes reach through the windows of cars at red lights to steal belongings.

There have been incidents where foreigners have been mugged at gunpoint or knifepoint during the daytime while walking in residential districts.

Attackers may be armed, even if you cannot see a weapon.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

You can take steps to reduce your personal risk by:

• avoiding remote areas, particularly after dark
• not wearing expensive jewellery or carrying large amounts of cash
• keeping smartphones and other electronic items out of sight
• not leaving your bags or other possession on chairs or tables in restaurants and bars
• keeping car windows shut and doors locked
• carrying your bags on the side away from the road

If you’re robbed, do not fight back or do anything that puts you at greater risk.

Bank card crime

Bank card cloning and identity theft are a risk in the Dominican Republic. Keep your payment card in view when paying or pay in cash.

Sexual assault

Incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners have occurred, including at beach resorts. In some cases, hotel employees or fellow guests have been implicated.

You can take steps to reduce your risk:

• avoid walking alone at night
• do not leave drinks unattended
• be wary when dealing with strangers, and anyone offering rides or other invitations

If you’re a victim of a sexual assault or other crime, report it immediately to the British Embassy in Santo Domingo. Consular staff can help:

• report the incident with local authorities
• explain the process
• translate for you if there’s a language barrier

See FCDO’s guidance for victims of rape and sexual assault abroad.

You must formally report a crime to the Dominican Republic authorities before you leave the country so they can investigate.

This section has safety advice for regions of the Dominican Republic. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Dominican Republic-Haiti border

FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation.

Land and sea borders between the Dominican Republic and Haiti are closed. Military and police roadblocks are common in the border area. The roadblocks can appear to be unofficial, although the soldiers do wear army uniform and carry weapons.

There have been armed robberies on roads close to the border with Haiti, including by criminals posing as police officers.

Risk level

Dominican Republic - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.

Border with Haiti

Land and sea borders with Haiti are closed to travellers. The Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic from Haiti.

The security environment is highly unpredictable in the border areas between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, particularly in Dajabón. Disturbances and incidents are common, some of which can lead to violence. Emergency services are often unavailable near the border.

If you choose to travel near the border with Haiti:

• keep your passport on-hand and accessible
• avoid travelling after dark
• monitor local media to stay informed of the current situation
• follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces

General Directorate of Migration – Government of the Dominican Republic

Crime

Crime, including violent crime, occurs across the country, especially in major cities.

The police are often unable to respond in a timely manner quickly to calls for assistance, especially outside of resort and tourist areas.

Petty crime

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, occurs frequently. Tourists are common targets for theft.

Crime of opportunity is common. Thieves may try to snatch visible money, valuables, or grab your phone from your hands. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods.

Incidents occur:

• at resorts and hotels, including inside private rooms and room safes
• from inside cars, especially rental cars
• at beaches
• at airports
• at bus stations
• on public transportation

Drive-by robberies are common. Thieves on motorcycles, scooters or bicycles snatch bags and other valuables from pedestrians. Thieves may even reach into vehicles, including taxis, stopped at red lights to steal belongings.

At airports, thieves may target checked baggage in departures areas.

• Stay at hotels or resorts with good security
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Carry only small amounts of money and avoid showing signs of affluence
• Keep electronic devices like cellphones, tablets, laptops and cameras out of sight
• Keep car doors locked, windows up and your belongings out of sight
• Don’t pack valuables in your checked luggage

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs, occasionally targeting foreigners. Incidents take place mainly after nightfall in large cities.

Incidents include:

• armed robberies
• assaults
• burglaries

Criminals target cars for armed robberies on the roads, especially after nightfall. You should arrange to arrive and depart from the Dominican Republic during daylight hours.

During your stay:

• stay at reputable hotels or resorts with adequate security
• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• keep your car doors locked and windows up, especially at a traffic light
• avoid walking alone in unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark
• if you’re threatened, hand over your valuables and do not resist an attack

Sexual assault

Incidents of sexual assault and rape have occurred, including at major resorts and hotels. Employees of resorts and hotels have been involved.

If you are a victim of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the nearest office of the Government of Canada. You should also file a report with Dominican authorities. Criminal investigations will not move forward unless you file a formal complaint to local authorities before you leave the country.

• Avoid secluded areas, even on resorts and hotel grounds
• Exercise caution when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances
• Be wary of strangers offering rides or other invitations
• Avoid taking public transportation or walking alone at night

More information on reporting a crime in the Dominican Republic

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