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This Caribbean hotspot is known for its beautiful beaches and hospitable people and attracts millions of visitors every year. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize safety from the moment you arrive until it’s time to say goodbye.
As with any international destination, travelers should familiarize themselves with potential safety concerns so they can make informed decisions about where to stay, visit, and what activities to avoid.
LATEST NEWS from the Dominican Republic:
December 2024 – British travelers could be banned from entering the Dominican Republic in 2025
The Dominican Republic plans to enforce this policy a new access restriction for British citizens from November 30, 2025, according to a recent update from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
To gain entry, most visitors must present a passport with a validity of at least six months. From next year the British will have to do the same.
The new rule could also affect citizens of the United States, Canada and Europe, although information so far remains unclear and conflicting.
Crime statistics in the Dominican Republic
The global data platform Numbeoranks the Dominican Republic as a country with a high crime level, scoring 70.17 points.
Fortunately, not the entire territory is equally affected by violence. Here are some key statistics regarding crime and safety.
| Level of crime | 70.78 | High |
| Rising crime in the past five years | 71.53 | High |
| Worried about car theft | 65.77 | High |
| Getting your car stolen | 49.76 | Moderate |
| Concerns about physical attacks because of skin color, ethnicity, gender, or religion | 24.52 | Low |
| Violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery | 69.57 | High |
| Safety when walking alone during the day | 55.99 | Moderate |
| Safety when walking alone in the dark | 26.97 | Low |
Areas to avoid
Travelers should be extra careful in certain parts of the island due to high crime rates.
This concerns neighborhoods such as Capotillo, Cristo Rey, Gualey, Los Guandules and Villas Agrícolas in Santo Domingoas well as areas nearby the border with Haiti.
Official travel advice
US travel advice
The US Department of State ranks the Dominican Republic as a Level 2 destinationmeaning the country is as safe as Spain or Italy.
However, the advisory highlights concerns about violent crimes such as armed robbery, murder and sexual assault across the island. It also notes that tourist areas are generally better controlled.
Travel advice for Canada
The Canadian government advises travelers to the Dominican Republic to do this exercise “a high degree of caution due to crime.”
The advice is that most violent crimes take place in big cities, while tourists are often targeted for petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching.
Please note that crime often increases during the holidays, especially in resorts, beaches, airports and on public transport.
Safety Tips for the Dominican Republic
- Stick to popular tourist hotspots such as Punta Cana, Bavaro and La Romana, where there is a strong police presence.
- Do not display valuables such as jewelry, electronics or large amounts of cash.
- Leave your passports safely at your accommodation.
- Don’t flag down random taxis to avoid overpaying.
- Do not visit remote beaches after dark.
- Never leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from friendly strangers at local bars.
- Driving conditions can be chaotic for Americans or Europeans. Only rent a car if you have experience in such environments.
- Avoid swimming alone; the island has several strong currents.
- If you have an emergency, call local police at 911.