The Dominican Republic is considered a safe place to visit in most tourist hotspots but there are certain cities and areas that travelers should avoid.
It’s important to be cautious in places like the Zona Colonial in the country’s capital. Due to the high crime rate in some parts of Santo Domingo, it is dangerous and opportunistic crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching are frequent.
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LATEST NEWS from DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
February 12 – Two weeks after a mysterious U.S. woman’s death on a flight from the Dominican Republic her family shares the details
41-year-old Stefanie Smith died on the airplane on the way from her vacation in the Dominican Republic.
After two weeks of her family waiting for the answers surrounding her death from the authorities, a forensic pathologist contacted the family.
“Stefanie Smith died from a carotid artery dissection in her neck,” shared her brother Chris Volz.
“It was truly a tragic medical event that happened. The results of the autopsy do not suggest there was any foul play,” Volz added.
February 12 – The Dominican Republic and the US embassy reach an agreement to ensure visitors’ safety
According to a cooperation agreement with the American Embassy in the nation, security has been given top priority, stated David Collado, Minister of Tourism.
The memorandum lists visitor safety and hotel staff training as top priorities.
The document establishes procedures for situations involving foreigners in the nation and formalizes the assurance of safety for American tourists traveling there. U.S. foreign visitors made up 47% of the total since last year, which contributed to a 22% increase in tourism.
Official Travel Advisories
U.S. Travel Advisory
U.S. Travel Advisory for the Dominican Republic is at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Crime that includes homicide, sexual assault, and armed robbery is an issue in the Dominican Republic.
Resort areas are typically better monitored than urban areas like Santo Domingo because of the establishment of professional tourism police corps, the setting up of a 911 system in many parts of the nation, and the concentration of resources in these areas.
Canada Travel Advisory
The greatest threat to tourists is opportunistic crime, which accounts for the majority of incidents. All across the nation, criminal activities such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are common. Thieves frequently target tourists. Holiday seasons typically see an increase in crime.
Incidents happen mostly at resorts, beaches, airports, bus terminals, and on public transit.
Areas to avoid
Although there is a high rate of crime in the Dominican Republic, it is mostly concentrated in localities and places that few tourists visit.
Santo Domingo’s capital city has several high-crime neighborhoods, including Arroyo Hondo, Naco, Gazcue, Cristo Rey, and Villa Agricola. There have been violent crimes like muggings, theft, and even murder. Always turn over your belongings if asked.
Common Scams
Exercise caution around charming Latino men who target solo female travelers or small groups. They may employ flattery and persistence to swindle you out of money, alcohol, meals, and nightlife expenses, or even persuade you into marriage and taking them back to your home country.
Refrain from engaging with strangers and refrain from bringing them to your accommodation to minimize the risk of falling prey to scams.
Remain vigilant regarding camera-related scams while traveling. Locals might request you taking a photo and then demand payment for alleged damages when their camera “accidentally” drops.
Exercise caution when using taxis in the Dominican Republic. Negotiate fares and maintain awareness to avoid falling victim to scams and being overcharged.
Safety Tips for Dominican Republic
- Never leave valuable belongings in plain sight.
- Protect yourself by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers as there are cases of dengue in DR
- Opt for licensed taxis rather than unregistered ones
- Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle
- Refrain from displaying flashy jewelry while walking on the streets
- Don’t walk the streets late at night
- Always consult with locals or reception of your hotel if your are planning to go to an unknown area