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Is Dominican Republic safe?
How do I Stay Safe in the Dominican Republic?
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Why is the Dominican Republic a dangerous country?
Apr 12, 2024 · If you decide to travel to the Dominican Republic: Be aware of your surroundings. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Follow the advice of resort and tour operators regarding local safety and security concerns.
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If you decide to travel to the Dominican Republic: Be aware...
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- Terrorism
- Political Demonstrations
- Crime
- Laws and Cultural Differences
- Outdoor Activities and Adventure Tourism
- Transport Risks
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 abroad and what to do in the event of a terro...
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.
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 lig...
Personal ID
Always carry copies of the photo page of your passport and entry stamp with you.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Possession of even small quantities of any drug can lead to a fine and a prison sentence. Pack your own luggage and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. If you’re arrested for drug offences your case can take several years to progress through the judicial process, during which you’re likely to be held in detention. If you’re given a prison sentence, you will serve the whole sentence in the Dominican Republic.
LGBT+ travellers
Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. Although same-sex sexual relations are legal in the Dominican Republic, same-sex marriages are not legally recognised. Showing affection in public may attract unwanted and negative attention. Nearly all Dominican hotels welcome LGBT+ travellers, although you should check when you book. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Providers of recreational and adventure tourism may not meet UK safety standards. Check safety standards and make sure you’re insured if you take part in activities like water sports, quad biking or horse riding.
Road travel
If you’re planning to drive in the Dominican Republic, see information on driving abroad. You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in the Dominican Republic for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP)as well. For longer visits, apply for a local driving licence. See Living in the Dominican Republicfor more information. Hire car companies often hav...
Road safety
The Dominican Republic has a high death rate from road traffic accidents. Road accidents happen often, especially during holiday periods like Christmas and Easter. Risks you may face include: 1. other drivers not following traffic laws, weaving from lane to lane and rarely signalling 2. vehicles being in poor condition 3. drunk driving The quality of roads varies, although the majority of motorways connecting cities and tourist areas are in good condition. Driving outside the main cities at n...
Motorbikes and scooters
Take particular care if riding a motorbike or scooter. The Dominican Republic has a high death rate from road accidents involving motorbikes and scooters.
Jan 22, 2024 · Is the Dominican Republic Safe to Visit Right Now? Traveling to the Dominican Republic is pretty safe for tourists. Dominican Republic has a recorded 8,058,670 international visitors in 2023 based on their Ministry of Tourism.
Jan 16, 2020 · Although most of Punta Cana and other tourist areas in the Dominican Republic are relatively safe, if you stray from where most travelers stay and end up in other parts of the country, you...
How to stay safe as a traveler. Just like you should in any city or tourist hotspot, use extra precaution while drinking at bars. Don't leave your drink unattended, accept drinks from strangers, or get intoxicated with new friends. Take someone you know to the bathroom with you, even at a resort.
Jun 7, 2023 · The United States has issued a travel advisory cautioning its citizens about increased crime and delinquency in the Dominican Republic. The advisory, which was previously categorized as level 1 (normal exercise of caution), has been elevated to level 2 (increased travel caution).
