Dominican Republic

Emergency phone numbers 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.  

• Dial 911 for all emergencies in the Dominican Republic.  
• Dial 809-222-2026 to contact local tourist police (POLITUR). 
• Dial 809-567-7775 to report crimes or emergencies to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic (after calling local authorities).  

Note: Dialing 911 works throughout the country except for some areas located near the Haitian border. 

Crime  

Crime is a threat throughout the Dominican Republic. 

• Tourist destinations are generally more policed than metropolitan or rural areas. The Dominican Republic has a dedicated tourist police force (POLITUR). 
• Pay attention to your surroundings. 
• If robbed, hand over your personal belongings without resisting. 
• Do not carry or wear valuable items that will attract attention. 
• Be vigilant about where your phone is and avoid using it openly on the street. 
• Travel with a partner or group if possible.  

Victims of crime

The Department of State provides help for U.S. citizen victims of crime abroad.  

We can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.  
• Help you find appropriate medical care. 
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. You can report crimes online or through the app “Denuncias Virtuales.” After filling out the report, you must appear in person to continue the judicial process. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information about the victim’s role during local investigation and following its conclusion. 
• Share a list of local attorneys (does not imply endorsement). 
• Inform you of U.S. citizen victim's compensation programs in the United States.
• Issue an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution. 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.

Dating app robberies 

U.S. citizens in the Dominican Republic have been robbed by people they met through online dating applications. 

• Meet strangers only in public places and avoid remote locations. 

Proof of identity and citizenship

Dominican authorities conduct frequent operations focused on expelling Haitian migrants.

• Vehicle checkpoints on highways and random traffic and pedestrian stops are common.  
• Some U.S. citizens have been mistakenly identified as Haitian migrants, resulting in temporary detention, and in rare cases physical assault during these operations.  
• U.S. citizens in the Dominican Republic should carry their passports at all times, comply with requests from authorities, and notify the embassy immediately if detained. 

Demonstrations 

Avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution around large gatherings or protests.

Domestic violence and sexual assault 

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to call 809-222-2026 (POLITUR), 809-682-2151 (National Police), and the U.S. embassy at 809-567-7775.

Hotlines for reporting gender-based violence are available through the Ministry of Women by dialing *212 and through the Attorney General of the Dominican Republic at 809-200-1202.

Rape and sexual assault have been reported, including at major resorts and hotels.

• U.S. citizens have been victims of rape, including with date rape drugs. 
• Victims should not expect the same assistance as in the United States. 
• Rape kits are often not available until the next morning and must be administered by Dominican authorities. 
• Victims must request medication to prevent STDs and pregnancy. 
• Prosecution of rape cases moves slowly.  
• You can report sexual assaults online or through the app, “Denuncias Virtuales”. After filling out the report, you must appear in person to continue the judicial process. 
• Security outside resort areas is unpredictable, especially at night. 
• Review our information for women travelers.

Safety tips:  

• Talk to the police or management if you feel uncomfortable with unwelcome advances from resort staff. 
• Avoid remote places in resorts.  
• Travel in groups with trusted friends or family. 
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages alone or with new acquaintances.  
• Do not leave food or drinks unattended.  
• Shout for help if threatened or uncomfortable. 
• Report suspicious activity to hotel management, the U.S. embassy, and local police. 
• Do not swim alone due to the possibility of life-threatening currents. 

International financial scams 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to avoid scams and learn how the FBI can help.   

Scammers target U.S. citizens, especially those over age 65, by claiming a romantic interest in the U.S. citizen, or that the U.S. citizen’s loved one has been arrested or injured and is asking for money to help. Contact the U.S. embassy before wiring money. 

Scammers may claim to be: 

• Romantic partners 
• Law enforcement officials 
• Attorneys 
• U.S. Embassy officials 
• Scared family members like a grandchild 

Tourism safety 

The tourism industry is unevenly regulated. 

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities may be lacking. 
• Dangerous areas and activities may not have signs. 
• Staff may not be trained or certified. 
• Medical treatment is typically available only in or near major cities or tourist zones.  
• First responders may struggle to access remote areas. 
• Urgent medical treatment options are limited. 

U.S. citizens should review information on insurance coverage abroad. You are strongly encouraged to purchase travelers’ insurance that pays for medical care and medical evacuation. 

Criminal penalties 

U.S. citizens must follow local laws.  

• If you break laws, even by mistake, you could be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• For business or professional activities requiring permits or licenses, seek information from local authorities. 
• Drug-related offenses, including those involving marijuana, carry severe penalties. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and big fines. 
• Prostitution is legal in the Dominican Republic under certain circumstances; however, disagreements over price or claims of mistreatment result in police involvement and are common complaints. U.S. citizens are warned against hiring a prostitute or escort service. 

Arrest notification 

If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic.

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common but may be illegal according to local laws. You may also be fined or forced to hand over the goods to authorities if you try to return to the United States with them.

Use caution when purchasing prescription medications locally given the possibility of counterfeit pills. 

Faith-based travelers 

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travelers  
• International Religious Freedom Reports– review country reports 
• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices  
• Tips for Volunteering Abroad

Gay and lesbian travelers 

• Same-sex relationships and gay and lesbian events face no legal restrictions in the Dominican Republic, but the law does not recognize same-sex civil unions, marriages, or families.   
• Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers
• Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (section 6) 

Women travelers 

• Tips for Women Travelers

Student travelers 

• Tips for Studying Abroad
• FBI Advice for U.S. College Students Abroad

Travelers with accessibility needs 

Anti-discrimination laws exist for people with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but are not consistently enforced.  

• Social acceptance of people with disabilities in public is not as common as in the United States. 
• Accessible facilities, information, communication, access to services, and ease of movement are limited in most of the country.  
• Large resorts and Santo Domingo may have better infrastructure, but it is not usually consistent with U.S. standards. 

Real estate 

• Property rights may be irregularly enforced.  
• Consult a reputable attorney before signing documents or completing any transactions. 
• Title insurance is recommended due to the risk of legal and physical takeovers. Absentee landlords and owners of undeveloped land are most at risk.

Health resources 

• CDC's Dominican Republic Traveler Information
• CDC's Travelers' Health Advice
• CDC's Medical Tourism
• NASA's Air Quality Forecast
• Travel Insurance

Prevalent diseases 

• Dengue   
• Malaria 
• Tuberculosis 

Vaccinations 

Visit your doctor at least 1 month before travel and update your vaccinations for travel to the Dominican Republic. 

Emergency phone numbers 

Dial 911 or contact local tourist police (POLITUR) at 809-222-2026 for emergency services. 

Ambulance services 

• Emergency responder training and availability may be below U.S. standards. 
• Ambulances are generally unreliable or unavailable in most areas. 
• They are more reliable and available in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Punta Cana, and Puerto Plata. 

Medical payments and insurance 

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.  
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not work abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Some care providers abroad only accept cash payments. 
• Make sure your health insurance plan provides insurance coverage abroad for reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of Travel Insurance available. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 
• In the Dominican Republic, private clinics sometimes hold a patient, including their passport, or the remains of a deceased person, over unpaid medical bills. If this happens, contact the Superintendence of Health and Occupational Risks (SISALRIL)  and/or the U.S. Embassy.  
• It is illegal under Dominican law to retain an individual’s passport or hold them in a hospital for failure to pay medical bills. If this happens, please contact the U.S. embassy for help. 

Prescription drugs 

• Confirm that your medication is legal and listed on the Ministry of Public Health.
• Take your prescription medication in the original labeled packaging.  
• Bring a copy of your doctor’s prescription. 
• We recommend caution when purchasing prescription medications locally given the possibility of counterfeit pills. If purchased, only buy from a pharmacy after receiving a doctor’s prescription. 

Health facilities  

• Refer to this list of doctors and hospitals if you need healthcare in the Dominican Republic. (source: U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic). We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors require a deposit before service or admission. 
• Private hospitals need advance payment or proof of internationally-accepted insurance before admitting a patient. 
• Some hotels and resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers, which can limit your choices and add costs to emergency medical attention. 
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Public hospitals have minimal staff overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse or having family stay with the patient, especially a minor child. 
• Patients are responsible for all medical expenses, including costs for transfer between hospitals.  
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities. 

Medical tourism and elective surgery 

Many U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after cosmetic or other elective surgery in the Dominican Republic. 

• Before traveling for surgery, get a medical evaluation from a U.S. doctor to determine if you are a good candidate. Refer to this list to see if your medical professional is licensed and accredited: Consulta de Exequatur - Servicio Nacional de Salud. 
• Research the doctor’s qualifications, experience, and complication rate. Review the medical facility’s credentials before traveling. 
• Share all health history information with your doctor before surgery. 
• Visit a travel medicine professional in the United States at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to discuss medical tourism and to learn about specific risks related to your surgery and travel. 
• Legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in the Dominican Republic. 

Water quality 

• Tap water in many areas is not safe to drink. 
• Bottled water is safe and should be requested at restaurants and hotels. 
• Request “no ice” in drinks because it may be made from tap water. 

Adventure travel 

• Adventure travel and sports may not be covered by accident insurance and safety protections.  
• Follow advice from the CDC to prepare for your trip. 

Helpful resources 

• Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad  
• Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism 
• Dominican Republic Government INTRANT - Spanish only (Instituto Nacional de Transito y Transporte Terrestre) 

Road conditions and safety 

Driving conditions vary across the country. Drive with extreme caution. 

• The country’s road crash-related mortality rate is 65.2 deaths per 100,000 people, which is the highest in the world. 
• Consider hiring a professional driver who is familiar with local roads. Licensed drivers are hired through local private transportation companies. 
• In case of accidents, typically only the driver will be taken into custody. 
• Car rental companies sometimes retain the renter’s passport if the rental bill is not paid, or the car is returned damaged. It is recommended to not leave your passport with a car rental agency. If your passport is retained, call the U.S. Embassy for assistance. 

Common driving dangers: 

• Drivers without headlights or taillights at night 
• Animals on the road 
• Missing manhole covers and large potholes 
• Uneven road surfaces 
• Scooters and motorcycles driving recklessly and weaving through lanes 
• Vehicles driving on sidewalks or against traffic 
• Intersections without stop signs 
• Unregulated and congested traffic 
• Speeding and running stop lights 
• Heavy urban traffic 

Traffic laws 

Traffic laws are inconsistently enforced.  

• After serious accidents, drivers are often detained. This happens even if they are not at fault, until a court ruling or a waiver is signed. 
• Seat belts for car passengers and helmets for motorcyclists are required. Violators may be fined. 
• There are no child car seat laws. 
• Police can stop drivers using cell phones without hand-free devices. 
• In collisions between cars and motorcycles, the car’s driver is usually found to be at fault, regardless of the circumstances. 
• U.S. citizens have reported traffic police asking for bribes instead of giving tickets. Politely refuse and ask for an official ticket. 

Public transportation 

Public transportation methods: 

• Metro in Santo Domingo only 
• Public bus system 
• Shared bus or van taxis known as “guaguas.” Available on regular routes within cities and between towns in the countryside. Converted vans or microbuses may not have doors.  
• Public buses and guaguas do not meet U.S. safety standards. 

Taxi travel 

• Avoid unregulated taxis and guaguas since they lack basic safety features. 
• Avoid hailing taxis off the street. Use taxi services recommended by your hotel or a well-known company. 
• Rideshare services like Uber are available in many areas. 
• Private bus lines travel between large cities and tourist destinations. 
• U.S. government employees are prohibited from riding motorcycle taxis. 

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.   

Maritime travel 

Mariners planning travel to the Dominican Republic should check the following:   

• U.S. Coast Guard Homeport Directory 
• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories 
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts  
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  

The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of the Dominican Republic.  Until those concerns can be addressed, the U.S. Coast Guard advises that mariners and passengers traveling through the ports of the Dominican Republic should exercise caution. 

Potential for natural disasters 

Make plans to prepare yourself for a potential disaster or crisis.  

• Tropical storms and hurricanes with heavy rain and wind occur in the Caribbean Sea, generally from May through November.  
• Flooding may occur without warning during heavy rainfall. The Dominican Republic is prone to earthquakes.  

Resources for staying safe: 

• Register with U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before or on arrival to your destination to receive updates during emergencies. 
• Hurricane and disaster preparedness
• Earthquake preparation 
• FEMA.gov provides detailed information about preparing for natural disasters. 

Living abroad resources 

If you live abroad, you or your family may experience various life events.

• Learn how to prepare for life events like voting, getting married, or the birth of a child. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare or insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations, such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.