Known for its stunning beaches and welcoming locals, this Caribbean hotspot draws millions of visitors each 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 to make informed decisions about where to stay, visit, and which activities to avoid.
LATEST NEWS from the Dominican Republic:
March 2025: Search intensifies for missing US student in Dominican Republic (CNN.com)
The search for 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki, who disappeared during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has intensified. Konanki was last seen in the early hours of March 6 on the beach near the Riu República Hotel, where she had been vacationing with friends. Surveillance footage shows her leaving the hotel lobby around 4:15 a.m., accompanied by an unidentified man and two women. While her friends returned to the hotel around 5:55 a.m., Konanki remained on the beach with the man, who was later seen leaving alone at approximately 9:55 a.m.
Dominican authorities have launched extensive search operations involving drones, helicopters, and canine units to locate Konanki. Although initial reports suggest she may have drowned due to strong currents, her family disputes this theory, urging investigators to consider other possibilities, including kidnapping or human trafficking. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where Konanki’s family resides, has stated there is no evidence to support the drowning conclusion at this time. The investigation continues, with assistance from U.S. federal agencies and the Embassy of India.
Dec. 2024 – British Travelers May Be Denied Entry into the Dominican Republic in 2025
The Dominican Republic plans to enforce a new entry restriction for British citizens starting Nov. 30, 2025, according to a recent update from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
In order to be allowed entry, most visitors are required to present passports with at least six months of validity. Starting next year, Britons will need to do the same.
The new rule may also affect citizens from the United States, Canada, and Europe, though information remains unclear and contradictory so far.
Crime Statistics in the Dominican Republic
The global data platform Numbeo, ranks 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 over the past 5 years | 71.53 | High |
| Concerns about car theft | 65.77 | High |
| Concerns about having your car stolen | 49.76 | Moderate |
| Concerns about being physically attacked due to skin color, ethnic origin, gender, or religion | 24.52 | Low |
| Violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery | 69.57 | High |
| Safety when walking alone during daylight | 55.99 | Moderate |
| Safety when walking alone after dark | 26.97 | Low |
Areas to Avoid
Travelers should exercise increased caution in certain areas of the island due to high crime rates.
These include neighborhoods such as Capotillo, Cristo Rey, Gualey, Los Guandules, and Villas Agrícolas in Santo Domingo, as well as areas near the border with Haiti.
Official Travel Advisories
U.S. Travel Advisory
The U.S. State Department ranks the Dominican Republic as a Level 2 destination, meaning the country is as safe as Spain or Italy.
However, the advisory highlights concerns about violent crimes such as armed robbery, homicide, and sexual assault across the island. It also notes that tourist areas are generally better policed.
Canada Travel Advisory
The Canadian government advises travelers to the Dominican Republic to exercise “a high degree of caution due to crime.”
The advisory reads that most violent crimes occur in major cities, while tourists are often targets of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching.
Be reminded that crime tends to increase during the holidays, particularly at resorts, beaches, airports and on public transportation.
Safety Tips for the Dominican Republic
- Stick to popular tourist hotspots like Punta Cana, Bavaro, and La Romana, where there is a strong police presence.
- Don’t flash valuables like jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash.
- Leave your passports secure at your accommodation.
- Do not flag down random taxis to avoid being overcharged.
- Do not visit isolated beaches after dark.
- Never leave your drinks unattended, and avoid accepting beverages from friendly strangers at local bars.
- Driving conditions can be chaotic for Americans or Europeans. Only rent a car if experienced in such environments.
- Avoid swimming alone; the island has several strong currents.
- If you have an emergency, call local police at 911.