Is the Dominican Republic safe? Travel Advisory 2025
Known for its beautiful beaches and hospitable locals, this Caribbean hotspot attracts millions of visitors every year. That is why it is crucial to prioritize safety from the moment you arrive until it’s time to say goodbye.
As with every international destination, travelers must familiarize themselves with potential safety problems to make informed decisions about where to stay, visit and what activities to avoid.
Latest news from the Dominican Republic:
March 2025: Searching intensifies to miss the American student in Dominican Republic (Cnn.com))
The search for the 20-year-old student of the University of Pittsburgh Sudiksha Konanki, who disappeared during a spring break to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has been intensified. Konanki was last seen in the early hours of March 6 on the beach near the Riu República Hotel, where she had been on vacation with friends. Surveillance images show that she leaves the hotel lobby around 4.15 am, accompanied by a non -created man and two women. While her friends came back to the hotel around 5:55 am, Konanki stayed on the beach with the man, who was later seen alone at around 9.55 am.
Dominican authorities have launched extensive search activities with drones, helicopters and dog units to find Konanki. Although the first reports suggest that she might have drowned because of strong currents, her family disputes this theory and urges researchers to consider other possibilities, including kidnapping or human trafficking. The Sheriff’s Office of Loudoun County in Virginia, where the Konanki family lives, has stated that there is currently no evidence to support the drowning conclusion. The research continues, with the help of American federal agencies and the embassy of India.
December 2024 – British travelers can have access to the Dominican Republic in 2025
The Dominican Republic is planning to enforce A new access restriction For British citizens from November 30, 2025, according to a recent update from the United Kingdom of the United Kingdom, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
To gain access, most visitors have to present passports with at least six months of validity. From next year, British must do the same.
The new rule can also influence citizens from the United States, Canada and Europe, although information has so far been unclear and contradictory.
Crime statistics in the Dominican Republic
The worldwide data platform NumbeoThe Dominican Republic arranges as a country with a high crime level and scores 70.17 points.
Fortunately, not the entire territory is equally influenced by violence. Here are some important statistics with regard to crime and safety.
| Level of crime | 70.78 | High |
| Increasing crime in the past 5 years | 71.53 | High |
| Concern about car theft | 65.77 | High |
| Concern about stealing your car | 49.76 | Moderate |
| Concern about physically attacked because of skin color, ethnic descent, gender or religion | 24.52 | Low |
| Violent crimes such as abuse and armed robbery | 69.57 | High |
| Safety when you walk alone in daylight | 55.99 | Moderate |
| Safety when you only walk in the dark | 26.97 | Low |
Areas to avoid
Travelers must be careful in certain parts of the island due to high crime percentages.
These include neighborhoods such as Capotillo, Cristo Rey, Galey, Los Guandules and Villas Agrícolas in Santo Domingoas well as areas nearby The border with Haiti.
Official travel advice
Our travel advice
The US Department of Foreign Affairs the Dominican Republic arranges as a destination of level 2Which means that the country is just as safe as Spain or Italy.
However, the advice emphasizes concern about violent crimes such as armed robbery, murder and sexual violence on the island. It also notices that tourist areas are generally better controlled.
Canada Travel Advice
The Canadian government advises travelers to the Dominican Republic Practice “a high degree of caution due to crime.”
The advice is that most violent crimes take place in large cities, while tourists are often the target of small crimes such as pickpockets and bags of sniffing.
It is reminded that crime tends to increase during the holidays, especially at resorts, beaches, airports and public transport.
Safety tips for the Dominican Republic
- Stay with popular tourist hotspots such as Punta Cana, Bavaro and La Romana, where there is a strong presence on the police.
- Flash not valuable items such as jewelry, electronics or large amounts of cash.
- Leave your passports safely with your accommodation.
- Does not flag random taxis to prevent them from being charged too much.
- Do not visit insulated beaches in the dark.
- Never leave your drinks unattended and avoid accepting drinks from friendly strangers in local bars.
- Drive conditions can be chaotic for Americans or Europeans. Only rent a car if experienced in such environments.
- Avoid swimming only; The island has several strong currents.
- If you have an emergency, call the local police at 911.
