The Dominican Republic is set between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, providing a tropical oasis for travelers to experience some of the world’s best beaches, fabulous resorts, and plenty of recreation and entertainment opportunities.
In general, the Dominican Republic is considered a safe country for tourists but not in all areas. As of June 6, 2023, the U.S. Department of State lists the Dominican Republic as a Level 2 warning, where travelers should exercise increased caution due to violent crime, such as armed robbery, sexual assault, or homicide.
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Which Areas of the Dominican Republic are Dangerous for Tourists?
Over the years, a professional tourist police corps, the institution of a 911 system, and many resources available in resort areas have made it safer for tourists to visit most resort areas. Still, it is vital to remain careful when considering travel into urban areas.
High-crime areas in the capital city of Santa Domingo include Arroyo Hondo, Cristo Ray, Gazcue, Naco, and Villa Argrola. These areas are best avoided due to the high theft rate, muggings, and murder.
La Duarte, a street in Santa Domingo, is very crowded and chaotic, making this one of the riskier streets to visit.
Important Safety Tips When Traveling to the Dominican Republic
Here are a few tips to help travelers keep themselves safe when visiting the Dominican Republic:
- Read the Department of State’s warning before planning a trip.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for alerts and to make it easier to locate a traveler in an emergency.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid walking alone, especially at night.
- Do not leave bags unattended, especially at the beach.
- Do not leave drinks unattended.
- If mugged, hand items over; do not risk further injury.
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth.
- Follow the advice of resort and tour guides.
- Stay at your resort unless traveling with a guided tour booked at your resort.
- Prepare a contingency plan in case of an emergency.
LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from the Dominican Republic:
January 15, 2024: Minister Joel Santos Echavarría reports positive crime reduction trends in early 2024
Joel Santos Echavarría, the Minister of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, reported notable progress in crime reduction as of early 2024, attributing the success to the Joint Task Force’s…
Read full article: Is Dominican Republic Safe? Travel Advisory 2024
The post “Is Dominican Republic Safe? Travel Advisory 2024” by Viktor Vincej was published on 01/15/2024 by www.travelinglifestyle.net