Caribbean
Is Dominican Republic safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Dominican Republic safe?
Resort areas are mostly fine, but street crime is high in cities: motorbike bag snatches, armed robbery and card cloning. Traffic is the biggest everyday danger.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-06-11.
- Homicide rate: 10.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 64.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Tourist police 809-200-3500 · All emergencies 911.
- Solo women: Catcalling is constant. Sexual assaults have been reported at resorts, sometimes involving staff; watch drinks and avoid walking alone at night.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Motorbike thieves snatching phones and bags, even through car windows
- Armed robbery in residential districts, sometimes in daylight
- Reckless driving; motoconcho crashes are common and helmets rare
- Hurricanes June–November; strong currents on unguarded beaches
Common scams
- Card cloning in restaurants and at ATMs; keep your card in sight
- Taxis quoting inflated dollar fares; agree a peso price first
- Fake police at roadblocks near the Haitian border
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry a copy of your passport photo page and entry stamp at all times.
- Even small amounts of drugs mean prison, often after years of pre-trial detention.
- Drivers in injury crashes are held in custody, even when not at fault.
Safety by place in Dominican Republic
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Punta Cana | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cabarete | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Las Terrenas | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Santo Domingo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Plata | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Dominican Republic safe for tourists?
Resort areas are mostly fine, but street crime is high in cities: motorbike bag snatches, armed robbery and card cloning. Traffic is the biggest everyday danger.
Is Dominican Republic safe for solo female travelers?
Catcalling is constant. Sexual assaults have been reported at resorts, sometimes involving staff; watch drinks and avoid walking alone at night.
What is the emergency number in Dominican Republic?
Tourist police 809-200-3500 · All emergencies 911.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Dominican Republic
- Dirección General de Migración e-Ticket
- Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism: entry requirements
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.