Dominican Republic

Crime rates are high in the Dominican Republic.

Violent crime

Violent crime happens in tourist areas. Victims have been injured when resisting.

Women are particularly at risk of aggressive sexual behaviour and sexual assault.

Be careful at bars and entertainment venues. People have reported being robbed and assaulted after their drinks were spiked.

To reduce your risk of violent crime:

• don't use public transport
• avoid walking or jogging alone, especially after dark
• travel with others wherever possible, especially if you're a woman
• don't leave your food or drink unattended
• never accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from strangers or new acquaintances

If you're a victim of violent crime, especially sexual assault, seek immediate medical help. The risk of HIV/AIDS infection is high.

More information:

• Local contacts
• Advice for women

Money-based crime

Avoid using ATMs on the street due to the high risk of robbery.

Credit card and ATM fraud are common, particularly in Santo Domingo and resort areas.

To protect your money:

• always keep your credit card in sight when using it
• avoid using ATMs at night
• use ATMs in hotels, shopping centres or other controlled areas
• avoid withdrawing or carrying large amounts of money

Road-based crime

Travellers have been robbed in taxis and private cars to and from Las Americas International Airport. Armed robbers force the vehicle to stop on the side of the road.

To stay safe on the roads:

• use ride share services where possible instead of taxis
• use official taxis and don't hail taxis from the street
• travel to and from the airport during daylight
• don't accept rides from strangers or people you've just met, including hotel employees
• use a tour company with a good reputation, especially if you're travelling to remote areas

Petty crime

Pickpockets and bag-snatchers are common in major cities. Travellers are often the target in busy areas such as airports and bus terminals.

Travellers have also reported thefts at resorts, on beaches, in hotel rooms and from hotel room safes.

To protect yourself from petty crime:

• don't wear expensive watches or jewellery
• be wary of strangers who offer services without being asked or make unusual requests

Demonstrations and protests

Political demonstrations happen across the country but are most common in and around the cities of:

• Santiago
• Salcedo
• Bonao
• Santo Domingo

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Demonstrations can affect traffic and essential services.

To protect yourself from periods of unrest:

• avoid protests and demonstrations
• monitor the media for information about safety or security risks

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Many beaches have strong and dangerous rips.

Check the conditions with your hotel or authorities before entering the water.

Lifeguards aren't present at some hotels, resorts and public beaches.

Dominican Republic experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• hurricanes
• landslides and mudslides
• flooding
• earthquakes
• tsunamis

Severe weather can disrupt essential services and infrastructure, such as water and electricity.

To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:

• know how to evacuate from your hotel or cruise ship
• keep your travel documents somewhere safe and waterproof
• ask your tour operator if severe weather has affected tourist services at your destination

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Hurricanes and severe weather

The hurricane season is from June to November. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change at any time.

Tropical storms or hurricanes can happen at any time of year.

The wet season is from May to November. Heavy rainfalls can cause landslides and mudslides. These can have a devastating effect on infrastructure and essential services.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available

Severe weather may also affect:

• access to ports
• road travel

Contact your airline or travel agency for information.

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• identify your local shelter
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor alerts and advice from authorities, such as the US National Hurricane Center
• keep in touch with your friends and family

If you're travelling to the Dominican Republic during hurricane season or after a natural disaster, monitor weather reports.

More information:

• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Earthquakes and tsunamis

The Dominican Republic is in an earthquake zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis may happen.

Dominican Republic's susceptibility to earthquakes makes destructive tsunamis more likely than in other oceanic regions.

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Move to higher ground or as far inland as you can. Once there, monitor local media.

More information:

• Caribbean Tsunami Information Center

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
• COVID-19 vaccines (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Check if your medication is legal in the Dominican Republic. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Keep medication in their original packaging with a clear label.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

If needed, get DFAT to authenticate medical documents before you depart.

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in the Dominican Republic.

For information on The Dominican Republic’s COVID-19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health (Spanish). The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process. 

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health and Aged Care)

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Take precautions if you take part in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Cholera is present. It causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It can be fatal if left untreated.

Maintain good food hygiene to minimise your risk of getting cholera.

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• hepatitis
• filariasis
• leptospirosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked foods, such as salads

Get urgent medical attention if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Insect-borne diseases

Illnesses spread by insects are common, especially during the hot months from May to November. 

Disease risks include: 

• dengue
• chikungunya
• Zika virus

Zika virus is widespread. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

Malaria is less common, but has been reported in the western area bordering Haiti, at some beach resorts, and adventure sports areas.

To protect yourself against disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medication to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Rabies

There's a high risk of rabies in the Dominican Republic. Avoid direct contact with all animals, especially:

• dogs
• cats
• mongooses (small cat-like animals)

Get urgent medical attention if you're bitten or scratched.

Seafood toxins

Toxins occur naturally in shellfish. In concentrated amounts, these toxins are poisonous for humans:

• ciguatera fish poisoning
• scombroid (histamine fish poisoning)

Outbreaks of ciguatera poisoning have occurred on many Caribbean islands.

Get urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning.

More information:

• Potentially hazardous foods

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in major cities are reasonable. In other areas, the standard of facilities is lower, with little English spoken. Blood supplies are often limited.

Medical care can be expensive. Before receiving treatment, you may be asked to either:

• show proof of medical insurance 
• pay upfront
• provide a guarantee of payment

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. This includes long prison sentences in local jails under harsh conditions.

If you're found driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, authorities will arrest and possibly detain you.

Border officials may screen you for drugs, including on departure.

More information:

• Carrying and using drugs

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

The Dominican Republic recognises dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained. Authorities may not advise us if you're charged with a crime.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Tourist cards

You must buy a tourist card on arrival. It's valid for 30 days. For longer visits, you must pay an extra fee at the airport on departure.

Rules affecting travellers can change at short notice.

Border measures

You don't need to present a COVID-19 Vaccination Card or undertake COVID-19 (PCR or antigen) tests to enter the Dominican Republic. However you may be subject to random testing operations. If you show your vaccination card, you'll be exempt from random testing.

To enter, you must complete the electronic entry and exit form, which combines the Traveller’s Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration, and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms.

Travel via the United States

If you’re travelling through the US, you must meet US entry or transit requirements. Contact your nearest US embassy or US consulate before you travel.

More information:

• Travel advice for the US

Travel via Canada

If you're travelling via Canada, you'll need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada.

Find out more before you travel. Check your requirements with the High Commission of Canada.

More information:

• Travel advice for Canada

Contact the Consulate of the Dominican Republic for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Travel with children

Strict exit requirements apply to children aged under 18 years who travel:

• alone
• with a parent
• with another adult

Ask about the regulations before you travel. Contact the Consulate of the Dominican Republic.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Departure tax

A departure tax applies for visits of up to 2 weeks.

It might be included in the price of your airline ticket. Confirm with your travel agent or airline.

You'll need to pay extra departure tax for stays of longer than 2 weeks.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP).

You can't exchange Australian dollars in the Dominican Republic. However, you can exchange US dollars at banks or official exchange offices.

Take US dollars with you.

Tours

Choose your tour operators carefully.

If you plan to do a tour:

• use recommended tour operators
• check you have proper safety equipment before taking part in extreme or eco-tourist activities
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Driving permit

For trips of less than 3 months, you can drive a vehicle with an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Apply for your IDP before leaving Australia.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Road travel

You're more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in the Dominican Republic than in Australia.

Hazards include:

• aggressive driving
• poorly maintained roads and vehicles
• drivers not following traffic laws
• few signs and poor lighting on rural roads
• sharing roads with pedestrians, bicycles and farm animals

Heavy rains cause mudslides and collapse roads. Roads may be closed at short notice, especially during the hurricane and wet seasons.

If you plan to drive in the Dominican Republic:

• avoid driving at night
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving

If you're involved in an accident, wait at the scene until police arrive and authorise you to leave.

Taxis

Travellers have been robbed and assaulted when using unofficial taxis. 

Don't use route taxis, also known as 'carros publicos'. They pose a higher risk of passengers being robbed. Instead, use either:

• ride share services
• a pre-booked taxi
• a radio-dispatched taxi
• those provided by hotels

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check the Dominican Republic's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Emergency services

Call 911.

Police

Tourist police (POLITUR) can help tourists and they patrol key tourist areas.

Call POLITUR on 911.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in the Dominican Republic.

The Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo provides consular assistance for Australians. It can issue Australian provisional travel documents.

You can also get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City.

Canadian Embassy, Santo Domingo

Av. Winston Churchill 1099

Torre Citigroup en Acropolis Center 18th floor

Ensanche Piantini, Santo Domingo

Phone: (+1 809) 262 3100

Email: sdmgo@international.gc.ca

Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/dominican_republic-republique_dominicaine

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario #55

Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco

Colonia Bosques de Chapultepec

11580 Mexico DF Mexico

Phone: +52 55 1101 2200

Fax: +52 55 1101 2201

Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au

Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au

Facebook: Australian Embassy Mexico

Twitter: AusEmbMex

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia