Dominican Republic SitRep: Crime, Resorts and Travel Planning
Tactical Traveler Club
Last reviewed October 17, 2026
According to the U.S. Department of State, the Dominican Republic is at “Level 2 - Exercise increased caution” as of June 12, 2025, with the indicator “Crime (C)”. According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, “The crime rate in the Dominican Republic is high.”
Violent crime affects residents of all nationalities
According to the U.S. Department of State, violent crime is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic and affects residents regardless of nationality. State identifies robbery, homicide and sexual assault among those crimes.
Valuables, phones and robbery
According to State's guidance as of August 11, 2025, travelers should pay attention to their surroundings and avoid carrying or wearing valuables that attract attention. State also advises keeping track of your phone and avoiding using it openly on the street.
According to State, “If robbed, hand over your personal belongings without resisting.”
According to the UK FCDO's guidance as of August 7, 2026, travelers should stay alert to drive-by robberies while on the street or driving.
Arrange taxis through established services
According to the UK FCDO, “Use an authorised airport or hotel taxi service, or book from a registered provider.”
Assault reports include resorts and hotels
State reports rape and sexual assault in the Dominican Republic, including at major resorts and hotels.
The UK FCDO reports incidents of assault, rape and sexual aggression against foreigners, including at beach resorts. According to the FCDO, hotel employees or fellow guests have been implicated in some cases.
Currents and activity standards
According to State, travelers should not swim alone because of the possibility of life-threatening currents.
According to State, the tourism industry is unevenly regulated. Equipment and facility inspections may be lacking, staff may not be trained or certified, and urgent medical treatment options are limited.
Passports and encounters with authorities
According to State, U.S. citizens should carry their passports at all times, comply with requests from authorities and notify the embassy immediately if detained.
Storms and earthquakes
According to State, tropical storms and hurricanes with heavy rain and wind are common.
According to the UK FCDO, earthquakes are a risk in the Dominican Republic.
According to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, its postings as of September 8, 2026, include “EP Message – Nationwide Emergency Alert Test and Earthquake Drill”.
Additional Thoughts for Solo Females Traveling
State reports that U.S. citizens have been victims of rape involving date rape drugs. Its guidance says, “Do not consume alcoholic beverages alone or with new acquaintances.” State also advises not leaving food or drinks unattended and shouting for help if threatened or uncomfortable.
According to State, security outside resort areas is unpredictable, especially at night. State advises avoiding remote places in resorts and traveling in groups with trusted friends or family.
According to State, travelers who feel uncomfortable with unwelcome advances from resort staff should talk to police or management.
According to State, U.S. citizens have been robbed by people they met through online dating applications. State advises meeting strangers only in public places and avoiding remote or secluded locations.
According to State, sexual assault victims should not expect the same assistance as in the United States. Rape kits are often unavailable until the next morning and must be administered by Dominican authorities; prosecution of rape cases moves slowly.
According to State, travelers can report crimes or emergencies to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic after calling local authorities.
Service members should check leave-travel rules with their own chain of command.
According to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, the emergency number is +(809) 567-7775.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the emergency number in the Dominican Republic is 911, which works throughout the country except some areas near the Haitian border, and the tourist police (POLITUR) can be reached at 809-222-2026.
According to the U.S. Department of State, hotlines for reporting gender-based violence are available through the Ministry of Women at *212 and through the Attorney General of the Dominican Republic at 809-200-1202.
According to the U.S. Department of State, travelers can report crimes or emergencies to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic at 809-567-7775 after calling local authorities.
Are ride-hailing apps available?
According to the UK FCDO, “Ride-hailing apps are widely available.”
Are lifeguards present at every pool or beach?
According to the UK FCDO, lifeguards may not be present at swimming pools or on beaches.
What does the FCDO say about drug penalties?
According to the UK FCDO, all drug offenses carry severe penalties.
When does hurricane season normally run?
According to the UK FCDO, the Caribbean hurricane season normally runs from June to November.
- U.S. Department of State — https://travel.state.gov/en/international-travel/travel-advisories/dominican-republic.html — accessed October 17, 2026
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) — https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/dominican-republic/safety-and-security — accessed October 17, 2026
- U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic — https://do.usembassy.gov/contact/ — accessed October 17, 2026
- U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic — https://do.usembassy.gov/category/alert/ — accessed October 17, 2026
About this snapshot
This page is general information from the U.S. Department of State, the UK FCDO and the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic as of the dates shown. It is not legal, medical or security advice. Check the source pages and your embassy before traveling.