Dominican Republic

Recommended Vaccinations For Dominican Republic

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires travellers of 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from the states of Mina Gerais, Espirito Santo, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of the mentioned states in Brazil also require a vaccination certificate.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the vaccination for children and adults who are travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that Cholera is rare in traveller and that safe food and water practices can prevent cholera infections.

Recommended Medications For Dominican Republic

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malaria medication is recommended for travellers visiting the Dominican Republic, except for those who will stay within resorts and the cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago where the risk is very low. The U.S. CDC recommended medication includes atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, mefloquine and doxycycline. The WHO and NaTHNac recommend chloroquine only.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Dominican Republic

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in the Dominican Republic.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks occur in the Dominican Republic.

Cholera

Cholera occurs in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in the Dominican Republic through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires travellers of 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from the states of Mina Gerais, Espirito Santo, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of the mentioned states in Brazil also require a vaccination certificate.

Schistosomiasis

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in the Dominican Republic. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Malaria

There is a significant risk of malaria transmission in the provinces near the border with Haiti and in the provinces (including resort areas) of La Altagracia, San Cristóbal, San Juan, and Santo Domingo. In other provinces, transmission is rare.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in the Dominican Republic, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Safety & Security in Dominican Republic

Personal Safety

The crime rate is high across the country, with incidents ranging from opportunistic pickpocketing and bag snatching to more serious offenses. Petty theft is the most common threat to visitors, particularly in busy urban areas like Santo Domingo and tourist destinations such as Punta Cana and Puerto Plata. Thieves on motorcycles commonly snatch bags from pedestrians and sometimes reach into vehicles stopped at red lights. Armed muggings have occurred during daytime in residential areas, and attackers may be armed even when weapons are not visible. Crime tends to rise during holiday periods like Christmas and Easter. Tourist areas benefit from a dedicated tourist police force called CESTUR, which has enhanced security in resort zones. Tourist destinations are generally more policed than metropolitan areas. However, police response outside resort areas can be slow, and criminals are rarely caught and prosecuted. If robbed, hand over belongings without resisting. Card cloning and identity theft pose risks, so keep payment cards in view or use cash. Dating app scams have targeted visitors, with several reported robberies. Bank fraud at ATMs is also common. Drug offenses carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences, and cases can take years to progress through the judicial system.

Extreme Violence

The homicide rate has been declining in recent years. In 2023, the rate was approximately 12 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, marking the third consecutive year of decline. In 2024, the rate dropped a further 16.4% compared to 2023. This is significantly lower than the Latin American and Caribbean regional average of 20 per 100,000. The vast majority of homicides stem from social conflicts like fights or crimes of passion, with only about 10.7% resulting from organized crime activities. In 2022, only seven murders were recorded on hotel premises nationwide, and two on beaches or rivers. Firearms are used in approximately 65% of murders. Arms trafficking from the United States fuels criminal gang violence, though drug trafficking does not appear to be a major driver of violence in the country. Tourist centers are safer than other parts of the country. Some provinces like Samana recorded very low homicide rates, with rates as low as 4.3 per 100,000 in early 2024. Violent crime against foreigners, including assault, occasionally occurs but is relatively rare. Incidents of assault, rape, and sexual aggression against foreigners have been reported, including at beach resorts, with some cases involving hotel employees or fellow guests.

Political Unrest

The country has a stable democracy dating back to the early 1960s, with no violent political coups since that time. Political demonstrations occur periodically, particularly in Santo Domingo, but they do not usually affect resort or tourist areas. Protests are common and guaranteed by the constitution, though they are sometimes subject to violent dispersal by police. In February 2020, massive protests erupted after municipal elections were suspended due to technical failures, with demonstrators calling for transparent elections and investigations. These protests became the largest civil society demonstrations in recent national history. Police used tear gas on demonstrators during these events. In March 2025, police violently attempted to repress a peaceful International Women’s Day demonstration in Independence Park. Protest flashpoints include areas outside government buildings such as the National Palace, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Education, and the Supreme Court of Justice. In 2024, protests also occurred over abortion rights and other social issues. The government has advanced in the Global Peace Index, approaching countries with high peace ratings. While demonstrations are common, violent political instability is not a current concern. Take care not to get caught up in demonstrations or large gatherings.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid traveling within 10 kilometers of the border with Haiti, particularly in Dajabon, due to concerns over lawlessness, gang violence, smuggling operations, and human trafficking. The border area is highly unpredictable with common disturbances that can lead to violence. Emergency services are often unavailable near the border. The land and sea borders with Haiti have been closed to travelers. In Santo Domingo, avoid neighborhoods with higher rates of violent crime including Cristo Rey, Villa Consuelo, Villa Juana, Villa Agricola, Los Praditos, Villa Mella, San Carlos, Alcarrizos, Manganagua, Ensanche Quisqueya, Mata Hambre, Los Mina, El Semillero, Arroyo Hondo, Gazcue, La Duarte, and Zona Universitaria. Also avoid Naco and Los Guandules. In Santiago, stay away from Cienfuegos, Los Salados, Hato del Yaque, La Yaguita de Pastor, and San Jose de las Matas due to higher than average crime rates. Tourist areas like Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and La Romana have moderate safety levels but remain alert in crowded areas and on beaches. La Zona Colonial, Gazcue, and Bella Vista in Santo Domingo are relatively safe areas for tourists. Punta Cana has some of the lowest crime rates in the country.