SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The United States has nudged the Dominican Republic back into the diplomatic spotlight, elevating its travel notice to a Level 2 “exercise increased caution” designation — a reminder for the nearly 3 million Americans who fly into this Caribbean hub each year that petty and violent crime remain concerns. The Dominican capital, Santo Domingo, figures prominently in the advisory, which was issued June 12, 2025, and comes with practical guidance rather than a call to cancel trips.
What the Level 2 Dominican Republic travel advisory really means
In the State Department’s four-tier warning system, Level 2 sits squarely between routine awareness (Level 1) and the more serious “Reconsider Travel” notice. “Exercise increased caution,” the department said in its June 12 posting, citing robberies, homicides, and sexual assaults that “are rarely caught and prosecuted.” The advisory also notes that crime can occur both inside and outside the resort area, “despite more police presence in areas often visited by tourists,” the agency wrote in its prepared statement.
Key points called out in the June 12 advisory
- Violent crime — robbery, homicide, and sexual assault — is the primary concern.
- Criminals sometimes target well-touristed districts as well as local neighborhoods.
- The 911 emergency system covers major cities and most resort corridors nationwide.
- Dedicated tourist police, known as POLITUR, patrol beaches, plaza,s and hotel zones.
- Victims report low arrest and prosecution rates for certain crimes.
Why the timing matters to vacationers
The refreshed notice landed just months after a U.S. college student, Sudiksha Konanki, was reported missing from Punta Cana during spring break. Although the case remains unresolved, it has sparked a social media debate over safety on the island. On a popular Facebook forum for travel to the Dominican Republic, several expatriates argued that daily life in large U.S. cities can feel riskier. However, the advisory underscores mistakes travelers often make, such as wandering poorly lit streets, flashing smartphones, or hopping into unregistered cabs late at night.
Safety tips for Dominican Republic visitors
Many of the State Department’s recommendations mirror basic urban common sense but are worth restating for beachfront mind-sets:
- Remain aware of surroundings in crowds or on open streets; keep valuables tucked away.
- Use the buddy system, particularly after dark or when leaving a bar or club.
- Watch food and drinks; never surrender them to strangers — incidents of spiked beverages have been reported.
- Book rides through reputable taxi companies or ride-share apps, such as Uber. Avoid hail-and-ride “motoconchos,” which the U.S. Embassy warns against.
- Program local help numbers into your phone: dial 911 for emergencies and ask hotel staff how to contact POLITUR in your district.
- If it's your first visit, consider limiting your exploration to well-reviewed tour operators until you've built local familiarity.
Know before you go: cultural and linguistic prep
Brushing up on basic Spanish greetings, understanding the country’s delicate relationship with neighboring Haiti, and familiarizing yourself with local public-behavior norms can ease interactions with authorities and residents alike. These small gestures often translate to friendlier service and quicker assistance should you need help.
Crime concerns versus tourism numbers
Despite periodic warnings, the Dominican Republic remains the most visited destination in the Caribbean, logging 34.2 million international arrivals in 2024 — a 6.1 percent jump year over year. Nearly half, 48 percent, arrived between January and June 2024, primarily from the United States, with Canadians following closely behind. Early 2025, however, tells a slightly different story. From January through April, American arrivals decreased by 5.12 percent and Canadian arrivals fell by 4.43 percent compared to the same period last year. Officials at the Ministry of Tourism attribute the decline to the leap-year calendar and the earlier timing of Holy Week, rather than to security concerns. South America, meanwhile, is filling the gap. During the first four months of 2025, 434,352 South American travelers touched down — a 31.3 percent surge. Tourism planners view the shift as evidence that diverse source markets can sustain the sector even when North Americans are hesitant.
On-island security infrastructure
Beyond general policing, the Dominican government maintains a visible tourist-police unit equipped to assist foreigners. Major resort brands contract additional private guards, and many hotels operate secure perimeters with key-card access. Guests typically receive safety briefings at check-in, and some properties restrict late-night pedestrian departures unless arrangements have been made through the concierge. Travel insurance providers have also adapted. Policies now routinely bundle 24/7 Spanish-English hotline support, emergency evacuation stipends, and robbery-loss reimbursement, making it easier to recover from incidents that might have derailed past vacations.
Tips for Travelers: making the most of a Level 2 destination
- Choose a location wisely. Popular enclaves such as Punta Cana, Bávaro, La Romana and Puerto Plata enjoy concentrated security resources, but every zone differs. Research recent guest reviews, not just star ratings.
- Time your movements. Most robberies occur after midnight and involve intoxicated tourists walking alone. Arrange transport in advance and keep cash for fares to a minimum.
- Photograph documents. Store images of passports, visas, and insurance cards in a password-protected cloud folder for quick replacement.
- Monitor advisories. Download the State Department’s free STEP app to receive real-time alerts and let the Embassy know where you are staying.
- Stay sun-wise. Crime aside, dehydration and sunburn still top the list of clinic visits. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and electrolyte packets.
Is the Level 2 advisory new?
No. The country has hovered at Level 2 for several years, alongside destinations such as Panama, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The June 12 update refreshes information and emphasizes recent crime trends.
Should families cancel summer plans?
Most visitors complete vacations without incident. The advisory recommends heightened awareness, not trip cancellation. Families comfortable navigating large U.S. cities should adapt easily with the precautions outlined above.
What areas are most affected?
The State Department does not single out provinces but warns that crimes can happen “in areas often visited by tourists.” Resorts carry a stronger police presence, while downtown districts of Santo Domingo and Santiago warrant extra vigilance after dark.
Do other governments agree?
Canada also rates the Dominican Republic at its own Level 2—“exercise a high degree of caution”—and highlights similar issues: petty theft, fraud, and bumpy road conditions.
Is cash or a card safer?
Carry small denominations of Dominican pesos or U.S. dollars for incidental purchases; pay by credit card inside resorts or established restaurants. Skimming at independent ATMs has been reported.
Level 2 status underscores potential risks, but does not erase the qualities that draw millions to the Dominican Republic: powder-soft beaches, merengue rhythms that spill onto cobblestone streets, and resort deals that can undercut those of other Caribbean islands. A balanced approach — blending situational awareness with cultural curiosity — lets you soak up those rewards while keeping trouble at arm’s length. — as the State Department said in its June 12, 2025, advisory.
