State Department Bumps the Dominican Republic to Level 2
The U.S. government has urged travelers headed to the Dominican Republic to “exercise increased caution”.
The update, posted June 12, 2025, moves the Caribbean nation to a Level 2 alert—one notch above normal precautions—because of a sustained pattern of violent crime that includes homicide, robbery and sexual assault. While the country remains a popular winter-sun escape, U.S. officials say an expanded police presence in resort zones has not fully stamped out threats elsewhere on the island.
What Level 2 Really Means for Vacationers
The State Department sorts every destination into four risk tiers:
- Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions
- Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution
- Level 3 – Reconsider Travel
- Level 4 – Do Not Travel
A Level 2 classification does not tell Americans to cancel plans; it signals that conditions warrant heightened situational awareness. According to the advisory, visitors should:
- Stay alert in public spaces and avoid isolated areas, especially after dark.
- Keep phones and valuables out of sight, particularly on city streets.
- Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or designer handbags that could make you a target.
- Travel in pairs or groups whenever possible.
- Never leave food or drinks unattended in bars or clubs.
- Surrender possessions rather than resist if confronted by thieves.
- Exercise extreme caution when meeting online acquaintances in person.
Where Crime Is Most Likely to Occur
Resort Corridors vs. Urban Centers
The country’s main tourism corridor—stretching from Punta Cana to La Romana—enjoys a visible police force that patrols hotel zones and beaches. Violent incidents there are relatively rare but not unheard-of.
By contrast, Santo Domingo, Santiago and smaller interior towns have experienced a noticeable uptick in robberies, according to local media reports. Criminals often target rental cars, cash-heavy casino visitors and distracted tourists fiddling with smartphones in public plazas.
Inside Resorts
All-inclusive properties deploy private security and generally restrict beach access after midnight. However, U.S. officials note that sexual assaults have sometimes occurred inside resort rooms or during off-property excursions booked through street vendors instead of vetted tour operators.
Traveler Takeaways: Safety First, but Don’t Panic
Vacations to the Dominican Republic are still feasible—millions of Americans touch down each year without incident—but smart travelers stack the odds in their favor:
- Choose Hotels Wisely: Prioritize resorts with gated entrances, in-room safes, 24-hour security and strong reviews mentioning staff professionalism.
- Use Licensed Transport: Arrange airport transfers through your hotel concierge or a respected ride-hail service rather than hailing taxis curbside.
- Book Guided Excursions: Stick to reputable tour companies accredited by the Ministry of Tourism. Ask whether guides carry official ID cards.
- Leave the Bling at Home: Even inexpensive jewelry can look pricey to opportunistic thieves. Minimalist style equals fewer problems.
- Opt for Credit Cards: They come with fraud protection and minimize the amount of cash you carry.
- Stay Sober-Aware: If you plan to party, alternate alcoholic drinks with water, and designate one friend as an “on-call” watcher each night.
Entry Requirements and Health Reminders
• Passports: Must be valid for the length of stay; no six-month buffer required.
• Tourist Cards: The US$10 fee is usually baked into airfare, but verify on your ticket receipt.
• Vaccines: Routine immunizations are sufficient; consider Hepatitis A if you plan to eat widely off-resort. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue occasionally spike during the rainy season (May–November), so pack DEET-based repellent.
• Travel Insurance: Medical clinics near resort areas are adequate, but U.S. health insurance rarely pays abroad. Purchase a policy that covers medical evacuation to Miami or San Juan, which can run US$25,000 without coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the U.S. government advising Americans to cancel trips?
No. Level 2 merely urges greater caution. Flights, resorts and cruise docks remain fully operational.
Does the advisory include Punta Cana’s mega-resorts?
Yes, the Level 2 blanket applies nationwide, but incidents inside high-end resorts are less common than in urban neighborhoods.
Are cruise passengers affected?
Cruise guests docking in Amber Cove or La Romana should follow the same precautions. Shore excursions booked through cruise lines are vetted and generally safe.
Can I still explore local towns?
Absolutely. Just stick to daylight hours, use licensed guides and avoid displaying valuables.
Traveler Tips: Stretch Your Dollar While Staying Safe
• Schedule Early Morning Sightseeing: Hit Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone at 8 a.m. for cooler temperatures and lighter crowds—pickpockets prefer busier afternoons.
• Dine Like a Local, But Vet the Venue: Family-run comedores serve superb sancocho. Look for spots packed with neighborhood patrons rather than empty tourist traps.
• Split Your Cash Stash: Keep a small “decoy” wallet with a minor amount of pesos for quick transactions; store the bulk in a money belt under clothing.
• Track the Exchange Rate: Using a mobile currency app minimizes overpaying at souvenir stands; just check rates privately rather than flashing your phone publicly.
One Silver Lining: Lighter Crowds Could Mean Deals
“Tourism dips whenever headlines mention crime, so expect more last-minute room upgrades this summer,” according to a Punta Cana-based travel advisor. Resorts will likely roll out free golf rounds, drink packages and spa credits to keep occupancy healthy. Savvy travelers who follow safety guidelines may land a luxury beach week at mid-market prices.
Bottom Line for JetsetterGuide Readers
The U.S. raises crime alert for Dominican Republic visitors—but a Level 2 advisory does not spell doomsday. By maintaining street smarts, booking reputable services and respecting local conditions, vacationers can still savor white-sand beaches, merengue rhythms and rum-soaked sunsets without undue worry.
