The Dominican Republic is friendly and very welcoming, and many individuals travel to the country with no security incidents. However, it is still wise to be on the alert for opportunistic crimes, which can range from bag snatching to more aggressive robberies. To ensure you have a safe vacation, make sure to travel in groups and avoid leaving tourist resorts without a proper guide.
As with many other island destinations, hurricanes often affect the Dominican Republic. Additionally, there have been reports of illness from adulterated alcohol in the past, even in popular resort areas. Always be careful when consuming alcoholic beverages, and when in doubt, avoid spirits altogether.
Visit the U.S. Department of State website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travelers to the Dominican Republic.
All U.S. travelers should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service offered to U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the embassy and helps the embassy contact you in case of an emergency.