Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? You’re probably wondering, “Can I Travel To Dominican Republic Right Now?” Here’s what you need to know about current travel conditions, safety, health, and entry requirements to make informed decisions.
Safety and Security
Border with Haiti
The land and sea borders with Haiti are currently closed to travelers. The Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo cannot assist with entry from Haiti. The border areas, particularly in Dajabón, can be unpredictable, with disturbances and incidents that may lead to violence. Emergency services are often unavailable near the border. If you choose to travel near the border, keep your passport accessible, avoid traveling after dark, monitor local media, and follow the instructions of local authorities and security forces.
Crime
Crime, including violent crime, occurs across the Dominican Republic, especially in major cities. The police response time can be slow, particularly outside tourist areas.
Petty Crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is frequent, with tourists as common targets. This type of crime increases during holiday periods. Incidents occur at resorts and hotels (including inside private rooms and safes), in rental cars, at beaches, airports, bus stations, and on public transportation. Drive-by robberies are also common, with thieves on motorcycles or bicycles snatching bags and valuables from pedestrians. At airports, checked baggage may be targeted in departure areas. To mitigate risk, stay at hotels or resorts with good security, keep personal belongings secure, carry small amounts of money, keep electronics out of sight, keep car doors locked and windows up, and avoid packing valuables in checked luggage.
Violent Crime
Violent crime occurs, occasionally targeting foreigners, mainly after nightfall in large cities. Incidents include armed robberies, assaults, and burglaries. Criminals target cars for armed robberies on roads, especially after dark. Arrive and depart during daylight hours, stay at reputable hotels or resorts with adequate security, be aware of your surroundings, keep car doors locked and windows up (especially at traffic lights), avoid walking alone in unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark, and if threatened, hand over valuables and do not resist.
Sexual Assault
Incidents of sexual assault and rape have been reported, including at major resorts and hotels, with employees sometimes involved. Report any such incidents immediately to the nearest Government of Canada office and Dominican authorities. Criminal investigations will not proceed unless a formal complaint is filed before leaving the country. Avoid secluded areas, exercise caution with strangers, be wary of offers for rides, and avoid public transportation or walking alone at night.
Fraud
Credit, Debit and ATM Card Fraud
Credit and debit card fraud and ATM fraud are frequent. Card reader tampering (skimming) is a common scam. Be cautious when using cards, cover the keypad when entering your PIN, pay attention when others handle your cards, avoid irregular card readers, use ATMs in public areas or inside banks/businesses, and check account statements for unauthorized transactions.
Unethical Lawyers
Unethical lawyers, known as “pirate lawyers,” operate in tourist areas, particularly in Punta Cana, offering legal services to detained foreigners and charging excessive fees. The Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo can provide a list of available lawyers.
Cybercrime
Cybercrime, malware attacks, and online extortion occur. Public Wi-Fi networks may be compromised to steal personal data or credit card information. Romance scams through dating sites and/or social media have also been reported. Be cautious about posting information on social media, use your own USB adapter or carry an extra battery pack, use secure public Wi-Fi networks, beware of people who show keen interest online, and remember you may be the victim of a scam if you meet an online acquaintance in person.
Spiked Food, Drinks and Other Items
Never leave food or drinks unattended or accept snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Harassment
Individuals, including women and 2SLGBTQI+ persons, have been subject to harassment or verbal abuse. Online abuse and harassment, including calls for violence, also occur. Avoid traveling alone, especially at night.
Demonstrations and Strikes
Demonstrations take place from time to time throughout the country, particularly in Santo Domingo, although they do not often affect resort areas. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent and disrupt traffic and public transportation. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, and monitor local media.
Adventure Tourism
Outdoor activities like kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, and extreme sports can be dangerous. The tourism industry is not well regulated, and tour operators may not meet Canadian safety standards. Hazards may be unidentified or poorly indicated. Buy travel insurance, ensure your physical condition is adequate, have proper equipment and water, monitor weather conditions, and avoid using equipment if unsure of its condition or safety.
Water Activities
Swimming
Coastal waters can be dangerous, and lifeguard services may not meet Canadian standards. Many beaches have limited or no lifeguards. Respect swimming areas, maintain a safe distance from boats, respect warning flags, consult residents and tour operators for information on hazards and safe swimming areas, and do not dive in unfamiliar waters.
Riptides
Tidal changes and strong winds can cause dangerous riptides.
Roads
Road Safety
Road safety varies considerably across the country, and accidents occur frequently. Consider hiring a licensed professional driver. Pedestrians do not have the right of way, even at traffic lights. Serious car accidents are treated as criminal investigations. Report any accident to the police.
Road Conditions
Road conditions vary greatly. Major highways are generally in good condition but not well maintained in rural areas. Many roads do not have marked lanes. Driving can be dangerous due to unmarked speed bumps, potholes, animals on the roads, insufficient lighting, traffic jams, and vehicles traveling in the wrong direction.
Driving Habits
Drivers do not always respect traffic laws and often speed and can be aggressive. Drinking and driving is common, especially during busy holiday periods. Drive defensively, plan trips in advance, travel in groups during daylight hours, carry a cell phone and charger, fill the gas tank, and keep car doors locked and windows closed.
Roadblocks
Military and police roadblocks are common, especially near the Haitian border. Be prepared to show identification.
Public Transportation
Buses
Public buses are unreliable. Use private intercity buses from reputable tour operators. Avoid open-door microbuses, known as “gua-guas” or “carros publicos,” as they are often unregulated and poorly maintained.
Ride-Share Services
Ride-share services are available in major cities and tourist destinations. Confirm the driver’s identity and license plate before getting in the car, and use the security features in rideshare apps.
Taxis
Taxis are not metered. Arrange pickup with your hotel before arrival when traveling by air. At the airport, only use taxis from official stands. During your stay, use reputable taxi companies through establishments like hotels or ride-sharing services, never share a taxi with strangers, and negotiate the fare prior to departure. Avoid using or renting motorcycle taxis known as “motoconchos.”
Air Travel
Assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards are not made.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements. Verify information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Until November 30, 2025, Canadians can enter the Dominican Republic for tourism with a passport valid for their entire stay. If traveling for other purposes, a passport valid for a minimum of six months after the date of arrival is required. Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport used for travel. Check with your transportation company about passport requirements.
Visas
Tourist visa: not required for up to 30 days. Work visa: required. Student visa: required. Residence visa: required.
Other Entry Requirements
You may need to prove adequate funds for the duration of your stay and provide the address where you will be staying. Customs officials may ask for a return or onward ticket.
E-Ticket
An electronic form (E-ticket) must be completed to enter and exit the country, every time you travel to the Dominican Republic. This form must be completed before boarding your flight, and a digital or printed copy of the E-ticket code presented to customs officials at the airport. This electronic form does not replace the Tourist card.
Tourist Card
If entering the Dominican Republic by air, the cost of the tourist card is included in your airline ticket. If entering by sea, the card can be obtained from the General Directorate of Internal Taxes at your point of entry.
Extension and Overstay
A stay extension for up to 120 days can be applied for at the Dominican Directorate General for Migration in Santo Domingo, after arrival and before your tourist card expires. Overstaying the duration could lead to deportation or refused re-entry.
Drug Screening
You may be subjected to drug screening when leaving the country. Authorities may search luggage and ask you to sign a form stating the search was performed within procedural requirements. In some cases, an X-ray may be requested.
Health
Routine Vaccines
Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date before travel, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.
Pre-Travel Vaccines and Medications
Consult a healthcare provider or travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice about diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications.
- Hepatitis A: Vaccination is recommended for all travellers.
- Yellow Fever: Proof of vaccination is required if arriving from some states in Brazil, including travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in those same states.
- Measles: Ensure you are fully protected against measles.
- Hepatitis B: Vaccination is recommended for all travellers.
- COVID-19: Complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling.
- Influenza: Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.
- Malaria: Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
- Rabies: Discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure.
Safe Food and Water Precautions
Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely). Avoid getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater, and don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs.
- Cholera: Practise safe food and water precautions. Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers.
- Travellers’ diarrhea: Practise safe food and water precautions. Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
- Typhoid: Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
- Salmonellosis: Practice safe food and water precautions.
Tick and Insect Bite Prevention
Protect yourself from bites by using an approved bug spray, wearing light-coloured, loose clothing, socks, and closed-toe shoes, sleeping under mosquito netting, and doing a full body tick check.
- Chikungunya: Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
- Dengue: Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue.
- Zika virus: Prevent mosquito bites at all times and use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.
- Oropouche virus disease: Protect yourself from midge and mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against Oropouche virus disease.
Animal Precautions
Avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Avoid eating undercooked meat.
Person-to-Person Infections
Reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections by staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick, wearing a well-fitting mask, cleaning your hands regularly, and covering your coughs and sneezes.
Lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox by getting vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible, having fewer sexual partners, and using protection during sexual activity.
- Tuberculosis: Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
- HIV: High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids.
Medical Services and Facilities
Good health care is only available in major cities, and the quality varies greatly. Public clinics and hospitals may be overwhelmed and lack medical supplies and equipment. Medical facilities may require payment up front for medical treatment. Get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Medical Tourism
Canadian citizens have had serious health complications following cosmetic or other elective surgeries abroad. Legal options in case of malpractice are very limited. Make sure you have done your research and use reputable health-care providers only.
Laws and Culture
You must abide by local laws.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines. The Dominican Republic has a zero-tolerance policy to illegal drugs, including cannabis.
Identification
Local authorities may request to see your identification at any time. Always carry valid identification or a photocopy of it.
Reporting a Crime
Victims of crime are responsible for reporting incidents to police. Contact the local tourist police and the embassy of Canada.
Reporting a Car Accident
Call the police and wait at the scene of an accident. The driver in any accident that causes severe injury or death will be taken into police custody until they have completed their investigation.
Arrest and Detention
If arrested or detained and would like consular services, clearly ask police or prison officials to contact Embassy of Canada in Santo Domingo or Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Legal Representation
If you are arrested or detained, you have the right to a lawyer. The Embassy of Canada can provide a list of local attorneys.
Dual Citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in the Dominican Republic. If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of the Dominican Republic, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you’re there.
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction applies between Canada and the Dominican Republic.
Real Estate Investments
Seek legal advice in Canada and the Dominican Republic before buying property or making other investments.
Timeshares
Carefully review the contract and consult an attorney in the Dominican Republic before purchasing a timeshare.
Marriage
Marriages legally performed in the Dominican Republic are legally recognized in Canada.
Driving
You can drive with your Canadian drivers’ licence for up to 30 days. You must carry an international driving permit.
Money
The currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso (DOP).
Natural Disasters and Climate
Climate Change
Climate change is affecting the Dominican Republic. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.
Hurricane Season
Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. Be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice and stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts.
Flooding and Landslides
Flooding occurs throughout the country due to heavy rains. Exercise caution, particularly in areas around rivers, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Earthquakes and Tsunamis
The Dominican Republic is located in an active seismic zone. Tremors occur frequently. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.
