U.S. warns travelers to ‘exercise increased caution’ when traveling to popular Caribbean nation
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U.S. warns travelers to ‘exercise increased caution’ when traveling to popular Caribbean nation
The U.S. State Department is warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” in the Dominican Republic. The agency gave a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory to the country. Crimes such as homicide, robbery and sexual assault are common despite an increase in police presence in tourist areas. Do not display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals from online in secluded locations, the State Department says. The highest level of advisory is “Do Not Travel,” due to many factors, one of which is that the government might not be able to provide assistance in the event of an emergency. The advisory is a Level 2 concern for the entire area, so travelers should check the current travel advisory for that destination.
If you’re planning a trip to the Dominican Republic anytime soon, you might want to take some extra precautions before you go.
The U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory to the Dominican Republic, advising travelers to take extra precautions in the country due to crime.
Here’s what you need to know if you are planning on traveling to the Dominican Republic.
What does the latest travel advisory to the Dominican Republic mean for you?
Item Detail Start Date June 12, 2025 What’s changing Updated travel advisory warning travelers to “exercise increased caution” in the Dominican Republic due to crime. What will happen? Travelers should “pay attention” to their surroundings, don’t wear or carry valuables that draw attention, avoid using phones openly in the street, don’t resist robbery attempts, travel in pairs or groups and don’t leave food or drinks unattended. Who will it affect? Travelers to the Dominican Republic.
The agency gave a “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” advisory to the Dominican Republic because of ongoing crime in the country.
It says that crimes such as homicide, robbery and sexual assault are common despite an increase in police presence in tourist areas.
“Do not display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals from online in secluded locations,” the State Department says.
What is the highest travel advisory?
There are four levels of travel advisory, Level 1 through Level 4. This travel advisory for the Dominican Republic is a Level 2 concern for the entire area.
When planning a vacation, you should check the current travel advisory for that destination. So, which level is the most concerning?
Level 1 : Exercise Normal Precautions – This is the lowest level of advisory; it is advised that there is some risk in that area, and travelers should take precautions while on their visit.
Level 2 : Exercise Increased Caution – There is a heightened risk for safety and security in that area, and travelers need to take extra caution.
Level 3 : Reconsider Travel – There are serious risks to safety, and travelers are advised to reconsider their travel plans to this destination.
Level 4: Do Not Travel – This is the highest level of advisory, and it is strongly recommended not to travel to any destinations with a Level 4 advisory, due to many factors, one of which is that the U.S. government might not be able to provide travelers any assistance in the event of an emergency.
What should travelers to the Dominican Republic do in light of this travel advisory?
Travelers to the Dominican Republic should “pay attention” to their surroundings, don’t wear or carry valuables that draw attention, avoid using phones openly in the street, don’t resist robbery attempts, travel in pairs or groups and don’t leave food or drinks unattended.
For more information and advice about traveling to the Dominican Republic, read the full travel advisory here.
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