The Dominican Republic has a rich history, scenic wonders, and a terrific climate, so it's no wonder that U.S. travelers enjoy visiting the country. Before you go to the Dominican Republic, learn how to check the current travel alerts, warnings and advisories. Doing so can empower you to travel safer and smarter.
Travel Advisories for the Dominican Republic
The United States government frequently provides travel alerts and direct warnings about things that may affect United States citizens. Find travel advisories for the Dominican Republic at the United States Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs. It frequently posts any warnings, alerts, and other information that may impact U.S. citizens who are visiting the nation. Go directly to the page for the Dominican Republic or you can call the foreign consular office.
Get safety and security messages from the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic. The embassy shares relevant news, alerts, and other information. For example, in January 2018, a travel advisory was issued asking travelers to use increased caution in the Dominican Republic because of crime in the area. The advisory cautions that violent crime is common. Sexual assault, robbery, and murder are examples of violent crime given within the warning.
Travel advisories also typically include advice on how you can be proactive about your safety if you decide to visit the Dominican Republic. In the recent warning about crime in the area, travelers to the country are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and refrain from displaying signs of wealth, among other tips. You may also view the Crime & Safety Report for more information on recent crime in the Dominican Republic.
Health and Medical Concerns
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also post information related to traveling to the Dominican Republic. It states that, before visiting the area, you should make sure that you're up to date on vaccinations, such as the yearly flu shot. It also advised travelers to be current on vaccines for polio, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTaP), and varicella (chicken pox).
The CDC advises that most travelers should also get a Hepatitis A vaccine and a typhoid vaccine to protect against contaminated food. Some travelers may also need vaccines for cholera, hepatitis B, malaria, and rabies.
Travelers Are Still Safe
You don't have to call your travel airlines and hotels to cancel your trip to the Dominican Republic any time there is a travel advisory. Take the time to consider the information given and determine how it will affect your unique situation. Follow the safety tips within the travel advisory if you decide to visit the country after a warning has been issued.
