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Travel Advice for Dominican Republic
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While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
Travel Advice Levels Location Level Dominican Republic overall High degree of caution
This advice has been newly issued.
Summary
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic because of the risk of serious criminal activity and incidents of civil unrest.
Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Demonstrations occur regularly and incidents of violence have occurred. Nationwide demonstrations may lead to fuel and food shortages. You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent.
The hurricane season is from June to November when landslides, mudslides and flooding may occur. In the case of a hurricane, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials. See the Natural Disasters section for detailed advice.
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in the Dominican Republic. The Australian Embassy in Mexico provides consular assistance to Australians in the Dominican Republic.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency
subscribe to this travel advice to receive free email updates each time it's reissued.
Safety and Security
Terrorism
Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
Civil Unrest/Political Tension
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic because of the risk of serious criminal activity and incidents of civil unrest.
Demonstrations occur regularly in the Dominican Republic and incidents of violence have occurred. Nationwide demonstrations may lead to fuel and food shortages. Traffic and essential services have also been affected in the past. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
You should avoid all protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent.
Crime
The crime rate is high. Criminals have targeted tourists arriving at the international airport, stealing items from checked baggage and carry on luggage. Avoid displaying valuable items such as cameras and mobile phones. Laptops are frequently targeted, so carry them inconspicuously in a backpack or other carry-on luggage.
Criminal elements operating at the airport have used luggage tags with the names of tourists to move drugs out of the country. You should carefully monitor your luggage at all times at airports in the Dominican Republic.
Petty crime including pick-pocketing and bag-snatching is common in major cities and tourist areas, including airports and bus terminals. Tourists are often targeted. Thefts have occurred in resorts, on beaches, in hotel rooms and from hotel room safes. You should be vigilant at all times and be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited services or unusual requests.
Violent crime is increasing and has occurred in popular tourist resorts. Female travellers are particularly at risk. To minimise risks, you should remain vigilant in public areas and avoid public transport or walking or jogging alone, especially after dark. Victims have been injured when resisting perpetrators. Where possible, you should travel with other people. Use of a reputable tour company or tour organiser may reduce risks associated with travel in remote areas.
Incidents of drink spiking at bars and other entertainment venues have occurred, often resulting in theft and assault.
Using ATMs on the street puts you at high risk of robbery. Changing money at hotels or using ATMs in shopping centres or department stores may reduce this risk. Do not withdraw too much at any one time and avoid withdrawing money at night. Use credit cards with caution as there have been a number of reports that credit card fraud is increasing in Santo Domingo as well as the resort areas.
As the risk of HIV infection in the Dominican Republic is considered to be much higher than for Australia, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
Local Travel
Travel by road may be dangerous due to aggressive driving practices and poorly maintained vehicles and roads. Traffic laws are routinely ignored. Rural roads lack adequate signage and lighting and are often shared with pedestrians and farm animals. Ensure your vehicle doors are locked and windows closed at all times. Traffic accidents are commonplace and if you are involved in an accident you should remain at the scene and wait until the police authorise you to leave. For further advice, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Travellers have been robbed and assaulted when using unofficial taxis. The use of radio-dispatched taxis or those from hotels may reduce risks. We recommend you do not use the route taxis, also known as ‘carros publicos’, as there is an increased risk of passengers being robbed.
Mudslides and road collapses caused by heavy rains are common and roads may be closed at short notice, especially during the hurricane seasons (See Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate).
Only use recommended tour operators and ensure they have proper safety equipment (such as helmets and life jackets) before participating in extreme or eco-tourist activities. It is important to be informed about local swimming conditions as lifeguards are not readily available at hotels and beach resorts.
Australians travelling to neighbouring Haiti are advised to read the travel advice for Haiti.
Airline Safety
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate
Hurricanes: The hurricane season is from June to November when landslides, mudslides and flooding may occur. Roads and bridges may collapse and power and communication systems could be affected in some areas. In the case of a hurricane, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.
The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. You can check the latest hurricane information at the National Hurricane Center website.
In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. Passport, picture ID's, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.
The wet season is from May to November. Heavy rainfalls can cause landslides and mudslides, often with devastating effect on people, property, local infrastructure and essential services. Information on severe weather conditions can be obtained from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency and the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.
The Dominican Republic is subject to earthquakes.
If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Wildlife
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Money and Valuables
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering and theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For Parents
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
Local Laws
When you are in the Dominican Republic, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local prisons where conditions are harsh.
People found driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are arrested and may be detained.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
Local Customs
Homosexual activity is not illegal in the Dominican Republic, however gay and lesbian travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly in rural communities.
Information for Dual Nationals
The Dominican Republic recognises dual nationality, however if you are an Australian/Dominican citizen and are charged with a crime, it is unlikely that the authorities will advise the Australian Government. Our ability to provide consular assistance to Australian/Dominican dual nationals who are detained or arrested may be limited. We strongly recommend you travel on your Australian passport at all times.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.
Entry and Exit Requirements
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy of the Dominican Republic for the most up-to-date information.
If you are travelling to Dominican Republic through the United States of America (USA), or if you are transiting in Honolulu or other USA points of entry, you are required to meet USA entry/transit requirements. Make sure you check with your nearest US Embassy or Consulate your visa requirements well in advance of your travel. You should also read our travel advice for the United States of America. For information about some recent changes to United States border entry procedures, including the use of Emergency Passports and Documents of Identity, please see our travel bulletin on entry into the United States.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Health Issues
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities in the Dominican Republic offer reasonable primary care facilities in the major cities, however the facilities outside of these centres is often very limited, with the quality of care not of a high standard and little English spoken by hospital staff. Blood supplies are often limited.
Visitors should use private hospitals where possible. Evidence of medical insurance will be requested on arrival at a major centre hospital, otherwise payment will be expected up front.
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the Dominican Republic is high compared to rates in Australia, but globally is considered low to moderate. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. For further information see the WHO’s websites http://www.who.int/hiv/en/ and http://www.who.int/topics/hiv_aids/en/.
Dengue fever is endemic to the Dominican Republic with the highest number of cases usually occurring in the hot season from May to November. There is limited transmission of malaria in the Dominican Republic, with the highest risk in the western area (bordering Haiti). Malaria has been reported in some of the beach resort locations and areas where adventure sport activities are undertaken. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take measures to avoid mosquito bites, including using insect repellent at all times.
We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
There is a high risk of rabies in the Dominican Republic and visitors are strongly advised to avoid direct contact with dogs, cats, mongooses (small cat-like animals) and other animals. If bitten or scratched, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, filariasis, and leptospirosis) are prevalent with the risk of more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to have vaccinations before travelling.
Outbreaks of ciguatera poisoning which results from eating toxin-containing reef fish have occurred on many Caribbean islands.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Where to Get Help
Australia does not have an Embassy in the Dominican Republic. Australians may obtain consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City. Contact details are:
Australian Embassy Ruben Dario #55 Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco Col. Bosque de Chapultepec 11580 Mexico DF Mexico Telephone (52 55) 1101 2200 Facsimile (52 55) 1101 2201 E-mail: embaustmex@yahoo.com.mex Website: www.mexico.embassy.gov.auIf you are travelling to the Dominican Republic, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.