Is It Safe To Travel To The Dominican Republic?

It is relatively safe to travel to the Dominican Republic if travelers take the necessary precautions and stay vigilant in certain parts of the country currently experiencing unrest.

Dominican Republic is one of the most important Caribbean destinations with more than 6 million of visitors per year thanks to its beautiful and extended beaches, beautiful nature, luxurious hotels and interesting history. However, some American tourists died in Dominican Republic resorts in 2019, which led to media coverage and doubts about the safety of this tourist destination. Therefore, is it safe to travel to the Dominican Republic? Here is a brief summary of the current state of affairs.

Recent Tourist Deaths

At least 9 American tourists died at all-inclusive resorts within the Dominican Republic in May and June of 2019. The conditions under which some of these deaths occurred are still unknown and under inquiry, but the causes of their death are said to have been diseases such as heart attacks, respiratory failure, or pulmonary edema. Toxicology tests are being conducted to find out if a contaminated alcohol or DEL could have been ingested in any way.

The deaths occurred within a week and this has raised eyebrows among people and theories that suggest that the tourists were poisoned or had been exposed to some poisonous substances. Nevertheless, Dominican officials have said the deaths were not connected and that the Caribbean country remains safe for the more than 2 million Americans who travel there yearly.

The crime rate in the Dominican Republic

Although the recent deaths were shocking, overall, the Dominican Republic had not been a dangerous destination for tourists who exercise the usual caution when traveling to another country. There is still some violent crime, especially in Santo Domingo and other large cities, but it is not generally aimed at tourists. Minor violations are more frequent with pick pocketing, mugging, and night house breaking being the most frequent complaints by foreign nationals.

Another danger that has been reported frequently is sexual assault, especially for women traveling alone. According to the US State Department, rape of American citizens in the Dominican Republic has been on the increase for the past couple of years. They take place at crowded places or tourist attractions and hotels thus, people should be very careful.

According to the Numbeo Crime Index, the Dominican Republic stands at position 10 out of 100 for the North, Central American and Caribbean region. Other Caribbean countries that tourists love to visit such as Jamaica, Bahamas, and Puerto Rico have much higher crime indexes. However, tourists like every other traveler should exercise more vigilant, should not venture in lonely areas, should always hire registered taxi only, and should avoid expose their valuable items frequently.

Travel Advisories

A number of countries have issued advisories for those considering traveling to the Dominican Republic after the recent tourist deaths and ongoing crime reports:A number of countries have issued advisories for those considering traveling to the Dominican Republic after the recent tourist deaths and ongoing crime reports:

• The US State Department has classified the DR as a Level 2 on a scale of 4 in terms of its security warning. This implies that travels should exercise high levels of paranoia because the crime rates are high and also medical help may not be forthcoming if there is an upheaval.
• Canada and the UK among the countries that recommend their citizens to be very careful while traveling to the Dominican Republic.
• Australia’s Level 1 “Exercise Normal Security Precautions” travel warning was not altered after the tourist deaths.

Thus, while many governments know that Dominican Republic has security risks that make tourists need to be more cautious, no country has banned travel to the Dominican Republic currently.

Health and Safety Hazards

Beyond crime, travelers should also be cautious about health and safety hazards in the Dominican Republic:Beyond crime, travelers should also be cautious about health and safety hazards in the Dominican Republic:

• Do not consume tap water at all as it is usually contaminated.
• Do not consume raw or rare meat and seafood or fruits and vegetables with their skins on as they can harbor bacteria or parasites.
• Never swim at a beach where the rip currents are unpatrolled or where there are no lifeguards on duty
• Beware of impure alcohol from unlawful vendors
• Avoid using unauthorized taxi providers as opposed to legal and licensed taxi providers
• Make sure to read any suggestions provided by your hotel if you are planning to go out on your own.

This is due to the proper measures which a traveler should apply in terms of food, water consumption, transportation as well as personal safety; most tourists have a fun time during their holidays to Dominican Republic. However, it is important to note that risks cannot be fully avoided while operating in foreign countries.

Is It Safe to Travel to the Dominican Republic?

The Dominican Republic continues to be the number one tourist destination in the Caribbean for very valid reasons – the stunning scenery, rich and diverse culture, luxurious comforts and exceptional value for money which delight millions of tourists annually. While it is true that two persons died in suspicious circumstances in 2019, this should not be a reason why you should not visit this wonderful tropical paradise.

Exercise reasonable care as to crime and health risks, select tour operators wisely, patronize reliable resorts, and do not act recklessly. Countless numbers of people have had their vacations here with minimal or no incidents whatsoever. Following the guidelines provided, one can avoid hazards and enjoy the unique opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic.

The point is simple, there is no place in the world is safe as the world is a dangerous place. However, with careful behavior to ensure personal protection and conscious awareness of potential dangers, the likelihood of encounter less or no mishap during a Dominican Republic holiday is still very slim. It’s simple, just be careful and don’t let your guard down.

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