Is it dangerous to go to the Dominican Republic?

Fancy a stay on a dream beach in the Caribbean and wondering if the Dominican Republic is dangerous for tourists?

Indeed, you know that there are risks when traveling to certain Caribbean islands, but is this the case for the Dominican Republic?

This destination has been part of the catalogs of major tour operators and other travel agencies around the world for decades. The clients of these agencies book an all-inclusive hotel for a seaside stay on dream beaches. They often do not dare to venture outside their hotel because they fear that there will be danger in certain places. But what is it really? Is the Dominican Republic dangerous like Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City or even the Jamaica ?

Here's a guide to safety in the Dominican Republic, areas to avoid and my tips for choosing the best place to stay.

Without wishing to offend anyone, this article was written using various and serious sources: government recommendations, economic studies, statistics, international media, press.

Is the Dominican Republic dangerous in 2024?

To find out if the Dominican Republic is dangerous in 2024, I consulted the statistics on the most dangerous countries in the world (statista.com, worldpopulationreview.com, wisevoter.com). However, we see that the Dominican Republic is part of these rankings even if it is not at the top. This clearly means that it is a country that can be dangerous in 2024.

This is also confirmed by the Numbeo world ranking. Indeed, we see that the Dominican Republic has a very high crime index in 2024. This country is ranked 25th most dangerous country out of the 144 countries ranked on this site.

Dangerous Dominican Republic
Map published in 2023 on Numbeo.com

In comparison, the Dominican Republic is a more dangerous country than the Colombia, Mexico,Egypt et Puerto Rico.

Is the Dominican Republic safe to visit?

If we consult the recommendations of certain governments, we could say that the country is indeed dangerous for tourists.

France has published in its recommendations for travelers who go to the Dominican Republic:

« For several years, the Dominican Republic has experienced an increase in delinquency and crime (from simple snatching to armed attacks, day and night), linked in particular to drug trafficking and consumption, which affects not only Dominicans but also tourists and foreign residents. »

See also on the Canadian site or the American site countryreports.org, from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs which warns travelers that the crime rate is high throughout the country.

But what is this criminality? Does it directly target tourists?

What crime on this island?

The majority of forums, travel agencies and blogs say that the Dominican Republic is not a dangerous country for tourists. Indeed, we often talk about theft or scams but it's the same everywhere on tourist sites around the world! Tourists just like to Nice, Cancun or to Zanzibar must exercise caution. But it would be a shame not to go there and not to enjoy this magnificent country!

Indeed, if tourists avoid dangerous areas, the only risk they take is being victims of petty crime, theft of phones, bags, jewelry and scams.

Dangerous areas in the Dominican Republic

Border areas between the Dominican Republic and Haiti can be dangerous. There may be armed robberies and violent attacks, particularly perpetrated by criminals disguised as police officers. Additionally, emergency services are often not available near the border.

Saint-Domingue, although it has many historical sites and tourist attractions, it is also known for its high crime rate.

The northern region of the country, including cities like Puerto Plata and Sosua, can also be considered a dangerous area. These regions have seen an increase in criminal activities such as thefts and scams targeting tourists.

Places to avoid in the Dominican Republic

France Diplomacy recommends travelers to be careful:

“The Dominican Republic has known for several years an increase in delinquency and criminality (from simple snatching to armed robbery, day and night), linked in particular to the trafficking and consumption of narcotics. , which affects not only Dominicans but also tourists and foreign residents. The main areas concerned are: Bavarian - Punta Cana (outskirts of the many “all-inclusive” hotels), Santo Domingo (notably the Colonial Zone) and the Samana peninsula (in particular Las Terrenas). "

Areas where tourists should remain very careful

Regardless of where you stay in the Dominican Republic, you must remain cautious in particular:

  • on beaches at night or if they are isolated and uncrowded,
  • in airports,
  • in bus stations,
  • In public transports.
Neighborhoods to avoid in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic

Where to stay in the Dominican Republic

All the coasts are beautiful in the Dominican Republic. Indeed, you have a large choice of magnificent places for a dream holiday by the beach. I am therefore not going to detail the characteristics of all the coasts of the island.

On the other hand, I recommend the most famous place for seaside tourism: Punta Cana.

Indeed, this tip of the Dominican Republic concentrates the most beautiful beaches of the Island: Macao Beach, Arena Gorda, Arena Blanca Beach, Bavaro Beach, Cabeza de Toro, Little John and Juanillo Beach.

So of course, there is crime in Punta Cana (see my article Neighborhoods and areas to avoid in Punta Cana), but there are also better areas to stay.

All along the coast of Punta Cana, many hotels offer all-inclusive stays at very attractive prices.

But, if like me, you don't like these huge buildings without charm and which all look alike, here is a much nicer spring: Tortuga Bay 

Best place to stay in Punta Cana

1 thought on “Is it dangerous to go to the Dominican Republic”

  1. De Dominicaanse Republiek is erg gevaarlijk, omdat de dominicanen niet te vertrouwen zijn. Het lenen van geld is geld aan een dominicaan. Is weggegooid geld want de overgrote meerderheid zal nooit het geleende geld terug betalen. Alles is een necogico voor de dominicanen en als ze eenmaal je geld hebben dan krijg je het nooit meer terug, dit mede door toedoen van fiscalía ( het rechtsysteem in de Dominicaanse Republiek) Dit systeem is zo corrupt dat bewijzen niet belangrijk zijn, enkel wie je Kent. Zelfs puts officiële leenovereenlomsten kun je fluiten naar je geld. De meeste advocaten hebben geen integriteit, doen een hoop toezeggingen maar doen weinig tot niets voor je. Met leugens en bedrog plukken ze je kaal. In de afgelopen 12 jaar heb ik meerdere zeer slechte ervaringen gehad met de hebzucht en oneerlijkheid van dominicanen. Je wordt letterlijk belazerd waar je bijstaat en van de overheid hoef je geen enkele hulp te verwachten.

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