Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue, obeying the appropriate travel advice.

 

Crime

 

The Dominican Republic is friendly and welcoming, but suffers from a high crime rate, ranging from opportunistic crime like bag-snatching and pick-pocketing, to violent crime.

 

There have been a number of incidents in Santo Domingo where foreigners have been mugged at gunpoint during the daytime while walking in residential districts. In January 2013 20 US visitors were mugged by armed attackers on the same street (Avenida Bolivar) in 2 related incidents. In an effort to address the crime problem in the capital, the Government has deployed troops on the streets to assist the police.

 

Take particular care in remote areas, especially at night. If you leave your hotel complex, don’t wear expensive jewellery or carry large amounts of cash or expensive items like cameras. Use a hotel safe whenever possible. Don’t leave your bags or other possessions on chairs or tables when sitting in outside restaurants or bars. If you’re attacked, don’t resist.

 

There have been several reports of passengers being stopped and robbed or assaulted when travelling from the airport ‘Las Americas’ in Santo Domingo early in the morning or late at night.

 

If you lose your passport or it is stolen, get a police report.The Tourist Police (POLITUR) can be contacted on the free telephone number 1-809-200-3500.

 

Water safety

 

Lifeguards may not be present at swimming pools or on beaches and safety and rescue equipment may not be available.

 

The sea can be dangerous during the tropical storm season. Seek local advice about sea conditions and warning systems and follow instructions.

 

Don’t go into the water if you’re under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

 

Local travel

 

Check safety standards and make sure you’re insured if you take part in activities like water sports, quad biking, horse riding etc. If in doubt seek advice from your tour operator.

 

Taxis are cheap but many are in a state of disrepair. There have been cases of theft from taxis, so keep valuables and cash secure and out of sight. Tourist taxis are safer and more reliable, but also more expensive. Public transport can be unsafe, but private companies operate good bus services between cities.

 

Road travel

 

It is easy to hire a car in the Dominican Republic, with many international franchises available. You can drive using an international driving licence for visits not exceeding 3 months.

 

Military and police road blocks are common, especially in the areas near the Haitian border. They often appear very informal though the soldiers do wear army uniform and carry weapons. Drivers are sometimes coerced into handing a small amount of money over before being allowed to continue their journey.

 

There have been reports of cars being forced to stop on isolated roads in the west of the country between Azua and the Haitian border. The occupants have then been robbed. There have also been reports of people throwing rocks at cars to force them to stop with a view to robbing them on the main Autopista Duarte.

 

Although most major roads are reasonably good, general standards of driving are poor. Drivers weave from lane to lane and rarely signal. Many vehicles are in a state of disrepair. Unlit vehicles - especially motorbikes - are common. Road accidents are frequent, especially at holiday periods like Christmas when drink-driving related incidents are common.

 

If you are involved in an accident you may be detained by police until the circumstances of the accident have been investigated. If you are detained as a result of a road accident, contactl your nation's embassy.

 

Political situation

 

Political demonstrations sometimes occur, although not usually near tourist areas. Avoid getting caught up in demonstrations or large gatherings of people.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

Dengue fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. You should take appropriate precautions to avoid being bitten. An outbreak of cholera has been reported in the city of San Cristobal, to the south west of Santo Domingo. Over 100 cases have been confirmed, but none have been fatal. The outbreak has not affected the main tourist regions of Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.

 

Chikungunya virus cases have been reported in the Dominican Republic. 

 

Private medical facilities in Dominican Republic generally offer good standards of care, although reports indicate that some establishments may overcharge. Dentistry is adequate. A good range of medicines is available, including some normally only available on prescription in EU countries. Public medical facilities, especially near the border with Haiti, have been under extreme pressure since the earthquake in 2010.

 

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Money

 

The currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso. US dollars and travellers’ cheques are easily exchanged. Only exchange money at banks or official exchange offices (casas de cambio). International credit cards and debit cards will usually work in ATMs. Take great care when withdrawing cash at an ATM. Credit card cloning and identity theft are common. It’s generally much safer to use cash.

 

Local laws and customs

Don’t become involved with illegal drugs of any kind. There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Possession of even small quantities can lead to a long prison sentence and a hefty fine. All sentences are served in the Dominican Republic.

 

Pack your own luggage and don’t carry anything through customs for anyone else.

 

Seizures at ports and airports around the Dominican Republic have increased.

 

Homosexuality is generally accepted in the Dominican Republic.

 

Visas

 

All visitors need a tourist card to enter the Dominican Republic. You can get a tourist card before travel from the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in London, or on arrival at the airport at a cost of US$10 or equivalent. The Dominican Republic Embassy website has more information.

 

Tourist cards are initially valid for a 30-day stay but can be extended by paying for an extension when you leave the country.

 

Passport validity

 

If you’re entering as a tourist your passport must be valid up to at least the date of your proposed departure from the Dominican Republic. If you’re entering the Dominican Republic for any other purpose your passport should have at least six months’ validity.

 

Departure tax

 

Departure tax is US$20.  Scheduled airlines sometimes include this charge in the price of the ticket. Check with your tour operator or travel provider.

 

Travelling with children

 

According to the Dominican Republic authorities, visitors under 18 travelling to the Dominican Republic don’t need written authorisation from their parents as long as they enter and leave with the same person or people. If visitors between the ages of 13 and 18 are travelling alone, or in a group with no one over 18, then parental authorisation is not required as long as the group remains the same on entry and exit.

 

Otherwise, a visitor under the age of 18 must carry a sworn affidavit drawn up by a solicitor and signed by the child’s parents or legal guardian(s) authorising their travel. The affidavit will need to be legalised by their nation and the Dominican Republic Embassy   

 

Imports

 

Imports of meat and dairy products from EU countries are currently banned.

 

Hurricanes

 

The hurricane season in the Dominican Republic normally runs from June to November. You can monitor weather updates and track the progress of storms on the website of the US National Hurricane Centre. See our Tropical Cyclones page for advice on what to do if you are caught up in a storm.

 

The hurricane season in the Caribbean frequently coincides with heavy rains, which may cause flash floods and landslides. Follow the advice of the local authorities and your tour operator. 

 

Earthquakes

 

There are occasional earthquakes in the Dominican Republic. To protect yourself during an earthquake, you should drop to the ground, take cover and hold on until the shaking stops. If you are inside a building don’t exit until it’s safe to do so. If you’re outside, move away from buildings, streetlights and electricity wires. After the earthquake don’t run as there may be aftershocks or debris in your path. If you become trapped, tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can find you. Only shout as a last resort as this may cause you to inhale dust. In the event of an earthquake, the Dominican Government authorities, fire-fighters and police will provide help to foreigur nation.

 

Consular assistance

 

British Citizens

 

British Embassy Santo Domingo

British Embassy

Ave 27 de Febrero No 233, 

Edificio Corominas Pepin 

 

Santo Domingo

Dominican Republic

 

Email

brit.emb.sadom@codetel.net.do

 

(001) (809) 472 7111

 

Switchboard

(001) (809) 472 7111

 

Opening hours:

Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:30pm

Friday 8:00am to 1:00pm

 

US Citizens

 

U.S. Consular Agency Puerto Plata

 

Address: Villanueva Street at the corner of Juan Bosch (formerly John F. Kennedy Ave.). Abraxa Bookstore Bldg., 2nd. Floor, Puerto Plata

Phone Number:  (809) 586-8017, (809) 586-4204, (809) 586-8023; Fax (809) 586-8015

Email:  PuertoPlataConsularAgency@state.gov

 

Consular Agency Bavaro/Punta Cana

 

Address: Palma Real Shopping Village, Business Center, Second Floor, Suite 1, Bávaro, La Altagracia

Phone Number:  (809) 552-8990

Email:  puntacanaconsularagency@state.gov

 

Emergency Services:

 

f you have an emergency concerning a U.S. citizen such as death, arrest,  hospitalization or the welfare and whereabouts,  please call 809-221-2171. When the prompts ask you to enter the extension, enter 0 and tell the operator you have an emergency.

 

Call (809) 221-2171 to speak to an American Citizen Services representative

Monday - Thursday, 7:00 am. - 4:30 pm

Friday, 7:30 am  - 11:30 am.

 

After Hours:

Please call (809) 221-2171 and request to speak to the Duty Officer

 

Canadian Citizen

 

Canadian Embassy in Santo Domingo

 

Street address:

Av. Winston Churchill 1099 

Torre Citigroup en Acrópolis Center, piso 18 

Ensanche Piantini, Santo Domingo, 

República Dominicana 

 

Tel: (809)-262-3100

Fax: 809-262-3108/ (809)-262-3155

 

Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

 

Canadian Consulate in Puerto Plata

 

Street address:

Calle Villanueva No 8

Edificio Abraxas

Puerto Plata

 

Tel: 809-586-5761

Fax: 809-586-5762

Email: canada.pop@gmail.com

 

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

 

Office of the Embassy of Canada in Punta Cana

 

Street address:

Carretera Verón-Bávaro Km 2.5

Amstar Business Center Suite 404

Higuey, La Altagracia

 

Tel: 809-455-1730

Fax: 809-455-1734

 

Hours of Operation

Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Friday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm 

 

After hours emergency contact information

(for Canadian citizens only)

 

Call collect: 613-996-8885 / 613-944-1310 (TTY) - The Emergency Operations Centre of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An experienced officer is always available to respond to emergency calls from anywhere in the world.

 

Norwegian Citizens

 

Real Consulado de Noruega en Santo Domingo

 

Office/postal address

Ave. John F. Kennedy casi esq. Lope de Vega.

Reid y compañía, Santo Domingo, Rep. Dom.

 

Office hours: Mon - fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:30 – 5:00 p.m

 

Tel: +1 809-563-2555

Mobile: +1 809-563-7881

Fax: +1 809-563-7881

E-mail: creid@reid.com.do

 

 

Consul Maireni Natalio Bournigal Redondo

Real Consulado de Noruega en Puerto Plata

 

Office/postal address

Real Consulado de Noruega

Carretera Luperon Km 1

Edificio Deposito Ferretero, 2do piso Puerto Plata

 

Office hours: Mon - fri: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:30 – 5:00 p.m

 

Tel: +1 809 586 4132 - when answer machine is heard, mark: 285

Mobile: +1 809 604 3710

Fax: +1 809 586 3363

E-mail: mairenibr@gmail.com 

hormiatlantico@gmail.com