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Toward the beginning of summer, the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for one of the most popular Caribbean destinations – the Dominican Republic.
However, it has held strong on remaining a top destination despite questions of safety. Over 7 million tourists came here for a fun beach getaway in the first quarter of the year.
The topic of crime can be tough to report since there are so many nuances involved. The hotel industry pushed back on the advisory since there had been very little crime in tourist hotspots like Punta Cana.
Now that we are heading toward the end of summer and ready to embrace what Fall has in store, the question remains: Is the Dominican Republic safe?
Here are 6 things travelers need to know:
Which Government Should You Believe?
Which government will you believe? The U.S.? Or The Dominican Republic? Ultimately, it’s up to travelers to decide.
President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, called the travel advisories ‘unjustified’ when speaking earlier this summer, claiming tourists are not victims.
Furthermore, the country was not pleased to be represented in a bad light. However, the irony in this is while the U.S. State Dept. issued the advisory, the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican kept promoting the country for American tourism.
The One Percent
No, we’re not talking about the ultra-rich one percenters visiting the Dominican. That would be St. Bart’s.
We’re talking about safety statistics in a mic-drop moment for President Abinader. Data provided by the National Police and the Public Ministry showed less than 1% have been a victim of crime in the country.
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Talk about bragging rights! These impressive numbers showed higher safety levels compared to other popular getaways, such as Puerto Rico (a U.S. territory).
Security Improvements
The Dominican takes safety very seriously, especially when word spread that the country may not be safe.
The country implemented many security forces to make tourists feel safe going out and about. More stringent requirements were put in place at hotels and transportation companies too.
Travelers should also be aware if something bad does happen, the country now has an improved emergency response system.
Simply dial 911, just like here at home.
Resorts Could Not Be Any Safer
It’s no secret there are some jaw-dropping resorts along some of the Caribbean’s finest coastlines here in the D.R.
For some travelers, staying at an all-inclusive resort is the main draw. Tourists at one of these luxe accommodations should be super safe.
In fact, our Managing Editor here at TravelOffPath recently took a trip to Punta Cana. He had a blast and felt safe the whole trip.
“Everyday tourists heading to Punta Cana and the rest of the Dominican Republic staying at a resort definitely don’t have anything to worry about in terms of safety. If you are staying on a resort, your chance of a threat due to crime is so minimal it is barely worth mentioning.”
– Tyler Fox, Managing Editor at TravelOffPath
Tyler went on to say, “During my stay at Live Aqua Punta Cana in May, it was clear that the resorts in the country take security very seriously without being super in-your-face about it. The result? Total worry-free bliss by the beach.”
Book Transportation From Airport
If safety is a concern, travelers should always book transportation from the airport. These regulated companies will provide a worry-free experience and get you where you need to go safe and sound.
It is much safer and easier to do so than to rely on taxis, especially if you choose to fly into more of an urban area such as Santiago or Santo Domingo.
Punta Cana, on the other hand, is generally safe across the board.
Book Legit Tours
Now that you have arrived in this beautiful country, you probably want to go out and see it! If you choose to go on an excursion, such as zipping, snorkeling or waterfall hikes, make sure it is booked directly with a reputable company.
More often than not, these can be booked from your resort. To make it even more efficient, they will pick you up there and drop you back off.
This will ensure your safety and lessen the rare event of becoming an unnecessary victim.
Read More:
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Sherry
Sunday 20th of August 2023
I have been twice to Punta Cana .I stayed at VIK .There staff are so nice you get treated like family. People are very friendly. The food was good. I had a awesome time that's why I went back to the same place. And I plan on going again to the same place because I know it's safe good people and good food. Thanks VIK
Greg
Friday 1st of September 2023
@Sherry, what's the full name of that hotel VIK text me 228-547-7344 Greg I plan on going soon
Juan
Saturday 12th of August 2023
There is a big stratification of pure and rich people. You'll be safe inside "bubbles like" resorts or towns Casa De Campo and Cap Cana, but you will not see difference from any other resort in any other country. You have to go outside to see dominican culture and people. Dominicana has a lot of migrants from Haiti - they work unofficially and have miserable salary (owners are rich and don't like to share money). Pure people will not skip a chance to fool some tourists raising price if you don't know real price or steeling your phone if you put it in your back pocket because for them it's salary per month in one day. Just remember - you are a fat mouse for hangry cat, don't expose your costly phone or wallet full of banknotes, or just stay surrounded by another mouses
Name
Tuesday 5th of September 2023
@Juan, Most tourists do not travel to the DR or to any other Caribbean island for the culture or the people. They travel there to escape the freezing cold temperatures where they live and to enjoy the God-given beauty of the landscape and crystal clear warm water. Just like when tourists come to my city to visit, They come for the skyscrapers and other attractions, not to visit inner city neighborhoods to see how the people live.
Big DYCK
Thursday 10th of August 2023
The Dominican Republic is safer than the United States
Mihalik
Monday 4th of September 2023
Absolutely no tourists are being shot like in Puerto Rico USA and no weekly mass shootings like in Usa
gdrkn
Friday 11th of August 2023
@Big DYCK, That's simply wrong. LINK
Michael
Thursday 10th of August 2023
Hey folks your first pic of the woman on the beach is taken on Playa Rincon is it not ? I was there 7-8 years ago exploring and thought I was in Hawaii. It’s one of the places developers would like to build on but is such a wonderful untamed area it would be a shame to spoil this beauty.Next beach nearby was Las Galeras which was also amazing. Samana not so much…… Thanks Michael