US Raises Alert for Popular Tourist Destination
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The U.S. State Department has issued a renewed travel advisory for a popular tourist destination, warning American citizens to exercise increased caution when visiting.
On June 12, the State Department told travelers to be careful when going to the Dominican Republic due to violent crime, despite the increased police presence in tourist areas.
The updated guidance categorized the popular Caribbean getaway as a Level 2 on the government's advisory scale, following a routine review and minor edits to the previous advisory released on June 18, 2024.
Why It Matters
The Dominican Republic remains one of the most popular destinations for American travelers, drawing more than 2 million U.S. visitors in 2023, according to official data from the country's Department of National Accounts and Economic Statistics.
As summer travel peaks, the alert draws attention to ongoing security concerns that could affect both tourist safety and the country's vital tourism sector.
The Level 2 advisory does not discourage travel but urges heightened vigilance, placing the Dominican Republic in line with other destinations like Italy, Germany, and Jamaica, all under similar advisories.
File photo: Playa bonita beach on the Samana peninsula in Dominican Republic near the Las Terrenas town.
File photo: Playa bonita beach on the Samana peninsula in Dominican Republic near the Las Terrenas town.
Sergi Reboredo/VWPics via AP
What To Know
"Violent crime is a concern in the Dominican Republic despite more police presence in areas often visited by tourists," the State Department wrote.
It added that travelers should not "display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals from online in secluded locations."
Crimes in the destination include robbery, homicide, and sexual assault, which reportedly affect both local residents and foreigners.
The Department of State's travel advisory system assigns countries one of four levels based on current risk assessments.
Level 1 is "exercise normal precautions," while Level 2 advises travelers to "exercise increased caution." Higher levels include Level 3, "reconsider travel," and Level 4, "do not travel."
A Level 2 advisory signals increased risks to personal safety, often due to crime, health, or other factors, but does not recommend avoiding the destination outright.
The State Department advises that travelers should stay alert at all times, not carry or wear valuable items that will attract attention, and remain vigilant about where their phone is and avoid using it openly on the street.
Tourists should also hand over personal belongings without resisting if robbed, travel with a partner or group if possible and not leave food or drinks unattended.
"Criminals are rarely caught and prosecuted," the State Department added.
In case of need, tourists can also access the 911 emergency system, a tourist police force known as POLITUR, and private security within most resorts.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time security alerts and make themselves easier to locate in emergencies.
What People Are Saying
The State Department wrote in the country's report: "Crime continues to be the number one safety concern in the Dominican Republic for Dominicans and for the U.S. Embassy. Most crimes committed are random armed robberies, which are committed with guns or knives and often violent. Most criminals utilize motorcycles for transportation. Although armed assaults are more likely to occur at night or to pedestrians, they can also occur during the day and/or while the victim is in a vehicle stopped at a traffic light. Purse and cell phones are often snatched from pedestrians on the street or sidewalk, including in wealthy neighborhoods and tourist areas."
It added: "Homicides are significant—causing almost 12 deaths per 100,000 in 2023—but improving, projected to account for less than 10 deaths per 100,000 in 2024. Most homicides are linked to social or domestic violence situations. The wide availability of weapons, the use of drugs, and the developing criminal justice system all contribute to the high level of criminality in the country."
What Happens Next
Level 1 and 2 travel advisories are reviewed every 12 months, so the safety for travelers in the Dominican Republic will be routinely reevaluated next year. Level 3 and 4 advisories are updated more regularly, usually every six months.
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