US issues travel warning for Dominican Republic as violent crime surges

The US State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the Dominican Republic, warning American tourists to exercise increased caution amid a rise in violent crime, including robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides. The updated advisory, released Thursday, marks the second such notice in less than a year for the popular Caribbean destination. A Level 2 alert is the second-lowest in the State Department’s four-tier system but still signals elevated risk, particularly in urban areas frequented by tourists. Citing a troubling uptick in violent incidents, the advisory urges travellers to be vigilant and adopt a series of safety precautions: remain aware of surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, use phones discreetly, travel in groups, and refrain from leaving food or drinks unattended.

In the event of a robbery, tourists are advised not to resist and to comply with demands. “If you are the victim of a crime,” the advisory says, “you can contact the local 911 service, tourist police (POLITUR), or resort security.” However, it also cautions that perpetrators are “rarely caught and prosecuted.” The Dominican Republic remains a popular getaway for American travellers, but officials stress that increased vigilance is essential as law enforcement struggles to curb crime.