Dominican Republic Country Travel Advice Report - ASU Global Education Office
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Intelligence and Analysis Services
Country Travel Advice Report
Dominican Republic
Overall Risk Rating: Moderate | 3.00
Drum Cussac Group Limited Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 21:49 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Contents
Country Risk Rating Breakdown ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Country Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Security
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Political
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Infrastructural
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Environmental
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Medical
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Fact Box ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Travel Risk Advice ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Threat Scale Reference ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Drum Cussac Group Limited 2 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 21:49 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Country Risk Rating Breakdown
Country Overall Risk Rating Moderate | 3.00
Security Environmental Infrastructural Political Medical
Low - Moderate | 2.50 Low - Moderate | 2.50 Low - Moderate | 2.50 Low - Moderate | 2.50 Moderate - High | 3.75
Drum Cussac Group Limited 3 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 21:49 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services Country Overview Moderate | 3.00 Boasting high economic growth rates in recent years, the Dominican Republic has become a tourism hotspot and is currently one of Latin America's most prominent economic success stories. The country was long known for primary product exports until modernisation of its tourism industry brought its service sector to the forefront, though exports - including manufactured items - remain important. The country's idyllic beaches and inland mountainous topography are complimented by a considerable history, as the capital Santo Domingo is considered the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Despite a wave of economic growth, not all Dominican citizens have equally benefited, and opportunistic and violent crime both remain risks in urban centers, particularly the capital. Natural disasters constitute the second major risk for visitors, as the Dominican Republic lies within active hurricane and earthquake zones both and regularly experiences such events. Security Low - Moderate | 2.50 Overview The Dominican Republic has a complicated relationship with Haiti. Recent tensions have revolved around undocumented Haitian immigrants living in Dominican territory. Military conflict is unlikely. The biggest criminal threat to those in-country stems from opportunistic incidents such as pickpocketing and purse-snatching. Violent crime including armed mugging can occur. Political Low - Moderate | 2.50 Overview Corruption is a problem in the country in both the private and public sectors. Bribery is an issue within the police force, though the country's tourist police are considered more reliable and less susceptible to such actions. The political situation is generally stable, with peaceful transfers of power regularly taking place between successive governments. Infrastructural Low - Moderate | 2.50 Overview There are no major concerns regarding most air travel. Roads in the Dominican Republic have generally good geographic coverage, with highways and urban roads being the most reliable in terms of overall condition. Utilities in major cities and resort areas are generally reliable. Internet and telecommunications are of generally modern standards. Environmental Low - Moderate | 2.50 Overview The country's most visited areas, including Santo Domingo and beach resort towns, have a tropical climate year-round. Urban pollution problems are present in Santo Domingo, and certain beaches may see issues with runoff after storms depending upon their proximity to urban areas. Earthquakes can occur, and most are mild-to-moderate in strength. Offshore quakes are capable of generating tsunamis that pose a danger to parts of the country's coastline. Tropical weather systems can range from weak to catastrophic, with the latter causing serious wind damage, coastal flooding and mudslides in mountainous terrain. The hurricane season generally lasts from June through November, with activity peaking by September. Medical Moderate - High | 3.75 Overview Drum Cussac Group Limited 4 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 21:49 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services Mosquito-borne illnesses, including Zika, chikungunya and malaria, are present in lower altitude areas. Adequate medical facilities can be found in large cities, particularly in private hospitals. Pharmacies in urban locales will have all major medications familiar to Western markets. Pharmacies in smaller towns will have more limited offerings. Tap water is not considered safe to drink. Drum Cussac Group Limited 5 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 21:49 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services
Fact Box
Government
Presidential Republic
Type
Population 10,528,391 (2015)
Currency Dominican Peso
Languages Spanish (official)
Time Zone UTC-4
Religions Roman Catholic 95%, other 5%
Traffic Drives on the right
Plug Types Type A, Type B
Ethnicities Mixed 73%, white 16%, black 11%
Drinking
Not Safe to Drink
Water
Significant Dates:
January 1 - New Year’s Day January 6 - Epiphany Day January 21 - Lady of Altagracia Day
Additional
January 26 - Juan Pablo Duarte Day February 27 - Independence Day April 10 - Good
Information
Friday May 1 - Labour Day June 11 - Corpus Christi Day August 16 - Restoration of
Independence Day September 24 - Our Lady of Mercedes Day November 9 - Constitution
Day December 25 - Christmas Day
International
Country +1
Code
Drum Cussac Group Limited 6 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 21:49 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Travel Risk Advice
Vaccinations and Key Health Risks
You should visit a health care professional at least four to six weeks prior to the trip. Travellers should ensure that they have routine vaccination
courses and boosters. Routine vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and
annual flu vaccine.
Zika virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present in the country, and mosquito prevention efforts are recommended.
There is no vaccination to prevent Zika and comprehensive mosquito protection methods are recommended. This is particularly important for
those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, suffer from a severe, chronic medical condition, or have a medical condition that weakens
the immune system. Female travellers who are pregnant or who wish to become pregnant, including their partners, may wish to seek additional
medical advice.
Most travellers will require vaccines from:
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Dependent on work, reason for travel, or underlying health conditions, some travellers may require vaccines from:
Cholera
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Yellow Fever
Pre-departure
The prominent threat to travellers is that posed by criminality, and travellers should undertake a pre-travel security brief on the associated
threats and operating environment, and are recommended to have undertaken annual travel security training.
Unrest can occur throughout the country, and travellers should conduct research into the current stability in country. If the travel dates
coincide with planned elections, anniversaries or significant dates, additional measures may need to be taken. It should be noted that the
overall level of crime rises during the holiday season, and especially during carnival in February.
There is a considerable risk from tropical storms, and travellers should familiarise themselves with local evacuation plans issued by local
government or relevant authorities.
Travellers should have adequate travel insurance in place to enable rapid medical treatment or emergency extraction from country, and
should review contingency operations, business continuity and crisis management plans.
Travellers should provide friends and family a copy of their travel itinerary, make a copy of important travel and identification documents, and
if applicable, obtain their visa prior to arrival. Travellers should also have information on their meeting host, accommodation, relevant
embassies and trusted local contacts easily accessible.
On Arrival
There are no significant measures to undertake on arrival, although travellers should confirm the location of evacuation areas, evacuation
routes, open spaces, and facilities such as community halls and convenience stores.
In Transit
Travellers should avoid using street taxis, but should utilise low-profile locally vetted transport providers which have emergency equipment
appropriate to the local geography and climatic conditions. Fuel levels in the vehicles should be at least half-full. Travel routes should avoid
isolated areas and potential choke points where practical. Travellers should establish the formal identification of the driver before
commencing any trip.
Drum Cussac Group Limited 7 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 21:49 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Travellers should only travel with minimal non-essential valuable items, and valuables should not be displayed publically. Travel at night time
should be minimised.
At Your Hotel
Travellers should stay at reputable hotel with good standards of international-level security.
On arrival at the hotel, ensure the driver stays on site until your check-in has been confirmed. Similarly before departing to the airport when
leaving the hotel, ensure your driver waits until your flight check-in is confirmed.
Travellers should always lock the door (and any connecting doors) to your room, and use the chain or spy hole when receiving a visitor. Do
not open the door to your hotel room, especially late at night, until you have confirmed the visitor’s identity but meet strangers in the lobby,
not in your room.
Weather reports provided by local media and government authorities should be monitored, and trusted news sources should be followed on
social media.
In the Street
Travellers should avoid leaving the hotel alone after dark.
Travellers should avoid any demonstrations, protests and rallies, which may attract security forces and law enforcement officers and present
a dynamic and volatile environment.During periods of heightened tension travellers should avoid symbolic places - such police stations,
government buildings, fast food restaurants, and banks – and locations of previous protests.
Travellers should keep a low profile, and should not become involved in local political issues and avoid discussing politically sensitive topics
in public.
Travellers should avoid overt displays of wealth and dress discreetly and appropriately to environment. Do not display money, jewellery or
valuables and keep a low profile. Travellers should settle small bills with cash, and have a spare credit card available. Travellers should use
only small denominations of the local currency, and keep large amounts of cash and cards in a separate place on your person. Reduce the
contents of your wallet or purse contents, particularly cards which may denote affiliations, memberships and accounts. Do not use credit or
debit cards unless absolutely necessary and then only at respected, well-known retail and service establishments.
Travellers should ensure that their mobile phone is carried with sufficient battery life and programmed with appropriate emergency numbers.
Travellers should also carry an ID card or passport and emergency medical information.
Travellers should be aware of their location and surroundings. Avoid high-crime areas and of walking through dimly lit streets after dark.
Provinces with higher rates of criminality are Montecristi and Bahoruco, San Juan, Duarte, Santo Domingo National District, Santo Domingo
City, San Cristóbal, La Altagracia, La Vega, Puerto Plata, and La Altagracia.
In crowded situations, travellers should be aware of jostling as this may be a ploy for pick-pockets. Travellers should also be aware of people
loitering, and also that attackers may first pass their victim to attack from behind.
Travellers should ignore verbal ‘bait’ from passers-by, do not get into an argument and avoid eye contact with strangers.
LGBT+ travellers should note that the Dominican Republic remains rather conservative by Latin American standards, and same-sex displays
of affection (particularly in areas outside of urban centres) may be met with harassment and/or violence. Anti-discrimination protections are
generally non-existent for sexual orientation and gender identity. LGBT+ events are not common, but generally occur without issue in cities
when they do happen.
COVID-19 Information
Total Cases (ECDC) (Updated on Monday): 340,230
Weekly percentage increase in cases:0.74%
Travel Restrictions: Internal Restrictions Authorities in the Dominican Republic are now enforcing 23:00-5:00 nightly curfews nationwide as part
of Phase 3 of the government's plan to ease COVID-19-related restrictions. Officials will allow a two-hour grace period for individuals needing to
return to their accommodations or residences. Exemptions from curfew are in place for those providing essential services, including medical,
security, pharmaceutical, media, and transport services, among others. Those with medical emergencies, as well as international passengers
Drum Cussac Group Limited 8 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 21:49 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
traveling to or from the airport and their drivers, may also be outside their homes or accommodations during curfew hours. The new curfew hours
are will likely continue until at least until 70 percent of the country's population has been fully vaccinated.
The previous ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public and private spaces remains repealed, though such sales and consumption are
still effectively prohibited during curfew hours. Most public and private establishments are allowed to operate at a 50 percent capacity limit in
accordance with industry-specific protocols. Organizing, promoting, or hosting large events, parties, or activities remains banned.
The following previously established measures and operating protocols also remain unchanged nationwide:
Restaurants, bars, and grocery stores may operate at 50 percent capacity. Restaurants and bars may only seat a maximum of six people per
table.
Authorities continue to urge individuals to adhere to physical distancing practices by keeping at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) from each other.
Industry-specific sanitization and operating protocols are in place in some sectors.
The use of protective facemasks is mandatory in public.
Event facilities, such as convention centers and auditoriums, galleries, sports stadiums, arenas, and cultural and entertainment
establishments that encourage large group gatherings, mostly remain closed.
International Travel Restrictions Standard travel protocols remain in place. Unvaccinated travelers arriving from Australia, Brazil, Democratic
Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Ireland, Kuwait, Monaco, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, South Africa, Spain,
Sweden, Syria, Thailand, Tunisia, and/or the United Kingdom must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72
hours prior to arrival in order to enter the Dominican Republic; fully vaccinated travelers arriving from these areas may provide proof of full
vaccination in lieu of the test result. Authorities do not require other arrivals to present negative test results. Nevertheless, some travelers arriving
by air are randomly selected for rapid testing upon arrival at the airport; persons testing positive will be required to enter quarantine. Individuals
who present either a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and/or proof of full vaccination are exempt from random
testing.
All travelers must also complete an entry and exit form, which combines the traveler's Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration, and International
Embarkation/Disembarkation forms; the form can be completed up to 72 hours before arrival or departure, as the case may be.
Additional Information: https://do.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/
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Threat Scale Reference
Threat Rating Implication
The operating environment is benign and there are only isolated threats to business
1 - Negligible
and/or travel.
The operating environment is generally permissive, although there are a limited
2 – Low
number of threats to business and/or travel that requires basic mitigations.
The operating environment is challenging and there are serious threats to business
3 – Moderate
and/or travel that requires some mitigations.
The operating environment is hostile and there are significant threats to business,
4 – High
personal safety and/or travel, requiring comprehensive mitigations and planning.
The operating environment is characterised by pervasive direct threats to business,
5 – Extreme
personal safety and/or travel, requiring strict risk management procedures.
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Disclaimer
Drum Cussac Group Ltd makes no representation, warranties or assurance against risk with respect to the contents or use of this document, and
specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties or usefulness for any particular purpose of this publication. Recommendations made are based on
information available at the time of writing. No express or implied warranty is given in respect of any judgment made or to changes, or any unforeseen
escalation of any factors affecting any such judgment.
Copyright
Copyright 2016 Drum Cussac Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express prior consent of Drum
Cussac Group Ltd.
Drum Cussac is a global consultancy delivering intelligence-led, technology-enabled risk, security and crisis management solutions to leading
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