Dominican Republic Country Report

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.

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.

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.

The country has efficient ports.

Utilities in major cities and resort areas are generally reliable. Internet and telecommunications are of generally modern standards.

Cybercrime in the Dominican Republic has increased considerably since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dominican Republic is among the few countries in Latin America and the Caribbean with an independent law to investigate, prosecute and punish cybercrime.

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 Atlantic hurricane season runs June-November, with activity typically peaking around August-October.

Mosquito-borne illnesses, including Zika, chikungunya, and malaria, are present in lower altitude areas. Vaccines before travel are also required, for example, for yellow fever. Adequate medical facilities are found in large cities, particularly in private hospitals. However, medical infrastructure may be challenged, inadequate, or absent outside of major cities and in rural areas. 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.

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.