Travel
June 7, 2023 | 1:51 p.m
The State Department on Tuesday issued a travel advisory for Americans planning to visit the Dominican Republic, a popular Caribbean destination amid rising violent crime and sexual assault.
A Level 2 alert has been issued, urging travelers heading to the Caribbean hotspot to “exercise increased caution”.
“Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault, is a problem throughout the Dominican Republic,” the ministry statement said. “The high availability of guns, use and trafficking of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to high levels of crime at a broader level.”
The State Department noted that Americans planning to travel to resort towns are likely to be safer because those areas “are typically better patrolled than urban areas like Santo Domingo.”
The introduction of a 911 emergency call system in many parts of the country and tourist policing have also made top travel destinations safer for Americans traveling to the east side of the island of Hispaniola.
The State Department on Tuesday issued a travel advisory for Americans planning to visit the Dominican Republic, a top Caribbean destination. AFP via Getty Images The travel warning comes at a time when violent crime and sexual assault are on the rise in the country. AFP via Getty Images
The Dominican Republic shares Hispaniola with Haiti, which has experienced some of the most dangerous and difficult living conditions in the western hemisphere in recent years.
Gang violence in Haiti has increased dramatically as poverty and corruption run unchecked following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021.
But while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a strict Level 4 warning for Haiti: “Do not travel!”, the Dominican Republic is at the same danger level as other top travel destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, etc Bahamas.
An aerial photo shows water sports enthusiasts on a beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Orlando Barria/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The State Department noted that Americans planning to travel to resort towns are likely to be safer because these areas “are typically better patrolled than urban areas like Santo Domingo.” AFP via Getty Images
Fox News Digital could not immediately reach the Dominican Republic’s Department of Tourism for comment, though the State Department issued its own suggestions for safe travel in eastern Hispaniola.
Should Americans decide to visit the top Caribbean destination in the coming months, department officials have advised them to be mindful of their surroundings and not show any signs of wealth by wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
The department also warned against physically defending yourself during robbery attempts and following local safety guidelines.
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