Dominican Republic

Recommended Vaccinations For Dominican Republic

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. Therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires travellers of 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from the states of Mina Gerais, Espirito Santo, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of the mentioned states in Brazil also require a vaccination certificate.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the vaccination for children and adults who are travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that Cholera is rare in traveller and that safe food and water practices can prevent cholera infections.

Recommended Medications For Dominican Republic

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malaria medication is recommended for travellers visiting the Dominican Republic, except for those who will stay within resorts and the cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago where the risk is very low. The U.S. CDC recommended medication includes atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, mefloquine and doxycycline. The WHO and NaTHNac recommend chloroquine only.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Dominican Republic

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in the Dominican Republic.

Cholera

Cholera occurs in this country.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks occur in the Dominican Republic.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in the Dominican Republic through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires travellers of 1 year of age and older to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from the states of Mina Gerais, Espirito Santo, Sao Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of the mentioned states in Brazil also require a vaccination certificate.

Schistosomiasis

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in the Dominican Republic. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Malaria

There is a significant risk of malaria transmission in the provinces near the border with Haiti and in the provinces (including resort areas) of La Altagracia, San Cristóbal, San Juan, and Santo Domingo. In other provinces, transmission is rare.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in the Dominican Republic, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Safety & Security in Dominican Republic

Personal Safety

The Dominican Republic has a moderate crime rate. Violent crime against tourists rarely occurs in the Dominican Republic, however, petty crime, such as theft and pickpocketing, is common. Ensure your personal belongings, valuables, and travel documents are kept secure at all times, especially in urban areas. Thefts from resorts, hotel rooms, and hotel room safes can also occur. Avoid showing signs of affluence. Never leave personal belongings unattended on the beach. Thefts from checked baggage at airports can occur, as well as from carry-on luggage while travellers are going through security. Avoid packing valuables in your checked baggage.

Swimmers should be aware that beaches may not have lifeguards or adequate safety equipment available, and strong undertows can be very dangerous in certain areas. Stay in well-marked and supervised areas, and visitors to beaches should avoid walking on deserted beaches after dark.

Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate. Ensure your travel insurance policy covers these types of activities before participating.

Exercise caution at hotel casinos. Many travellers have been victims of fraud and theft.

Never accept drinks or food from strangers or casual acquaintances. Pay attention to how drinks are prepared and served, and never leave drinks unattended as there have been reports of female travellers being drugged. If a sexual assault or other crime occurs, the crime must be reported immediately as no criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to the Dominican authorities.

There is a high rate of road accidents in the Dominican Republic. Roads in the Dominican Republic are good overall. However, drivers may not follow standard rules of the road, and vehicles may not be in a good state of repair. Drinking and driving is a common problem. Avoid driving outside a main city at night. Note that pedestrians do not have the right of way. Taking public transportation is not recommended.

Hurricane season is between June-November. Monitor weather forecasts closely, and follow advice of local authorities in the case of an emergency.

Although same-sex sexual relations are legal in the Dominican Republic, same-sex marriages are not legally recognized and same-sex relations are not socially accepted. Tourist destination are largely friendly towards LGBTI travellers, however, refrain from public displays of affection so as to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

Political Unrest

Political demonstrations and protests sometimes occur in the Dominican Republic, but rarely in tourist areas. Always avoid public gatherings and political protests in foreign countries as the situation can become violent without warning.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid travelling to regions bordering Haiti. Only cross the border during the day and do so with extreme caution.