Dominican Republic

Security Status

High Degree of Caution

Travel Alert

Hurricane Melissa has passed through the Caribbean islands, including the Dominican Republic. High storm surges, heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides have been reported. Authorities declared an orange level warning.

It is advised that citizens in Dominican Republic monitor local media regularly and follow advice from local authorities, in particular in relation to evacuation orders.

Citizens travelling to Dominican Republic may be impacted by flight delays or cancellations. Closely monitor airline updates for up to date flight information.

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens do not require a visa to enter Dominican Republic.

A valid passport is required for travel to Dominican Republic. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of six months. Passport cards cannot be used.

For more information on visas and passports, please see the Entry Requirements tab.

Visitors to Dominican Republic are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Irish Embassy in Colombia on social media (X @IrelandColombia and Facebook) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if a problem arises, try talking to local contacts, tour operator representatives or hotel management.

Visitors can contact the emergency services in Dominican Republic by dialling 911. Specific emergency numbers are:

• Police: +1 (809) 682-2151 / +1 (809) 685-2020
• Fire brigade: +1 (809) 695 9555 / +1 (809) 682-2000
• Ambulance: 911 

Our Tips for Safe Travels:

• Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all planned activities.
• Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
• Follow us on X @dfatravelwise and Instagram @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
• Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.
• Read our Consular Assistance Charter that clearly sets out the assistance that the Embassy can provide to citizens in difficulty overseas, and the limits of what the Department can do.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Dominican Republic, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. However, if assistance is required, please contact the Irish Embassy in Colombia.

Hurricane Season

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from July to October. Pay close attention to local and international weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Always monitor local and international weather updates for the region by accessing, for example, the Weather Channel, or the US National Hurricane Centre website.

Crime

Crime is prevalent in Dominican Republic. Petty theft, such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, is relatively common. Incidents have occurred where foreigners have been mugged at gunpoint or knifepoint during the daytime while walking in residential districts.

Citizens should be particularly vigilant when on the street. Avoid remote areas, particularly after dark. Do not wear expensive jewellery or carry large amounts of cash. Do not leave your bags or other belongings on chairs or tables in restaurants and bars.

Driving

Travellers can use an Irish driver’s license for a period of up to 90 days from their entry into the territory. If you want to drive, keep vehicle doors locked and bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if stopped at traffic lights.

Lost or Stolen Passports

Take extreme care with passports and other personal documentation. If a passport is lost or stolen, it can take up to three weeks to get a replacement, due to time and distance factors. Getting a replacement passport will be easier if travellers are able to provide a copy of the lost or stolen one, so keep photocopies or scans of passports.

Reporting Crime

If a victim of crime while in Dominican Republic, report it to the local police immediately. Many insurance companies will only compensate loss from theft if travellers can provide a police report.

The Tourist Police have English-speaking officers and accept reports in English. The mobile application “Politur” is available to report an emergency, locate nearby police stations and speak with a police officer. The app is also available in English.

Contact us at the Embassy if you require assistance.

Road Safety

Dominican Republic has a high traffic-related death rate. Road accidents happen often, especially during holiday periods like summer, Christmas and Easter. Be cautious if you are driving during your stayand take care when walking on the streets.

If you are involved in an accident, call the police and wait at the scene. You may also contact your insurance company for guidance. If you are detained because of a road accident, ask the police to contact the Embassy.

Taxis

Where possible, plan how you will travel to and from your destination. Only use pre-booked taxis. We strongly advise against hailing taxis from the street.

Dominican Republic-Haiti Border

The Dominican Republic-Haiti border remain closed to travellers. Crossing the border by land or sea is not allowed. Disturbances and incidents are common, some of which can lead to violence. Avoid the border area as the security situation is highly volatile.

Safe Swimming

Be careful when swimming or taking part in water sports as lifeguards may not be present at swimming pools or on beaches. Check with residents and tour operators for information on safe swimming areas. Follow instructions about sea conditions and warning systems.

Before travel, travellers should make sure they have comprehensive travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad or repatriation.

Malaria

There is a high incidence of malaria in low-land tropical areas. Take medical advice on anti-malarial medication prior to travel, and after arrival, take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using bed nets and repellents, and wearing closed shoes, long sleeves and trousers.

Dengue Fever

Citizens visiting a tropical or subtropical area should use insect repellent, wear loose clothing, sleep under a mosquito net and be aware of their environment. Dengue mosquitoes breed in still water in urban areas.

Zika Virus

There have been outbreaks of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Vaccinations

Check with a doctor well in advance of travelling to see if any vaccinations are required Dominican Republic.

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities in Dominican Republic vary widely in quality. In larger cities, private clinics usually provide good quality care, whereas public health facilities and those in smaller cities are generally limited.

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Visa

Irish citizens do not need a visa to visit the Dominican Republic. On arrival, visitors will normally be granted a 30-day stay. When entering the country, visitors may need to provide evidence of return or onward travel.

Passport

Irish passports should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into the Dominican Republic.

All passengers arriving in the Dominican Republic are required to register their details on the government’s website eTicket (migracion.gob.do) in advance of travelling.

As there is no Irish Embassy in Dominican Republic, we are limited in the help we can offer in an emergency. However, if assistance is required, please contact the Irish Embassy in Colombia.

The Embassy of Ireland in Colombia operates an out of hours service for Irish citizens requiring emergency assistance on weekends and public holidays. If in need of emergency assistance during these times, leave a message on the emergency message system by calling +57 1 657 6060. The emergency message system is checked regularly outside of office hours and a member of the Embassy staff will contact you as soon as possible.

When leaving a message, remember to state your name, the nature of the problem, where you are now, and the details of how the Duty Officer can contact you (e.g. leave mobile phone number, or the phone number of the hotel/hostel where you are staying).

Alternatively, you may contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin at +353 (0)1 408 2000.

Monday to Friday 09:30-13:00