Ask the Consul
Tips for U.S. Citizens Visiting the Dominican Republic
Most visitors to the Dominican Republic have care-free
holidays. Here are some tips for staying safe, based on cases we are seeing in
the American Citizens Services Unit in Santo Domingo.
Before leaving home, make sure every traveler has a U.S.
passport that will be valid for your entire trip. Please do not bring U.S.
citizen children to the Dominican Republic without a valid U.S. passport.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance that will get
you home if you are hurt overseas. A medical evacuation can cost more than USD
$15,000 – and the Embassy is unable to pay the cost.
Leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with
family and/or friends at home, and register your trip with the U.S. Department
of State at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, so that if there is an
emergency we can reach you.
At the airport, keep track of your valuables, including
important documents, such as your passport. Carry your valuables in a money
belt. Leave items and identification that you don’t need at home.
While heading from the airport to your destination, keep
your windows up and your doors locked, and don’t carry your purse on your lap.
If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the U.S.
Embassy in Santo Domingo by calling 809-731-4294 during business hours.
At casinos, be very cautious of progressive wagering games
like Super Keno, especially when asked to provide credit card information and
identification. Visitors have reported losing large sums of money and having
their credit cards billed or passports confiscated.
Female travelers should be careful in dealing with
strangers and new acquaintances, including at their hotels and at bars.
The Tourist Police (POLITUR) can provide assistance to
tourists. They can be reached at 809-686-8639, or toll-free at 1-809-200-3500.
Travelers to the Dominican Republic can find additional country specific
information at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1103.html. | 
