Dominican Republic Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Dominican Republic
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated June 12, 2025
Dominican Republic recorded 10.9 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Dominican Republic #40 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 44% over the past decade (from 19.4 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Dominican Republic at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
10.9 /100k
Safety Rank
#156 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1991-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 44% over the past decade (from 19.4 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Dominican Republic Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Dominican Republic, the homicide rate for men is 8.3× higher than the rate for women — 19.6 vs 2.4 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Dominican Republic:
Updated after periodic review with minor edits. Last updated June 18, 2024. Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime. Advisory Summary: Violent crime is a concern in the Dominican Republic despite more police presence in areas often visited by tourists. Do not display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals from online in secluded locations.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Dominican Republic
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 11, 2025).
Emergency numbers
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Dial 911 for all emergencies in the Dominican Republic. Dial 809-222-2026 to contact local tourist police (POLITUR). Dial 809-567-7775 to report crimes or emergencies to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic (after calling local authorities).
Note
911 works throughout the country except for some areas located near the Haitian border.
Crime
Crime is a threat throughout the Dominican Republic. Tourist destinations are generally more policed than metropolitan or rural areas. The Dominican Republic has a dedicated tourist police force (POLITUR). Pay attention to your surroundings. If robbed, hand over your personal belongings without resisting. Do not carry or wear valuable items that will attract attention. Be vigilant about where your phone is and avoid using it openly on the street. Travel with a partner or group if possible. The Department of State provides help for U.S. citizen victims of crime overseas. We can: Replace a stolen or lost passport. Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. You can report crimes online or through the app “ Denuncias V irtuales .” After filling out the report, you must appear in person to continue the judicial process.
Dating app robberies
U.S. citizens in the Dominican Republic have been robbed by people they met through online dating applications. Meet strangers only in public places and avoid remote locations.
Proof of identity and citizenship
Dominican authorities conduct frequent operations focused on expelling Haitian migrants. Vehicle checkpoints on highways and random traffic and pedestrian stops are common. Some U.S. citizens have been mistakenly identified as Haitian migrants, resulting in temporary detention, and in rare cases physical assault during these operations. U.S. citizens in the Dominican Republic should carry their passports at all times, comply with requests from authorities, and notify the Embassy immediately if detained.
Demonstrations
Avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution around large gatherings or protests.
Domestic violence and sexual assault
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to call 809-222-2026 (POLITUR), 809-682-2151 ( National Police ), and the U.S. Embassy at 809-567-7775 . Hotlines for reporting gender-based violence are available through the Ministry of Women by dialing *212 and through the Attorney General of the Dominican Republic at 809-200-1202. Rape and sexual assault have been reported, including at major resorts and hotels. U.S. citizens have been victims of rape, including with date rape drugs. Victims should not expect the same assistance as in the United States. Rape kits are often not available until the next morning and must be administered by Dominican authorities. Victims must request medication to prevent STDs and pregnancy. Prosecution of rape cases moves slowly.
Safety tips
Talk to the police or management if you feel uncomfortable with unwelcome advances from resort staff. Avoid remote places in resorts. Travel in groups with trusted friends or family. Do not consume alcoholic beverages alone or with new acquaintances. Do not leave food or drinks unattended. Shout for help if threatened or uncomfortable. Report suspicious activity to hotel management, the U.S. Embassy, and local police. Do not swim alone due to the possibility of life-threatening currents.
International financial scams
Follow the Department of State guidelines to avoid scams and learn how the FBI can help . Scammers target U.S. citizens, especially those over age 65, by claiming a romantic interest in the U.S. citizen, or that the U.S. citizen’s loved one has been arrested or injured and is asking for money to help. Contact the U.S. Embassy before wiring money. Scammers may claim to be: Romantic partners Law enforcement officials Attorneys U.S. Embassy officials Scared family members like a grandchild
Tourism safety
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities may be lacking. Dangerous areas and activities may not have signs. Staff may not be trained or certified. Medical treatment is typically available only in or near major cities or tourist zones. First responders may struggle to access remote areas. Urgent medical treatment options are limited. U.S. citizens should review information on insurance coverage overseas . You are strongly encouraged to purchase travelers’ insurance that pays for medical care and medical evacuation. Weather Make plans to prepare yourself for a potential disaster or crisis . Tropical storms and hurricanes with heavy rain and wind occur in the Caribbean Sea, generally from May through November. Flooding may occur without warning during heavy rainfall. The Dominican Republic is prone to earthquakes.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Dominican Republic Population & Demographics
Population of 11,427,557, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dominican Republic safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Dominican Republic at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 10.9 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic has an intentional homicide rate of 10.9 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #40 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Dominican Republic?
Dominican Republic is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Dominican Republic compare to other countries?
Dominican Republic's homicide rate of 10.9 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.