How safe is it to travel to Punta Cana?

If you’re considering spending your next holidays in Punta Cana, you may have wondered how safe it is to visit the country and, specifically, the touristy region of Punta Cana. Although the Dominican Republic can be considered a very safe country, it’s a good idea to follow a number of basic recommendations to ensure a relaxed and uneventful stay.

Let’s review which indications have been recommended by the corresponding organisations for tourists during their holidays in Punta Cana. 

Safety recommendations for your trip to Punta Cana

Although hotels and resorts are very well protected, especially those located in the exclusive Playa Bávaro area, it’s a good idea to remain attentive and take precautions when participating in day trips and activities outside of these areas. 

According to government sources, despite the high safety levels that the country offers, cases of theft sometimes occur, especially in the capital. In this circumstance, the best recommendation to follow is to contact the country’s police. You can do so by calling the 911 emergency telephone number if you’re in the capital. If, on the other hand, you’re in another part of the country, you should contact the Tourist Police by phone at +1 809 222-2026 or +1 809 222-2123. 

Outside of the more touristy areas, you should be especially cautious particularly at night, avoiding travelling through rural or isolated areas. When getting around by public transport, make sure to look at whether the private vehicles, taxes and buses have the correct authentication. If you don’t find any valid documentation in sight, then you should find an alternative mode of transport. 

When it comes to handling cash, you should be careful when using outdoor ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash on you. Higher-value belongings such as jewellery, electronic devices, etc. should be kept in the hotel safes.

It’s also important to pay attention to possible scams when making small purchases or booking activities through companies that don’t have an official identification or that aren’t managed through the hotel itself. Thus, one of the main recommendations issued by resorts is to plan any day trip or sports activity in advance. 

What to do if your passport is lost or stolen in the Dominican Republic?

In the event your passport is lost or stolen, the recommendation is to file a police report as soon as possible and then go to the Consulate General to get a new passport. 

In order to be able to deal with these scenarios efficiently and with the resources you need, you should always carry a certified copy of your identity document with you when travelling to Punta Cana or any other destination, which you can obtain at any police station before your trip.

Although the Dominican Republic as a whole can be considered a safe country, its Ministry of the Interior works around the clock to strengthen and enhance the levels of citizen security.

The Punta Cana region is the safest area in the country, to which we can add the peace and mind that comes with travelling to an all-inclusive resort, where all kinds of needs that may arise during your stay will be covered.

Useful information for your trip to Punta Cana

Punta Cana’s international airport is one of the busiest airports in the region with the most connections. Another airport that can be used as an alternative to get to Punta Cana is the Las Américas International Airport, located in Santo Domingo.

You should know that the Dominican Republic has stable and warm temperatures throughout the year, and any time is a good time to visit the island. With an average temperature of 26ºC, the hottest season is from April to November, while heavier rainfall begins to appear in September.

Being prepared is the best ally when it comes to organising a trip to Punta Cana. Getting a visa is one of the bureaucratic procedures that you may have to go through, for those travelling from countries where it is a requirement to enter the Dominican Republic. You can also obtain the Tourist Card at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic or at the airport after your arrival. The Tourist Card is valid for 30 days and can be extended by paying the proportional amount when leaving the country.

Along with the visa, you’ll also need to take out travel insurance. This is very advisable when visiting countries like the Dominican Republic in order to be able to sort out any logistical inconvenience or health problem during your trip.

Now that you are familiar with all the recommendations you need to follow to enjoy a dreamy holiday, all that’s left to do is choose which time of year you’ll visit Punta Cana.