This Popular Caribbean Destination Welcomed a Record-breaking 11.6 Million Visitors in 2025—Here’s the Current Travel Advisory

This Popular Caribbean Destination Welcomed a Record-breaking 11.6 Million Visitors in 2025—Here’s the Current Travel Advisory The State Department currently lists the Caribbean destination at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. By Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta is a travel writer with over 10 years of experience in journalism and television news. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on March 15, 2026 Leave a Comment Close Boats and swimmers off the coast of Saona Island, in the Dominican Republic. Credit: Visuals Fervor LLC/Getty Images As the home of popular tourist destinations such as Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Puerto Plata, travelers have long enjoyed visiting the Dominican Republic for its beaches, hiking opportunities, and culture. In fact, a record-breaking 11.6 million people visited the Dominican Republic in 2025, according to Dominican Today. But with recent security and political events happening around the world, such as conflicts in Mexico and the Middle East, travelers may think twice about traveling internationally. Consulting the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory system, the agency’s last update for the Dominican Republic was in June of last year with a 'Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution' level. This means there is no immediate reason for the government to discourage travel to the country. And the fact that the advisory hasn't been updated for close to a year should also bring some peace of mind to visitors planning a trip. Still, the agency lists “violent crime” as a concern to tourists and advises travelers to “not display wealth and be wary of meeting individuals online in secluded locations.” A deeper dive into the security risks in the Dominican Republic published by the State Department’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), also warns that some crimes occur by traffic stops as criminals frequently travel by motorcycles. Additionally, the Dominican Republic’s tourist board also has their own set of safety tips for visitors which include keeping your passport and valuables in a hotel safe, using your phone or camera discreetly, and avoiding walking alone at night. “When walking around big cities, dress like a local and know where you are headed” the tourist board also advised. For travelers with plans of going to the Dominican Republic, there are several steps that are required before arriving in the country. Starting with a form required by the Dominican Republic, foreign travelers need to complete an eTicket process before arrival, providing their personal residence address, travel details, and customs information. The State Department also advises Americans traveling to the Dominican Republic to have a valid round-trip airline ticket, proof of funds, and an address of where they will be staying when visiting. Whenever traveling internationally, the State Department recommends that U.S. citizens sign up for the freeSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The service provides automated and personalized guidance for travelers when they are overseas, and also helps the local embassy contact citizens in the region in the event of an emergency. Read more: News