U.S. Embassy issues security alert for Americans in Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic issued a security alert Friday urging American citizens to remain vigilant and take precautions amid reports of drugging, robberies and sexual assaults in the country.

In an October 30, 2026, notice, the embassy said it regularly receives reports from travelers, including U.S. citizens, who have been victims of these crimes, sometimes during the same incident.

According to the embassy, some victims are targeted after being contacted through dating apps or approached at bars and nightclubs. Incidents have also been reported at short-term rental properties, hotels, motels and surrounding areas.

The alert urges U.S. citizens visiting the Dominican Republic to pay close attention to their surroundings, remain cautious when meeting people they do not know and take appropriate measures to protect their personal safety.

The U.S. State Department currently advises Americans to exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime. Its travel guidance specifically warns about robberies involving people met through online dating applications and reports of sexual assaults, including cases involving drugs.

Event: The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo advises U.S. citizens to be aware of crime trends and personal safety when traveling to the Dominican Republic. The U.S. Embassy receives periodic reports that travelers, including U.S. citizens, have been drugged and subsequently robbed and/or sexually assaulted. In some cases, perpetrators target the victims via dating apps or at bars and nightclubs. Attacks have taken place in private residences such as short-term rental properties, as well as in/around hotels and motels. For further information visit the link: https://t.co/ofdGfPLr20
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Evento: La Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Santo Domingo recomienda a los ciudadanos estadounidenses que viajen a la República Dominicana estar atentos a las tendencias delictivas y a su seguridad personal. La Embajada recibe informes periódicos de viajeros, incluyendo ciudadanos estadounidenses, a quienes drogaron, robaron o agredieron sexualmente, o ambas cosas. En algunos casos, los agresores buscan a sus víctimas en aplicaciones de citas o en bares y discotecas. Los ataques han ocurrido en viviendas privadas, como las de alquiler a corto plazo, y también en hoteles/moteles y sus alrededores. Para más información visite: https://t.co/AvHWa549rA

— EmbajadaUSAenRD (@EmbajadaUSAenRD) October 30, 2026