Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Dominican Republic

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Dominican Republic. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for the Dominican Republic: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Some areas of the Dominican Republic are known to have malaria. Be sure to speak with a travel health specialist about the possible need for antimalarials.

Zika is also a risk in country. The CDC recommends women who are pregnant or may become pregnant consider the risks before traveling. The best protection against the virus is mosquito repellents and netting.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the Dominican Republic if arriving from a region with the virus. Immunization is not otherwise recommended for the country.

Typhoid vaccination is highly recommended for travelers to the Dominican Republic. Individuals who visit friends or relatives or go to rural areas are at greater risk and should be immunized.

To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or start booking online now.

The Dominican Republic has had fewer cholera outbreaks than its neighbor, Haiti, but still has some risk. The CDC recommends travelers avoid unsafe food and water and receive a cholera vaccine for protection.

The best protection against cholera is through vaccination. Passport Health clinics offer the cholera vaccine. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today!

Visitors to the Dominican Republic must get either a Dominican visa or buy a tourist card. This card can be bought at the airport for $10 USD once you have entered the country or online before your trip.

You do not need a visa for tourist purposes for a stay under 30 days.

Dominican Republic Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to the Dominican Republic?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Dominican Republic and U.S. State Department

As a Caribbean island, the Dominican Republic has tropical weather year-round. The temperature can span from 90°F (32°C) at noon to 70°F (21°C) at sunrise during the summer. Whereas in the winter, temperatures can go as low as 65°F (18°C). With the warmest months being between June through September.

In the more mountainous areas of the country the weather is cooler. Going as low as 50°F (10°C) early in the morning and even below 0° F higher up in the mountains during winter.

Tropical islands are subject to rainstorms that can occur during any time of the year. As well as hurricanes between the months of June and November. Rain falls for small periods of time in the afternoon and evening.

Within touristic areas such as resorts, hotels, and beaches the Dominican Republic is fairly safe. Outside of these areas, especially at night, take extra precautions.

Crime persists to be one of the major concerns of safety in the Dominican Republic. Crime rates tend to increase during the holiday season and during Carnival.

To stay safe in the Dominican Republic:

• Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or name brands.
• Pay attention to potential scams.
• Take caution when entering a public bathroom.
• Keep your hotel room keys with you if possible.
• Leave valuables in your hotel room.
• Cash, electronics, expensive jewelry, and your passport should be kept in a safety box
• Keep a copy of your passport with you
• Steer clear of renting vehicles or driving unless acquainted with the local traffic laws and way of driving
• Avoid traveling at night
• Avoid using public transportation such as taxis known as carros públicos and buses are known as guaguas in Spanish

You can go zip lining almost anywhere in the Dominican Republic.

Compare prices before booking your zip line experience. Make sure that the operator of the zip line tour is authorized, as well. Ask questions about any concerns and what their safety record is.

Listen carefully to your zip line operator’s instructions and advice to avoid getting hurt. Keep in mind that you should avoid zip lining if you are pregnant or have any heart issues.

Be sure to wear the proper attire; such as a helmet, comfortable and closed shoes, and no dresses or skirts. The longer the pants the better as the straps may cause some discomfort against bare legs.

Often, travelers only think of bringing their swimsuit and lightweight clothing. While those items are vital to your trip, here are a few more items to consider taking with you.

• Cash is key if you are not from the Dominican Republic. Locals may try to take advantage and up-charge you. Try to negotiate on price when purchasing souvenirs and always pay with Dominican pesos. Use credit cards only in safe places like hotels or resorts.
• Sunscreen is essential when traveling near the equator! Make sure to pack some to protect yourself from the sun rays you’ll be catching while tanning on the white sand beaches of DR. Be aware that most hotels and resorts sell sunscreen, but very overpriced.
• Wear the right clothing for what you are doing. Being fashionable is a plus but not always right for the situation, like zip-lining. Bring a light jacket for chilly nights and hat or sunglasses for warm days.
• Bug repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay.
• Do not forget your passport at home and keep a copy of it with you if you plan to go outside a resort or hotel.
• Anti-Diarrheal medicine is key to ensuring a good trip. Many travelers will fall prey to diarrhea during their trip.

The U.S. embassy in the Dominican Republic offers many services to American travelers. These include things like helping with passports and visas, providing emergency assistance, and offering legal help. They can also give travel alerts and warnings, which let people know about any dangers or risks. If there is an emergency, the embassy can provide medical help and even help people get back to the United States.

U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo
Av. República de Colombia #57
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Telephone: +(809) 567-7775
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(809) 368-7777
Email: SDOAmericans@state.gov

It’s important to remember that the services offered can change over time. It’s a good idea to check the embassy’s website or contact them directly for the most current information.

If you have any questions about traveling to the Dominican Republic or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now! and protect yourself today.