IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO PUNTA CANA?

Punta Cana is one of the most popular resort destinations in the Caribbean, and just like with Cancun, Cabo, Jamaica, and other regional hotspots, the question persists: Is it safe to travel to Punta Cana? 

More so than in past years, the answer is a resounding yes. 

About Punta Cana’s Popularity 

First, let’s put some numbers to what you already know: Punta Cana is a prime warm-weather destination for American travelers. 

In 2023, according to Statista, approximately 1.6 million American travelers went to Punta Cana, up 29% from the previous year. And that number? It represented almost half of all tourism to the resort area. 

The numbers have only gone up from there, and are expected to increase further. In fact, DominicanToday.com reports that Punta Cana International Airport is projecting an 8% increase in traveler arrivals in 2025 – with nearly half of those coming from the U.S.  

About Punta Cana’s Safety 

The State Department has the Dominican Republic at a Level-2 status ("Exercise Increased Caution"), noting that "resort areas and tourist destinations … generally have more robust security and safety measures than other parts of the country." 

As a result, the U.S. government’s Overseas Security Advisory Council notes that violent crime against tourists in resort areas is relatively rare. 

Safety by the Numbers 

Numbeo's Global Crime Index gives Punta Cana a score of 46.65 out of 100. As you might expect, that score is middle-of-the-pack for world destinations, though it’s equivalent to the scores for Edmonton, Brooklyn, Stockholm, and Frankfurt, Germany. 

It’s also good for the Caribbean, where most scores are in the 60s (high scores equal more crime). 

Meanwhile, the neighborhood-by-neighborhood scores provided by GeoSure Global give Punta Cana a composite score of 56.6 (out of 100). That scored is buoyed by high marks for physical safety and healthcare and dragged down by low marks for LGBTQ+ safety. 

However, these scores compare favorably with those of Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and other popular regional destinations. 

Crime 

As noted earlier, the U.S. government doesn’t consider crime to be a huge issue in Punta Cana. Much of the reason why has to do with a collaborative effort between the country’s tourism police (POLITUR) and the country’s hotel and tourism association.  

The measures they’ve taken include: 

• 24-hour security personnel 

• Video surveillance systems 

• Controlled entry points 

• Regular security audits 

• On-site medical facilities or rapid-response agreements 

• Emergency power systems 

• Evacuation protocols 

• Direct lines to local emergency services 

These steps – some taken as a response to tourist deaths – have led to an improvement in the perception of safety in Punta Cana, and boosted the area’s safety ratings. 

Even so, the State Department notes that weaknesses remain. Sexual assaults have occurred at resorts, including assaults involving date-rape drugs. 

If a sexual assault does occur, that State Department says that victims “should not expect the totality of assistance offered in the United States.” 

This includes the availability of: 

• Rape kits 

• Drugs to prevent STDs 

• “Morning-after” medications 

In addition, the State Department unusually calls out resort staff for safety attention. Specifically, they tell U.S. travelers to contact travel police (809-552-1013) and hotel management if staff make untoward advances. 

If the attention leads to sexual assault, they recommend you call the embassy (809-567-7775)  and insist that hotel management call the police. 

Finally, the State Department recommends that you should: 

• Avoid secluded places at your resort. 

• Always be accompanied by someone you know, even when going to the restroom. 

• Don’t drink alone or with new acquaintances, and don’t leave drinks unattended. 

• Shout for help immediately if you feel threatened or uncomfortable. 
  
  

Health and Medical Considerations 

When it comes to health and hygiene, the Dominican Republic is on par with other destinations in the area. 

How does that affect your behavior? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it means you should: 

• Drink bottled water and avoid tap water, even though major resorts have private water-treatment facilities that meet CDC standards. 

• Avoid fruit or vegetables from market stands without first washing and peeling them. 

• Avoid raw fish (ceviche) from street vendors (per Everything Punta Cana). 

• Avoid contact with street animals. 

• Get appropriate vaccinations, including: 

• • Hepatitis A 

• • Typhoid 

• • Tetanus  

• Be aware of local medical facilities. The U.S. Embassy lists the following medical facilities in the Punta Cana region: 
  
  
  • IMG Punta Cana Hospital 
    
    
  • Hospiten Bavaro 

Water and Sun Safety 

Hanging out at gorgeous beaches and swimming in crystalline waters are big draws in Puna Cana, but they come with caveats. 

If you’re not used to the tropical sun, you’ll be a lobster in a matter of hours. Use high-quality sunscreen and reapply frequently, especially after swimming. 

Speaking of swimming, the following precautions apply when swimming outside of the resort pool: 

• Note whether there are lifeguards and where they’re positioned. Don’t swim out of their line of sight. 

• Watch for rip currents. If you get caught in one, swim parallel to shore until you’re out of the current. 

• Don’t swim at night. 

Environmental Safety 

The official Caribbean hurricane season runs June 1-Nov. 30. Historical data shows Punta Cana has a lower hurricane risk than many other Caribbean hotspots due to its location. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Global Tropics Hazards Forecast gives detailed weather reports for several weeks into the future. If you’re considering a trip to Punta Cana, they’re worth investigating as your departure date nears. 

Earthquakes are not uncommon in the area; in fact, a mild (3.6-magnitude) earthquake shook Punta Cana on New Year’s Eve 2024. Earthquakes are unpredictable and know no seasonality, but they’re something to be aware of.  

There are a fair amount of creepy-crawlies in the area, but nothing lethal or out of the ordinary. Wearing insect repellent with a high DEET concentration can keep away disease-carrying mosquitoes. 

Transportation Safety 

Like many other areas in the Caribbean, Punta Cana is not a driver’s paradise. Roads in the area are often poorly maintained, and drivers are unpredictable. 

If you have to drive around the area, have a trusted local do the driving. Specifically, OSAC recommends: 

• Using hotel-arranged transportation services 

• Selecting only licensed taxi services 

• Avoiding unofficial transportation providers 

The Dominican Republic's tourism ministry also has a tourist transportation monitoring system, ensuring vehicles meet safety standards and drivers undergo background checks. 

Finally, Punta Cana Hero recommends avoiding moto conchos – moto taxis – as well as public transportation. 

Additional Safety Tips 

These tips are the icing on the cake for staying safe in Punta Cana. 

• Use the safety-deposit boxes at your resort. 

• If you leave the resort, carry only a small amount of cash. 

• Go easy on the flashy jewelry. 

• Stay within designated tourist zones. 

• Use official tour operators if taking a tour. 
  
  

Travel Insurance 

Many American visitors to Punta Cana insure their trip. Why? For many of the reasons just mentioned: crime, natural disasters, the need for medical treatment. 

If you decide to visit Punta Cana and insure your trip, these tips can help you choose the right plan: 

• Choose a plan with high dollar limits for medical emergencies and medical evacuation. Medical treatment in the Dominican Republic is less expensive than it is in the U.S., but it’s also less advanced. And medical evacuation is expensive no matter where you are. 

• Choose a plan with 24/7/365 worldwide travel assistance. 

• Read your policy for how it covers trip cancellation if your destination becomes uninhabitable. Specifically, check how it covers hurricanes before and after they become “named storms.” 

• Read your policy for how it covers lost, damaged, or stolen luggage. 

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection offers an industry-leading array of plans that can cover everything from a resort stay to a cruise with a Dominican Republic stop. 

You can get covered in a matter of minutes and have the peace of mind you’re looking for when you jet off to a sunny getaway like Punta Cana … which, all things considered, is a pretty safe and marvelous place to be.