Punta Cana is one of the Caribbean’s most popular resort destinations, along with Cancun, Cabo, Jamaica, and other regional hotspots, and the question remains, “Is it safe to travel to Punta Cana?”
Compared to past years, the answer is a resounding yes.
What’s popular about Punta Cana?
First, let’s quantify some things you already know. Punta Cana is a top destination for American travelers in its warm climate.
According to Statistaapproximately 1.6 million American travelers visited Punta Cana, an increase of 29% from the previous year. And what is that number? It accounted for almost half of all tourists to the resort area.
From there, that number has only increased and is expected to increase further. in fact, DominicanToday.com Punta Cana International Airport predicts an 8% increase in the number of travelers arriving in 2025, with nearly half of those coming from the United States.
About safety in Punta Cana
State Department The Dominican Republic is on Level 2 (‘high alert’) status, noting that “resorts and tourist destinations…generally have stronger security and safety measures in place than other parts of the country.”
As a result, the US government Overseas Security Advisory Council It points out that violent crimes against tourists in resort areas are relatively rare.
Safety in numbers
Mr. Nanbeo world crime index Punta Cana has a score of 46.65 out of 100. As you might expect, this score is middling among world destinations, but on par with the scores of Edmonton, Brooklyn, Stockholm, and Frankfurt in Germany.
It’s also a good fit for the Caribbean region, where most scores are in the 60s (higher scores mean more crime).
On the other hand, the score for each neighborhood is Geosure Global Punta Cana has an overall score of 56.6 out of 100. This score is supported by high scores for physical safety and health care, but depressed by low scores for LGBTQ+ safety.
However, these scores compare favorably with: tConvenient access to Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, and other popular regional destinations.
crime
As mentioned above, the U.S. government does not consider crime in Punta Cana to be a major problem. Much of the reason has to do with the cooperation between the country’s tourism police (POLITUR) and the country’s hotel and tourism association.
Some of the measures they have taken include:
Security guard on duty 24 hours a day
video surveillance system
controlled entry point
Regular security audits
On-site medical facility or rapid response arrangement
emergency power system
Direct line to local emergency services
These measures, some of which were taken in response to tourist deaths, have led to improved perceptions of safety in Punta Cana, boosting the area’s safety rating.
Still, the State Department notes that weaknesses remain. Sexual assaults, including date rape and drug assaults, occur at resorts.
When sexual assault does occur, the State Department says victims “should not expect the full support provided by the United States.”
This includes the availability of:
Medicine “after morning”
In addition, the State Department is unusually reminding resort staff to take safety precautions. Specifically, the agency is asking U.S. travelers to contact U.S. Travel Police at 809-552-1013 and hotel management if staff members make inappropriate advances.
If the caution results in a sexual assault, the hotel urges you to call the embassy at 809-567-7775 and for hotel management to report it to police.
Finally, the Department of State recommends that:
Avoid secluded areas of the resort.
Always have someone you know accompany you when you go to the bathroom.
Don’t drink alone or with new acquaintances. Also, don’t leave your drinks unattended.
If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, yell for help immediately.
Health and medical considerations
When it comes to health and hygiene, the Dominican Republic is on par with other cities in the region.
How does it affect your behavior? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this means you should:
Major resorts have dedicated water treatment facilities that meet CDC standards, but drink bottled water and avoid tap water.
Avoid eating fruits and vegetables sold at market stalls without first washing and peeling them.
Avoid contact with animals on the road.
Get the appropriate vaccinations, including:
Please be aware of your local health care provider. of us embassy Lists the following medical facilities in the Punta Cana area:
IMG Punta Cana Hospital
bavaro hospital
Water and sun safety
Playing on the beautiful beaches and swimming in the crystal clear waters are the main attractions of Puna Khana, but there are some caveats.
If you’re not used to the tropical sun, you’ll turn into a lobster within a few hours. Use a high-quality sunscreen and reapply often, especially after swimming.
When it comes to swimming, the following precautions apply when swimming outside of a resort pool:
Pay attention to the presence and location of lifeguards. Don’t swim out of their sight.
