Santo Domingo. The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic issued a security alert on October 30, 2026, warning American citizens about the risks of drugging, robberies, and sexual assaults in the country. The embassy’s notice highlights ongoing concerns following reports from travelers, including U.S. citizens, who have been victimized by these crimes, often during the same event.
According to the embassy, perpetrators commonly target victims through dating apps or by approaching them at bars and nightclubs. Many incidents have also occurred at short-term rental properties, hotels, motels, and their surrounding areas.
The embassy advises U.S. citizens visiting the Dominican Republic to remain vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, and exercise caution when meeting strangers. It encourages people to take necessary measures to protect their personal safety.
The U.S. State Department echoes these concerns in its travel guidance, which currently advises Americans to adopt increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to rising crime rates. The guidance specifically mentions the risks associated with meeting individuals through online dating applications, as well as reports of sexual assaults 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
