FBOs at Aeropuerto Internacional Dr. Joaquín Balaguer MDJB JBQ

City threat summary

Santo Domingo presents an elevated street crime environment, with opportunistic theft, armed robbery, and motorcycle-based drive-by offenses representing the most persistent threats to travelers; violent crime, including armed robbery and assault, occurs across residential, commercial, and tourist areas alike.

Civil unrest risk is assessed as low for politically directed violence, though recurring demonstrations have required periodic avoidance advisories and can disrupt local logistics with little notice.

Terrorism risk is minimal, though the Dominican Republic's role as a regional aviation hub means it functions as a potential transit corridor for regional extremist movement.

The U.S. Department of State currently designates the Dominican Republic at Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution, with Australia similarly advising a high degree of caution.

Country overview

The Dominican Republic carries a Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' advisory from the US State Department, UK FCDO, and Transport Canada, driven primarily by a persistently high crime rate rather than political instability or armed conflict.

President Luis Abinader of the Partido Revolucionario Moderno holds a strong mandate through 2028, providing political continuity and a stable governance backdrop, though institutional weaknesses in the justice system and rule of law remain.

The country's shared land border with Haiti introduces a localized elevated-risk dimension, particularly in southern border zones, while mainstream tourist corridors remain comparatively more policed and secure.

Higher-risk locations nearby

• El Catey MDCY ELEVATED
• La Romana MDLR ELEVATED
• Puerto Plata MDPP ELEVATED
• Punta Cana MDPC ELEVATED
• Santiago de los Caballeros MDST ELEVATED
• Santo Domingo MDSD ELEVATED