Be cautious when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, be wary of rides or other invitations, avoid walking alone at night and don't leave drinks unattended. If you're a victim of a sexual assault or other crime, you should report it immediately to the British Embassy.

Walking in the Dominican Republic requires a high degree of caution and situational awareness in 2026. While tourist resorts and designated zones like the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo are heavily policed by the specialized tourist police (POLITUR), violent crime remains a national concern. Travelers are advised to avoid walking alone, especially at night or in secluded areas, and should never display signs of wealth such as expensive jewelry, watches, or large amounts of cash. One of the most common risks is "drive-by" robberies where criminals on motorcycles snatch phones or bags from pedestrians. It is also significantly safer to walk with a partner or in a group rather than solo. Beyond crime, pedestrian safety is a major issue; the country has one of the world's highest rates of traffic-related fatalities, so extreme care must be taken when crossing streets. For transportation, it is widely recommended to use hotel-sanctioned taxis or reputable rideshare apps like Uber rather than hailing unregulated vehicles off the street.