As of 2026, walking in Punta Cana is generally safe, provided you stay within well-established tourist zones and gated resort areas. Locations like Punta Cana Village, Los Corales, and Cocotal are heavily patrolled by POLITUR (Tourist Police) and are safe for day and evening strolls. However, walking outside these sanitized areas, especially along unlit roads or secluded beaches at night, is discouraged due to the risk of petty theft or "drive-by" phone snatching by individuals on motorbikes. Pedestrian safety is also a concern; the Dominican Republic has high traffic accident rates, and drivers rarely yield to walkers. For longer distances, it is safer to use a hotel-sanctioned taxi or a ride-sharing app like Uber rather than wandering into residential "barrios" where lighting and security are inconsistent and infrastructure for pedestrians is often lacking.