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.

When traveling to the Dominican Republic in 2026, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to high rates of violent crime, including robberies and sexual assaults, even in tourist areas. It is a peer-to-peer essential to avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying high-end electronics in public. Road safety is another major concern; the country has one of the highest traffic-related mortality rates in the world, so avoid driving yourself and stick to licensed hotel taxis or reputable ride-share services during daylight hours. Be vigilant about "drink spiking" and never leave your beverages unattended. Health-wise, stick to bottled or boiled water to avoid cholera and other waterborne illnesses, and use heavy-duty insect repellent to protect against dengue and malaria, which are common during the wet season. Lastly, be wary of "unofficial" police roadblocks, especially near the border with Haiti, and always carry a copy of your passport while keeping the original in a secure hotel safe.