Moderate riskAmericas · CaribbeanDominican Republic Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Dominican Republic carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain provinces including resort areas. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: Dominican Republic. Editorial sections reviewed by Voyax Health pharmacists ·
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
December to April is dry and cooler. Hurricane season runs June to November, peaking August to October, and dengue rises with the rains.
Travel health in Dominican Republic
For most visitors to Punta Cana, Puerto Plata or Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's health prep is hepatitis A, typhoid for anyone leaving the resort, and a travelers' diarrhea plan; resort buffets are the usual source of illness. Dengue is present year-round and rises in the rainy season. Malaria exists at low levels, mainly in the west near the Haitian border, and whether pills are needed depends on where you go beyond the resort. Cholera has reappeared periodically since 2022, another reason to be careful with water and raw food.
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccines are up to date, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for most travelers to the Dominican Republic, including infants 6-11 months old.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for travelers under 60 years old. Those 60 and older may also choose to get vaccinated.
Measles
Measles cases are rising worldwide. Make sure you're fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least 2 weeks before travel, including early vaccination for infants 6-11 months.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers, especially if staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Rabies
Consider rabies vaccination if you'll be around animals or in remote areas where medical care might be limited. Rabies vaccines may only be available in larger medical facilities.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for the Dominican Republic itself, but is required if you're coming from certain states in Brazil.
Cholera
Cholera vaccine is not needed as there is no active cholera transmission in the Dominican Republic.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in certain provinces including resort areas. Take antimalarial medication if visiting Azua, Elias Piña, La Altagracia, San Juan, or Santo Domingo provinces. In other areas, focus on preventing mosquito bites.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Western provinces near Haiti; low risk in Santo Domingo, Punta Cana.
Malaria risk
Malaria risk is limited to certain areas. Whether you need antimalarial medication depends on your itinerary — see details.
Malaria risk exists in certain provinces including resort areas. Take antimalarial medication if visiting Azua, Elias Piña, La Altagracia, San Juan, or Santo Domingo provinces. In other areas, focus on preventing mosquito bites.
Seasonal timing
When health risks peak through the year — plan around them.
Peak
June to November
Dengue
Nationwide including resort areas. Day-biting mosquitoes; repellent by the pool matters.
Peak
Year-round
Travelers' diarrhea
Very common in all-inclusive resorts. Carry oral rehydration salts and a standby antibiotic for moderate or severe illness.
Peak
August to October
Hurricanes
Storms disrupt travel and increase waterborne illness afterwards. Check forecasts and insurance cover.
Water & food safety
Water
Do not drink tap water anywhere, including resorts. Resorts supply bottled water and use purified ice; outside them, use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
Food
Resort buffets are the main source of travelers' diarrhea: choose freshly cooked hot items over dishes that have sat under lamps, and be wary of seafood and salads late in service. Outside resorts, busy comedores serving cooked food are a good choice.
Medications
Pharmacies in cities and resort towns stock common medications, and many are available without prescription. Bring your own regular and controlled medications with documentation; quality and availability vary outside Santo Domingo.
On the ground
Medical facilities
Santo Domingo and Santiago have good private hospitals (CEDIMAT, Hospiten). Punta Cana has private clinics geared to tourists that charge high prices and may require payment or insurance authorization before treatment.
Travel insurance
Essential. Resort-area clinics are expensive and some have been reported to pressure visitors into unnecessary procedures; a policy with a 24-hour assistance line helps.
Emergency numbers
Police
911
Medical / Ambulance
911
Fire
911
U.S. Embassy
+1-809-221-2171
Dominican Republic travel health FAQ
Do I need malaria pills for Punta Cana?▼
Malaria is present at low levels in the Dominican Republic, with most cases in the west near Haiti. For resort stays many travellers are advised bite prevention rather than pills, while travel to the border provinces or rural areas may warrant prophylaxis. Your pharmacist will weigh your exact itinerary. Dengue is the more likely mosquito disease at the resorts.
Why do so many people get sick at all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic?▼
Buffet food held at unsafe temperatures, shared serving utensils, and ice or drinks made with untreated water are the usual causes. Choose freshly cooked dishes, drink sealed bottled water, and wash hands before eating. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination cover the more serious risks.
Which vaccines are recommended for the Dominican Republic?▼
Routine vaccines and hepatitis A for everyone; typhoid for anyone leaving the resort or staying longer; hepatitis B for most. Cholera vaccine can be considered for travellers visiting areas with active outbreaks. Yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from a yellow fever country.
More country guides
AnguillaLow riskAnguilla carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Antigua and BarbudaLow riskAntigua and Barbuda carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
ArubaLow riskAruba carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for direct travel from the US, but required if coming from countries with yellow fever risk
Plan your Dominican Republic trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Dominican Republic — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: Dominican Republic · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.