23/06/2017
LOCAL LAWS ANS SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
US DEPT STATE
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to all local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, fined, deported, and/or imprisoned.
Some crimes or offenses may lead to prosecution in the U.S., regardless of local laws. Also, see these links for details about crimes against minors abroad and other information on from the Department of Justice.
Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Dominican Republic are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Check our website for General Information on Legal Assistance and a List of Local Attorneys.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.
LGBTI Travelers: There is cultural discrimination against LGBTI individuals and the government does not legally recognize same-sex unions. For more detailed information about LGBTI rights, you may review the Department of State’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
For further information on LGBTI travel, please read our Information for LGBTI Travelers page.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: The law provides for physical access for persons with disabilities to all new public and private buildings, but the authorities do not enforce this provision and sidewalks are generally in disrepair and pose a hazard to all pedestrians.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Disaster Preparedness: The Embassy encourages both U.S. citizen residents and visitors to register with the Embassy on or before your arrival to the country. In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, this will assist in effort to keep you informed. You may register through the State Department's travel registration website. U.S. citizens who have previously registered with the U.S. Embassy do not need to register again. Additional information on natural disasters and disaster preparedness can be found on our website.
Real Estate: Real estate investments require a high level of caution, as property rights are irregularly enforced and investors often encounter problems in receiving clear title to land. We recommend consultation with a reputable attorney before signing documents or closing on any real estate transactions. Real estate investments by U.S. citizens have been the subject of both legal and physical takeover attempts. Absentee landlords and absentee owners of undeveloped land are particularly vulnerable. Investors should seek solid property title and not just a “carta de constancia,” which is often confused with a title. An official land registry measurement (also known as “deslinde” or “mensura catastral”) is also desirable for the cautious overseas investor. Investors should also consider purchasing title insurance.
Scams: Be alert to a scam which targets elderly citizens. The perpetrator contacts a grandparent on the telephone pretending to be a law enforcement official, an attorney, or a U.S. Embassy official and informs them that a loved one has been arrested overseas. The caller instructs the victim to wire cash. In some instances, impersonators portray the role of the scared grandchild. When in doubt, please attempt to contact your loved one directly.