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.
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
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.
Cholera
Cholera vaccine is not needed as there is no active cholera transmission in the Dominican Republic.
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.
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 is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
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.
Emergency numbers
Police
911
Medical / Ambulance
911
Fire
911
U.S. Embassy
+1-809-221-2171
Dominican Republic travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Dominican Republic?▼
For travel to Dominican Republic, Routine Vaccines is required for entry; COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Cholera, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Dominican Republic?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Dominican Republic. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Dominican Republic?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Dominican Republic is currently rated 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.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Dominican Republic?▼
Key emergency numbers in Dominican Republic are Police 911, Medical / Ambulance 911, Fire 911 and U.S. Embassy +1-809-221-2171. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
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 · 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.