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The United States government has dropped the level 4 ‘do not travel’ advisory for the Dominican Republic to a level 3 ‘reconsider travel’.
The U.S. Department of State updated the reduced advisory level on November 19, 2020 stating that travelers should ‘reconsider travel’ to the Dominican Republic due to ‘health and safety measures and COVID-related conditions’.
Initially when the U.S. dropped their global travel advisory they slapped the Dominican Republic with the level 4 ‘do not travel’ on August 6th. The level 4 warning is the highest level of advisory the Department of State issues.
With the upcoming holiday season, travelers will be relieved to see the lowered advisory as many travel insurance companies were still not offering coverage if a level 4 was in place.
The Dominican Republic has already become one of the top tourist destinations during the pandemic due to its easy entry requirements including no advanced testing or quarantines upon arrival.
For travelers arriving before the end of December, the Dominican Republic is also offering free travel insurance that covers COVID-19 while on the island.
The free travel insurance covered completely by the Dominican Republic government will cover emergency health costs in the case of a traveler falling ill with COVID-19. They will even cover lodging and flight change costs that could be incurred by an infection.
Travelers must be staying in a hotel to qualify.
CDC Advisory for Dominican Republic
The Center For Disease Control (CDC) has listed the Dominican Republic as a level 3 health warning due to COVID-19.
“Avoid non-essential travel. COVID-19 risk is high”
The warning also states that if American travelers do get sick in the Dominican Republic, medical care and access may be limited.
Level 3 ‘Reconsider Travel’ Advisory For The Dominican Republic
The current recent Travel Advisory for the Dominican Republic updated on November 19th reads “The Dominican Republic has lifted stay at home orders, and resumed some transportation options and business operations.”
“Exercise increased caution in the Dominican Republic due to crime.”
In the country summary, the U.S. Department of State states “Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic.”
Although these warnings are stern, the advisory did mention that a new tourist police team along with a 911 system have been implemented. There is also a large concentration of resources in tourist areas to help keep visitors safe.
The Dominican Republic was one of the first nations to reopen its borders for international tourism back on July 1st.
American and Canadian tourists are welcome and visitors may be selected for random COVID-19 breath tests upon arrival.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Stephen
Friday 20th of November 2020
This is good news for us, we're booked at an AI in Punta Cana for January and glad to see the travel advisory adjusted.
Wigmore
Friday 20th of November 2020
The USA should stop meddling in other countries affairs . We have no business at all in so called 'advising ' persons where and when they should go . FYI , Chicago , LA , Portland , NYC , Houston , etc. are far more dangerous and inappropriate to visit than anywhere in the D.R. Me now in Colombia which as well suffers from the same sort of ridiculous USA travel warnings and I can tell you it is all well and happy down here .
wigmore
Friday 20th of November 2020
Bring back the boss ....Raphael Trujillo .