State Department Issues Travel Warning for Dominican Republic

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The US State Department has issued a travel advisory for one Caribbean hotspot.
Amid an increase in violent crime and sexual assaults, the State Department is urging Americans traveling to the Dominican Republic to “exercise increased caution.”
“Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault is a concern throughout the Dominican Republic,” the State Department said in an advisory. “The wide availability of weapons, the use and trade of illicit drugs, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the high level of criminality on the broader scale.”
The State Department noted that, for the most part, resort areas are safer compared to metropolitan areas such as Santo Domingo. However, they urge tourists in resort areas to avoid dark, secluded locations, especially if they are alone, and to stay away from the beaches at night. They also urge tourists to avoid wearing expensive jewelry and not to resist robbery attempts.
According to USA Today, there have been recent reports of U.S. citizens being robbed by people they met off dating apps in the Dominican Republic. Reports of date rape drug incidents have also occurred at major resorts and hotels.