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Disaster Preparedness

The Embassy encourages both American citizen residents and visitors to the Dominican Republic to enroll with the Embassy on or before your arrival to the country.  In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, this will assist in the Embassy’s effort to keep you informed.  You may enroll through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. American citizens who have previously enrolled with the U.S. Embassy do not need to enroll again.

Below is some information about various types of disasters and steps you can take to inform and protect yourself.

Hurricanes – The Dominican Republic is a hurricane-prone country.  You can learn how to prepare for a hurricane at Ready.gov and our hurricane page.

Rainstorms – In addition to hurricanes, the Dominican Republic may experience storms that bring significant amounts of rain. The rainy season lasts from May until November of each year.  To learn what you should do in the event of a severe storm, visit .

Floods – Due to the amount of potential rainfall during hurricanes and storms, flooding is a possible threat in low-lying areas. Visit these FEMA resources to prepare yourself against floods.

Earthquakes – The Dominican Republic lies near the boundary between the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates.  As a result, the risk level in the Dominican Republic is considered moderate.  Historically, the country has experienced approximately one earthquake each year.  The U.S. Geological Survey and FEMA have excellent resources about preparing for an earthquake. During an earthquake, protect yourself by following the steps at www.ready.gov/earthquakes

Tsunamis – A Tsunami is a series of huge waves (up to 100 feet high) that occur after an undersea earthquake or volcanic eruption.  Although tsunamis are rare, the Dominican Republic experienced two major tsunamis in 1946 and 1953, caused by strong earthquakes north of the Dominican Republic.  Please visit FEMA information on tsunami readiness.

Be Prepared for Any Disaster

We recommend that you take measures to prepare and protect yourself in the event of any disaster.  For more information about how to prepare, please visit the following websites:

For updated information on the security situation in the Dominican Republic, please contact the American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section Embassy is located at Av. República de Colombia #57, telephone 809-567-7775; e-mail SDOAmericans@state.gov;

Updated information on travel in the Dominican Republic may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.  For further information please consult the Consular Information Sheet for Santo Domingo, which is available at http://travel.state.gov.