Location: All parts of the Dominican Republic
Event: The National Hurricane Center has updated guidance regarding Hurricane Fiona which is expected to reach the Dominican Republic on Sunday, September 18. A Hurricane Warning has been issued for the coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Caucedo to Cabo Frances Viejo. A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning have been issued for the north coast of the Dominican Republic from Cabo Frances Viejo westward to Puerto Plata. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the south coast of the Dominican Republic west of Cabo Caucedo to Barahona. The Dominican Republic Center of Emergency Operations has issued alerts for the entire country. The Dominican government has designated Monday, September 19 as a holiday.
In the interests of safety, the Consular Section in Santo Domingo and Consular Agencies in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata will not provide in-person services at our offices on Monday, September 19. The Consular Section will reschedule cancelled appointments as soon as possible.
For U.S. citizens with emergencies, see contact information below.
Safety Recommendations Related to Severe Weather:
· Remain current on weather, road and water conditions through news sources such as the National Hurricane Center https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
· Contact police or other authorities if you encounter dangerous conditions and follow warnings and directions provided. If you have an emergency, call 911. The tourist police (POLITUR) central number is 809-200-3500 (assistance available in English) or via mobile app “POLITUR APP”
· Spanish language alerts are available from the website of the Dominican Emergency Operations Center (COE) http://www.coe.gob.do/ or via their mobile app “alertaCOE”
· U.S. citizen residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Program which enables the Embassy to share both emergency and routine information relevant to the Dominican Republic at https://step.state.gov/
· Visit Ready.gov for tips on emergency preparedness
· Update and review your family’s contingency plans. All U.S. citizens should have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
· Make sure your travel documents are up to date and easily accessible.
· If you are in an emergency and are safe, be sure to notify friends and loved ones.
· Never attempt to drive through standing water; find alternate routes.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Av. República de Colombia 57, Santo Domingo
Emergencies: 809-567-7775
Non-emergency inquiries: SDOAmericans@state.gov
Website: https://do.usembassy.gov/ or follow on Twitter and Facebook
Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada 1-202-501-4444 from other countries or follow on Twitter and Facebook
Dominican Republic Country Information Page
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for security updates