Disaster Preparedness
The Embassy encourages both American citizen residents and visitors to the Dominican Republic to register 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 register through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. American citizens who have previously registered with the U.S. Embassy do not need to register 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 by visiting http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm.
To learn more about hurricanes, please visit our Hurricane webpage.
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: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/index.shtm.
Floods – Due to the amount of potential rainfall during hurricanes and storms, flooding is a possible threat in low-lying areas. To prepare yourself against floods, visit: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm.
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. To learn more about preparing for earthquakes, visit: www.usgs.gov or http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/index.shtm. During an earthquake, protect yourself by following the steps at www.dropcoverholdon.org.
Tsunamis – A Tsunami is a series of huge waves (up to 100 feet high) that happen after an undersea earthquake or volcano 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. For more information on tsunamis, including what to do in the event of a tsunami, please visit the following website: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/tsunami/index.shtm.
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 the corner of Cesar Nicolas Penson Street and Máximo Gómez Avenue, Santo Domingo, D.R.; telephone 809-731-4294; after hours emergency telephone 809-221-2171; ACS unit fax 809-689-6142; e-mail SDOAmericans@state.gov; web page santodomingo.usembassy.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 via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.