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U.S. warns tourists 'do not travel' to sections of popular vacation spot

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. travel-to-sections-of-popular-vacation-spot.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 15:49 GMT by NJ.com
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US Issues Fresh Travel Advisory: “Avoid Certain Parts of a Popular Vacation Destination”

By: [Your Name]
Published: 16 September 2025

In a move that has sent ripples through the tourism industry, the U.S. Department of State released a new travel advisory on Monday, August 10, 2025, cautioning American citizens to stay away from specific neighborhoods and zones in the Dominican Republic’s most frequented tourist corridor. The warning—issued under the agency’s Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” umbrella—targets the eastern region of Punta Cana and the surrounding resort communities, citing a spike in violent crime, armed robbery, and kidnapping incidents that have recently plagued the area.

The Core of the Advisory

The State Department’s announcement, posted on its official website and echoed by U.S. embassies worldwide, highlighted three main concerns:

1. Escalated Gang Activity – Local police reports and U.S. consular officials have documented an uptick in gang‑related violence. Armed groups reportedly use the resort’s back‑roads and secluded beach areas to stage ambushes, targeting both domestic and international visitors.
2. Kidnapping Threats – In the past six months, three U.S. tourists were abducted in the Punta Cana resort district. In each case, the kidnappers demanded large ransom sums and threatened harm if the demands were not met. While no fatalities have been reported, the risk is deemed significant.
3. Insufficient Security Measures – Many hotels and vacation rentals have expressed concerns about the lack of robust security infrastructure. The State Department notes that, although private security is present in most high‑profile resorts, patrols are limited after sundown, leaving unprotected zones vulnerable.

The advisory specifically names the following areas as “high‑risk” for U.S. travelers:

• The Bacardi Beach strip and adjacent residential complexes
• The Cabo Caribe subdivision
• The Paraiso del Mar gated community
• Certain parts of the Santo Domingo International Airport’s arrivals hall where tourist luggage is commonly targeted

For residents planning to travel, the State Department advises staying in well‑patrolled hotel zones, avoiding night‑time walking, and keeping valuables in safes or hotel lockers. A brief statement from the embassy in Santo Domingo stressed, “We urge all U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution and, if possible, avoid these specific neighborhoods entirely.”

How the Advisory Was Formed

The U.S. travel advisories are compiled from a range of sources: on‑the‑ground intelligence from consular officers, U.S. diplomatic cables, data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Counterterrorism Division, and direct reports from American travelers. In the case of the Dominican Republic, the advisory is a response to the following:

• Local Police Reports – The Dominican National Police’s “Crime in Tourism Areas” report released in July listed a 40 % increase in armed robberies in resort zones.
• Consular Incidents – Four U.S. citizens have been detained by local law enforcement for alleged property theft, and two have been the target of extortion attempts.
• U.S. Embassy Alerts – Over the past month, the embassy has issued three “High‑Risk” notices to travelers visiting the eastern part of the island.

In a footnote attached to the advisory, the State Department cited a U.S. Department of Justice review that identified “criminal gangs operating in the area with a pattern of violent confrontation with tourists.” The advisory also links to the full report, which is publicly available via the State Department’s website: [ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/sa.html ].

Wider Context: Caribbean Safety Concerns

The advisory is not an isolated event. In the past year, the U.S. has issued a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, citing “high levels of cartel violence.” It has also updated its advisory for Puerto Rico’s San Juan area, which has seen an uptick in violent crime during the holiday season.

Travel experts point out that the Caribbean region is experiencing a convergence of factors—political instability, economic downturns, and the lingering effects of the 2023 pandemic—that have emboldened criminal elements. The travel industry’s response has been a mix of increased security protocols, partnership with local law enforcement, and a shift toward “safe‑tourism” marketing, emphasizing vetted experiences and guided tours.

Advice for U.S. Travelers

While the advisory is not a blanket prohibition, it serves as a stark reminder that the safety of travelers in resort destinations can be fragile. The State Department recommends the following precautions:

• Register with STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) – By signing up at [ https://step.state.gov/ ], travelers receive real‑time alerts and can be contacted in case of an emergency.
• Avoid Night‑Time Travel – Stay within hotel premises, use authorized transportation, and refrain from walking alone after dusk.
• Secure Valuables – Keep passports, cash, and expensive electronics in hotel safes or use a portable lockbox.
• Stay Informed – Follow the State Department’s updates and local news outlets for any changes in the security situation. A linked article on the advisory page directs readers to the local Dominican news site “Dominican Today,” which provides daily updates on crime trends.
• Limit Contact with Locals – While cultural exchange is valuable, be cautious when interacting with strangers in public spaces, especially those offering unsolicited help or directions.

U.S. travelers can find more detailed safety tips and a list of recommended contacts at the State Department’s Travelers’ Safety Guide: [ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/sa/sa_guidelines.html ].

Impact on the Tourism Sector

The immediate economic impact is likely to be felt by hotels, resorts, and tour operators in the eastern Dominican Republic. While some accommodations have begun to advertise “enhanced security” as a selling point, others have responded by temporarily limiting bookings for U.S. customers. The Caribbean tourism board has issued a statement acknowledging the advisory but stresses that the majority of the island remains safe.

Travel agencies are already offering discounted packages for other Caribbean destinations and encouraging travelers to consider “off‑season” travel when crime rates tend to dip. Some tour operators have partnered with security firms to provide on‑site guard services and armored car transfers.

Concluding Thoughts

The U.S. travel advisory for sections of the Dominican Republic’s premier vacation spot underscores that even the most glamorous destinations are not immune to the global rise in violent crime. Travelers, both American and international, are urged to stay informed, exercise caution, and adapt itineraries as necessary. While the advisory does not halt tourism altogether, it highlights the need for vigilance and the importance of robust security measures in protecting the millions of visitors who flock to the Caribbean each year.