Health
Use normal traveler precautions: drink sealed or treated water when unsure, choose well-cooked food, wash hands, and avoid untreated freshwater where sanitation is poor. Mosquitoes can transmit dengue, Zika and malaria in some areas, so use repellent and screened/AC rooms. Beach areas are low altitude; mountain hikes can be hot, sunny and higher. After storms, avoid floodwater and muddy water.
Vaccinations
Consult a doctor or travel clinic at least 1 month before travel. Be up to date on routine vaccines, including MMR, polio, flu, varicella, Tdap, shingles as age-appropriate, plus COVID-19. CDC commonly recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid for many travelers; rabies pre-exposure may be considered for higher-risk activities or remote stays. Ask about malaria prevention for listed risk provinces. Yellow-fever vaccine is not recommended for direct U.S. travel, but proof may be required if arriving from Venezuela or specified Brazilian states, including certain long transits.
eSIM / connectivity
eSIM is practical in tourist areas if your phone is unlocked and compatible. Claro Dominicana officially supports eSIM, including prepaid, postpaid and control lines. Altice is another major local mobile carrier; confirm current eSIM/prepaid availability before arrival or at a carrier shop. Physical prepaid SIMs remain common, and travel eSIM providers sell Dominican Republic data plans, but check coverage for rural beaches and mountains.
Health/vaccine info is reference only, not medical advice — consult a doctor or travel clinic; defer to CDC/WHO and official sources (as of 2026-06-20).