Dominican Republic Hits Historic Low Homicide Rate, Strengthens U.S. Ties
Dominican Republic Showcases Security Gains on International Stage
The Dominican Republic is positioning itself as a key security ally of the United States, a message delivered this week at the Miami Security Forum, according to Dominican Today. Interior and Police Minister Faride Raful represented President Luis Abinader at the inaugural gathering, which was hosted by the Heritage Foundation and convened defense officials, security experts, and private sector figures from across the Western Hemisphere.
A Record Low Homicide Rate
During her remarks, Minister Raful shared figures that should reassure anyone planning a visit to the country. As reported by Dominican Today, the national homicide rate fell to 8.15 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025 — the lowest level ever documented in the Dominican Republic. That represents a drop of close to 15 percent compared with the previous year.
For context, this places the DR among the safer destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America for international travelers, well below the regional average.
What It Means for Travelers and Expats
For tourists heading to Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, or Samaná in 2026, the takeaway is straightforward: the country continues to invest in public safety, and the data reflects measurable improvement. The strengthening relationship with U.S. security agencies — a central theme of the Miami forum — also points to ongoing cooperation on issues such as transnational crime, port security, and aviation safety, all of which indirectly support a smoother travel experience.
Expats considering relocation to popular hubs like Las Terrenas, Cabarete, or Bávaro can view these statistics as another encouraging signal alongside the country's stable currency and growing infrastructure.
Practical Advice
Travelers should still follow standard precautions common to any international destination: use authorized taxis or rideshare apps, store valuables in hotel safes, and stay aware of surroundings in busy urban areas. Tourist zones remain heavily patrolled by CESTUR, the specialized tourism police, who are typically multilingual and accustomed to assisting foreign visitors throughout 2026.