U.S. and Dominican Republic Deepen Anti-Drug Cooperation in 2026

Travelers and expats in the Dominican Republic can expect continued security collaboration between Santo Domingo and Washington, following a high-level visit aimed at reinforcing joint efforts against drug trafficking and terrorism.

High-Level Meetings in Santo Domingo

According to Dominican Today, Michael Buemi, who serves as U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Counternarcotics Policy and Stabilization, traveled to the Dominican Republic this month to meet with senior security officials. His agenda included talks with José Manuel Cabrera Ulloa of the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), along with leaders from the country's intelligence and military agencies.

The conversations centered on tightening operational coordination between the two nations and improving how they tackle transnational criminal organizations operating in the Caribbean region.

Why This Matters for Travelers

The Dominican Republic sits along key maritime routes used by traffickers moving between South America and North America, which is why bilateral security partnerships with the United States have long been a priority. Stronger cooperation typically translates into more visible law enforcement activity at ports, airports, and along coastal areas — places that also see heavy tourist traffic.

For most visitors, this kind of collaboration is largely invisible during a typical vacation. However, travelers may notice enhanced screening procedures at Punta Cana, Las Américas, or Cibao international airports, and occasional checkpoints on highways connecting major resort zones.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Carry proper identification at all times. A passport copy or Dominican-issued ID is recommended when moving between provinces.
• Expect routine checks when traveling overland, particularly near border areas with Haiti or along major coastal highways.
• Avoid carrying unknown packages for anyone, including new acquaintances — a basic precaution given the country's role as a transit point.
• Stay informed through your embassy's travel notifications if you are a long-term visitor or expat.

For those living in or visiting the DR, the takeaway is reassuring: strengthened cooperation on counternarcotics tends to support overall public safety in tourist hubs. As reported by Dominican Today, both governments view the partnership as essential to regional stability heading further into 2026.