Dominican Rep.
Caribbean · Central America & Caribbean · Physician brief
Yellow fever — entry certificate only if arriving from a risk country
There is no yellow fever risk in the Dominican Republic and the vaccine is not recommended for the destination itself. A YF vaccination certificate is required only for travelers arriving from (or transiting) a country with yellow fever transmission risk (including certain states of Brazil). Direct travel from Switzerland is not affected.
CDC / WHO ↗ · Updated 2026
Vaccines
Disease-specific guidance
Malaria
LowRisk is limited and present year-round in certain provinces; the parasite is P. falciparum and remains chloroquine-sensitive. Risk areas include Azua, Elías Piña, La Altagracia, San Juan, and parts of Greater Santo Domingo. Notably, La Altagracia contains the main resort zone of Punta Cana / Bávaro, which has historically carried low-level risk — discuss prophylaxis or standby treatment for stays there with a travel medicine specialist. All other provinces need mosquito protection only.
- Risk areas
- Azua, Elías Piña, La Altagracia, San Juan, parts of Santo Domingo
- Resorts
- Punta Cana / Bávaro (La Altagracia) — low-level risk historically
- Parasite
- P. falciparum, chloroquine-sensitive
- Prevention
- Mosquito protection; prophylaxis/standby for risk areas
Dengue
HighEndemic year-round, with peaks during and after the rainy season. Transmission occurs across the country including resort areas. Daytime mosquito-bite prevention is the main protection.
- Distribution
- Nationwide, including resort areas
- Season
- Year-round; peaks in rainy season
- Mosquito
- Aedes aegypti — bites during daytime
Chikungunya
ModerateThe Dominican Republic was heavily affected during the 2014 Caribbean chikungunya epidemic and continues to report periodic activity, including travel-associated regional spread. The same daytime Aedes mosquito vector as dengue, so dengue prevention also protects against chikungunya. Vaccination is considered in outbreak settings (see EKRM statement).
Zika
PresentZika transmission has been reported in the Dominican Republic. Because Zika infection in pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, pregnant travelers are advised not to travel to areas with risk; those planning pregnancy should discuss timing and precautions with their doctor. Zika can also be sexually transmitted, so condom use and bite prevention are advised for couples.
- Pregnancy
- Avoid travel if pregnant; risk of birth defects
- Mosquito
- Aedes aegypti — bites during daytime
- Sexual
- Can be sexually transmitted — use condoms
General prevention
Food & water
Use bottled or filtered water, avoid ice from unverified sources, and pay attention to food hygiene. Standard tropical precautions reduce the risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid — especially relevant outside large all-inclusive resorts. Avoid wading in floodwater (leptospirosis).
Mosquito protection
Year-round dengue risk — with periodic Zika and chikungunya activity — means daytime mosquito protection (DEET or picaridin repellent, long sleeves) is important, including in resort areas. For travel to the malaria-risk provinces, including La Altagracia (Punta Cana / Bávaro), also protect at dawn and dusk and discuss prophylaxis with a travel medicine specialist.
Sources
Based on CDC Travelers’ Health, CDC Yellow Book, and the Swiss Federal Vaccination Schedule (BAG). Always verify current recommendations before travel.
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This brief is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.