# Updated Travel Advisory: What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know Before Visiting the Dominican Republic
Planning a sunny escape from Ottawa’s unpredictable spring weather to the beaches of the Dominican Republic? Before you pack your bags, you need to know about the latest travel advisory update issued by the Government of Canada this week.
The Dominican Republic currently sits at **Level 2 — Exercise a High Degree of Caution**. While this doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip, it does mean you need to prepare differently than you would for a lower-risk destination. The March 18, 2026 update includes important safety information that could affect your vacation plans.
## Understanding the Current Risks
The advisory highlights several significant concerns for Canadian travellers. Crime remains the primary issue, with both petty theft and violent incidents occurring throughout the country—not just in cities, but within resort areas too. Pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and drive-by robberies targeting tourists have become increasingly common, even inside hotel properties and rooms.
The situation near Haiti’s border has deteriorated considerably. All land and sea crossings with Haiti are now closed, and the border region experiences regular disturbances with limited emergency services available. If your itinerary includes any northern regions, this is crucial information.
Police response times can be slow, particularly outside major tourist zones. This means you’re largely responsible for your own safety and security—making preparation essential rather than optional.
## Essential Preparation for Ottawa Travellers
Smart preparation goes beyond booking your all-inclusive package. Start with a comprehensive travel health consultation at least six weeks before departure. The Dominican Republic carries specific health risks including mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Ensuring your routine vaccinations are current—and getting recommended travel-specific vaccines—protects you from preventable diseases that could derail your vacation.
A travel health physician can also prescribe preventive medications for travellers’ diarrhea and other common ailments, plus help you assemble a proper medical kit. When local emergency services may not respond quickly, having the right medications and supplies becomes even more critical.
Beyond medical preparation, practical safety measures matter: photocopy your passport, register with the Canadian embassy, avoid displaying valuables, and stay within well-travelled tourist areas. Keep emergency contacts accessible and consider travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
## Don’t Leave Your Health to Chance
The combination of elevated crime risk and potential health threats makes professional travel health guidance invaluable. A consultation ensures you’re protected against both the obvious and overlooked risks specific to the Dominican Republic.
Travelling to Dominican Republic? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.