All destinations

Dominican Republic

Caribbean · Updated April 2026

See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave.

Current alert — Global Measles

CDC has a Level 1 notice for global measles. Make sure you are fully vaccinated against measles before international travel.

Planning a trip to the Dominican Republic? CDC recommends Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines for most travellers because food- and water-borne illness is common outside resort kitchens. Your doctor may also discuss Hepatitis B and rabies depending on your itinerary. See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before departure to match the plan to your trip.

Malaria risk is in some provinces including parts of La Altagracia (Punta Cana area). Dengue and Zika circulate; use mosquito-bite prevention.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to Dominican Republic from most countries.

Exception: Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination — Required for travellers arriving from specific Brazilian states with yellow fever transmission risk (Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo).

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to Dominican Republic.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Two doses at 0 and 6–12 months. Over 90% of people develop protective antibodies within a month of the first dose, so one dose is usually enough for the trip itself. No booster needed after the full series.

Food & Water

Typhoid

A bacterial infection spread through food and water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Risk is higher in rural areas and when eating with locals.

The injected vaccine is a single dose at least 2 weeks before travel and lasts 2 years. The oral version is four capsules taken every other day, completed at least a week before travel, and lasts 5 years. Neither is 100% effective — safe food and water habits still matter.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Malaria

Not a vaccine

Risk in Azua, Elías Piña, La Altagracia, San Juan, and Santo Domingo provinces, plus parts of the capital. Punta Cana resort area is in La Altagracia — discuss with a travel doctor if visiting.

Discuss prescription chemoprophylaxis with a travel doctor if your itinerary includes risk areas.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.
Polio
A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Flu (Influenza)
An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.
Shingles
Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).
COVID-19
Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

Yellow fever certificateOnly if arriving from a YF-risk country

Dengue, Zika, and leishmaniasis are insect-borne risks. Schistosomiasis and leptospirosis are present in fresh water; avoid floodwater after hurricanes.

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Dominican Republic.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.