Health in the Dominican Republic for travelling couples: vaccines, mosquitoes, water and STIs

Travelling healthily to the Dominican Republic means preparing three things: vaccines and mosquito protection, reliable medical insurance and a clear plan to prevent sexually transmitted infections if you will meet other people on the trip. This guide draws on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention traveller page (last reviewed on 3 September 2026), the British FCDO advice and the recommendations of Spain's Foreign Ministry, all checked on 7 November 2026. It does not replace a medical consultation: book an appointment at a travel vaccination clinic at least 8 weeks ahead, as the FCDO recommends.

Vaccines recommended by the CDC

The CDC recommends being up to date with routine vaccines, including MMR (measles), and says hepatitis A is recommended for unvaccinated travellers aged one or over and hepatitis B for unvaccinated travellers under 60. It suggests considering typhoid if you will visit areas with poor sanitation or stay a month or more, and consulting a doctor about rabies. For mpox, the CDC recommends the vaccine for adults who expect activities such as having new sexual partners. It does not recommend the yellow fever or cholera vaccines for this destination. Yellow fever entry requirements affect travellers coming from certain areas of Brazil and Venezuela, according to official tourism.

Mosquitoes: dengue, Zika and malaria

The FCDO lists dengue, malaria and Oropouche virus disease as risks, and Spain's Foreign Ministry cites dengue, malaria, Zika and chikungunya: use repellent, mosquito nets and clothing that covers the body. On malaria, the CDC (page updated in April 2025) says transmission is concentrated mainly in the provinces of Azua, Elias Pina, La Altagracia, San Juan and Santo Domingo, including resort areas, for which it recommends discussing chemoprophylaxis; elsewhere, only bite-avoidance measures. Because La Altagracia includes Punta Cana, speak to a doctor before you travel.

Water, food and swimming

Tap water is not drinkable (FCDO), and Spain recommends bottled water and caution with ice. The CDC advises against swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water (lakes, ponds, rivers) because of the risk of schistosomiasis and leptospirosis.

Medical care and insurance

Public health care is limited; private care is good but costly (FCDO). Spain stresses that there is no agreement with Dominican social security, that you should take comprehensive insurance with repatriation and bring your usual medication because of drug costs and the existence of adulterated products outside pharmacy channels. The FCDO warns that someone who cannot pay a hospital bill may be unable to leave the country until it is settled. For an ambulance, call 911 in Santo Domingo, or Politur on +1 809 200 3500 elsewhere (FCDO).

STI prevention when meeting new partners

The CDC page recommends using latex condoms correctly, limiting alcohol and not sharing needles or objects that can break the skin. In the lifestyle scene, the common and useful practice is to agree protection rules with your partner beforehand, get tested regularly at a health service and carry your own condoms. Testing and vaccination against hepatitis A and B and, where relevant, mpox should be discussed with a sexual health professional in your own country before the trip.

Medication

Official tourism says medicines are allowed in personal quantities and psychotropic medicines require a prescription; carry medication in its original packaging with a prescription.