Ask the Consul
Prepare Yourself for Hurricane Season
The Dominican Republic lies in an area that is seasonally affected by hurricanes. The hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. In case of a hurricane, travelers may not be able to depart the area for at least 24-48 hours.
Should the situation require an evacuation, the U.S. State Department will work with commercial airlines to assist U.S, citizens to the extent possible. Generally, we are unable to assist Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs). The U.S. Government does not provide free transportation. U.S. travelers should contact their tour operators and local officials for evacuation instructions in case of an emergency. The Embassy encourages its citizens living in the Dominican Republic to prepare for hurricanes by maintaining a stock of bottled water, non-perishable food items, a battery-powered radio, vital identity documents stored in a waterproof container/bag, and prescription medications. U.S. citizens should ensure the family’s passports have not expired. While we will make every effort to assist Americans in a crisis, local
authorities are primarily responsible for the welfare of people in their
jurisdictions. U.S. citizens should monitor local radio, the Embassy website,
and other media monitor weather developments in their area. In the event of a
hurricane alert, the U.S. Embassy will post a notice on its web page at
http://santodomingo.usembassy.gov. Minor storms can develop into hurricanes quickly,
limiting the time available for an evacuation. After a hurricane, a great deal
of information of interest to U.S. citizens will be posted on our website.
Please check the site before calling the Embassy so the Embassy can focus on
helping its citizens. If internet access is unavailable, contact someone who
can check the site. Further information can be obtained by visiting the
National Weather Service website at
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov. | 
