In this section, you will find information on what you should know about the Dominican Republic's legal system, and the legal system of the countries to which you will be traveling. If you are a U.S. citizen, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the Dominican Republic is limited in what it can do to assist you if you should get into legal trouble abroad. As a foreigner in a foreign land, you are obligated to act in accordance with foreign law.
Not knowing local laws can get you into serious trouble. Just because something is legal in the United States doesn't mean it is legal in the Dominican Republic. Most students who study abroad do not break the law on purpose; instead, they end up doing something illegal without knowing it. Even as a foreigner, you must obey all Dominican laws and the laws of other countries to which you are traveling.
If you break local laws while in the Dominican Republic, the U.S. government can do very little to help you. You are granted no special privileges or rights, and will be dealt with according to standard procedure of the legal system of the Dominican Republic. The U.S. and Dominican governments encourage all visitors to the Dominican Republic to become familiar with local laws before they visit. Upon arrival in the Dominican Republic, you may also wish to ask a Dominican official about local laws and procedures. Remember, most students who study abroad wind up breaking the law unintentionally, and alcohol or drug use has been associated with law–breaking in many cases.
For more complete information on Dominican laws and the Dominican legal system, visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State.
Know the Relevant Laws: Make sure you know the relevant laws for the Dominican Republic and each country to which you plan to travel. Foreign laws apply to visitors, regardless of the visitor's country of citizenship.
Travel Warnings and Country-Specific Information: Read the U.S. Department of State's Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets for information on the legal system in the Dominican Republic and in the countries to which you will be traveling.
Kidnapping/Terrorism Situations: If you are taken hostage or kidnapped by a terrorist organization, the U.S. State Department may help negotiate for your release. Check with your insurance provider to see if you can purchase additional kidnapping, terrorism or emergency assistance insurance for the Dominican Republic and the other countries to which you plan to travel.