The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo has announced it will remain closed on Friday, October 24, 2025, due to the ongoing threat from Tropical Storm Melissa. All consular services and appointments scheduled for that day have been canceled.
U.S. citizens who require emergency assistance are advised to call 809-567-7775. The embassy stated that routine services at the Consular Agencies in Puerto Plata and Punta Cana will continue as long as conditions allow, based on the storm’s current path.
Individuals with passport, visa, or other consular service appointments will receive instructions by email regarding how to reschedule. The Visas Assistance Center at Sambil will also be closed until further notice.
The Dominican Republic’s Emergency Operations Center (COE) continues to issue red alerts for several provinces because of the expected heavy rainfall and strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Melissa. Information about alert levels in each province can be found through COE’s website or their mobile app “alertaCOE.” The National Hurricane Center also provides updates in English at https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
The embassy has provided several safety recommendations: check emails for appointment rescheduling information; stay updated on flight status with airlines; avoid floodwaters and bridges; move to higher ground if necessary; do not leave vehicles trapped in moving water unless it is safe; contact local authorities for help if needed; and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/ for updates relevant to travelers and residents.
Additional resources include Ready.gov for emergency preparedness tips, maintaining up-to-date travel documents, reviewing family contingency plans, and notifying loved ones if safe during an emergency.
For non-emergency inquiries, individuals can contact SDOAmericans@state.gov or visit https://do.usembassy.gov/. Further assistance is available from the State Department – Consular Affairs by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.
Updates are also available via the embassy’s social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.