Dominica officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island republic in the West Indies. The capital, Roseau, is located on the western side of the island..
Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island nation with natural hot springs and tropical rainforests. Morne Trois Pitons National Park is home to the volcanically heated, steam-covered Boiling Lake. The park also encompasses sulphur vents, the 65m-tall Trafalgar Falls and narrow Titou Gorge. To the west is Dominica’s capital, Roseau, with colorful timber houses and botanic gardens.
Capital: Roseau
Vernacular languages: Dominican Creole French
Currency: Eastern Caribbean dollar
Natural disasters & climate
-Hurricane season
Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.
These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.
If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:
know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
-Hurricane Isaac
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is issuing advisories on Hurricane Isaac. As the storm develops, the NHC will continue to issue alerts and warnings for the potentially affected areas.
If you reside in or are travelling to Dominica:
monitor local news and weather reports
follow the instructions of local authorities
contact your travel agent or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt travel arrangements
Aftermath of the 2017 hurricane season
Hurricane Maria swept Dominica as a major hurricane on September 19, 2017 causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructures on the island.
Reconstruction efforts are ongoing. Douglas–Charles Airport as well as the ferry terminal to Guadeloupe and Saint Lucia are operational. Transportation routes and medical services are functional. Electricity has been restored in Roseau and Portsmouth and it is expected that island-wide access to power will be restored by April 2018. Telecommunications systems were heavily damaged, and in some areas, are still not completely restored. Accommodation options are available but limited.
Contact your travel agent to determine whether the situation will disrupt travel plans.
-Seismic activity
Dominica is located in an active seismic zone.
Laws & culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
-Illegal drugs
Possession of illegal drugs, including marijuana, may lead to large fines or imprisonment.
-Laws
It is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in army or camouflage clothing or to carry items made of camouflage material.
Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the import or export of certain items, including business equipment, food and beverages, paints, varnishes and other chemicals.
-Driving
Traffic drives on the left.
To drive in Dominica, you must have a valid driver’s licence and obtain a Dominican driver’s permit, which can be purchased from one of the airports or car rental firms, or from the Traffic and Licensing Department on High Street, in Roseau.
-Money
The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar (XCD). U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
Health
-Related Travel Health Notices
Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Caribbean - October 3, 2017
Zika virus: Advice for travellers - February 12, 2018
Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel.
Vaccines
Food/Water
Insects
Malaria
Animals
Person-to-Person
Medical services and facilities
Medical care is limited in Dominica. Although there are hospitals and clinics located on the island, Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau is the only hospital equipped to handle general surgery and emergency operations. Ambulance response times are quick throughout Dominica.
Medical expenses can be very costly, even for basic services, and immediate cash payment for medical treatment may be required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation, if required. Consult Well on Your Way
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as your country. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Entry/exit requirements
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Consulate General of the Commonwealth of Dominica. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates .
-Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
-Regular passport
Your passport must be valid for your return trip to your country from Dominica. To enter Dominica, you can show documents certifying proof of citizenship that also bear a photograph.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Official travel
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Tourist visa: Not required for up to six months
Business visa: Not required
Student visa: Required
-Other entry requirements
You must present proof of onward travel or a return ticket.
All citizens transiting the United States when travelling to and from Dominica by air must also comply with U.S. entry requirements.
-Airport tax
You must pay an airport tax of approximately US$22 upon departure. The tax is usually included in the price of your ticket.
Safety and security
-Crime
Petty crime, including theft from vehicles, occurs. Never leave your personal belongings unattended on the beach, in parked cars or in unsecured hotel rooms or rental apartments. Use your hotel safe to store your valuables and passport and other travel documents, but be sure it is bolted to the wall or the floor. Carry a photocopy of your passport’s identification page with you at all times.
Robberies and violent assaults have occurred near tourist facilities. Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear jewellery. Avoid unpatrolled beaches and unpopulated areas, especially after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe.
Crime increases during annual celebrations such as Carnival (February 2018) and the World Creole Music Festival in October.
-Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.
-Women's safety
Incidents of sexual assault occur. -travel guide for travel safety information specifically for Canadian women.
-Road safety
Roads are narrow, steep and winding and have limited guardrails, traffic signs, lane markings and hazard warnings. Most roads outside the capital city, Roseau, are unlit. Avoid driving at night. Road conditions can deteriorate significantly during and after heavy rains. Roadside assistance is not widely available. Ensure you have a good road map and purchase sufficient vehicle insurance. In the event of an accident, call the police and do not move the vehicle. If renting a vehicle, opt for four-wheel-drive vehicles such as a jeep, given the terrain.
-Public transportation
Minibuses and taxis are available. Only use licensed taxis. Agree to the fare in local currency with the driver before you set off, as taxis are not metered.
-Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
-Boiling Lake
Boiling Lake is a volcano-hydrothermal phenomenon located in Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Due to fluctuations in the water level and potent fumes emanating from the lake, the government of Dominica has temporarily closed the site to the public. Do not attempt to swim in the lake, as the water can return to its original boiling state with little or no warning, and small steam explosions may occur.
-Recreational activities and excursions
Ensure that the recreational activities you choose are covered by your travel insurance and that sporting and aquatic equipment is safe and in good condition, especially for scuba diving. Ensure helmets and life jackets are available, if applicable. Avoid excursions that are not recommended by tour operators.
Exercise caution when swimming and seek information about water conditions such as strong currents, riptides and undertow. Take posted warnings about swimming conditions seriously and familiarize yourself with the beach flagging system. Some beaches are not supervised by lifeguards.
-If you intend to hike:
never hike alone;
always hire an experienced guide and ensure that the tour operator company is reputable;
ensure that you are in top physical condition;
advise a family member or friend of your itinerary;
register when entering national parks;
know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal; and
obtain detailed information on trekking routes before you set out.
Risk level(s)
Dominica - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Dominica due to damage caused by Hurricane Maria.