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Before you travelÌý

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insuranceÌý

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.Ìý

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.Ìý

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Dominica’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Dominica set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .Ìý

Passport validity requirementsÌý

To enter Dominica, your passport must have an ‘expiry dateâ€� at least 6 months after the date you arrive.Ìý

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Visa requirementsÌý

You do not need a visa to visit Dominica. The border authorities will grant you a stay of 6 months on arrival. If you want to stay longer, you must arrange and pay for an extension with the .Ìý

It is illegal to overstay or work without a work permit.Ìý

Checks at border controlÌý

At border control, you may also need to show a return or onward ticket.Ìý

Departure taxÌý

There is a departure tax of 86 East Caribbean dollars or 33 US dollars. It is usually included in the cost of your plane ticket. You also need to pay departure tax if travelling by ferry.Ìý

Vaccine requirementsÌýÌý

To enter Dominica, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a .

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .Ìý

Customs rulesÌý

There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.Ìý

Taking money into DominicaÌýÌýÌý

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 East Caribbean dollars or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. Ìý

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There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌ�

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.Ìý

Terrorism in DominicaÌý

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Dominica, attacks cannot be ruled out.Ìý

Demonstrations

Protests and demonstrations sometimes occur in Dominica. There have been instances of police using tear gas to disperse protesters. Should a demonstration occur, avoid the area concerned and exercise caution.

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The crime rate in Dominica is low, but you could be at risk walking alone away from the main roads, particularly after dark.

Take precautions to protect your personal safety: �

• make sure your accommodation is secure â€� this also applies if you’re staying on a yacht Ì�

• take care when walking alone off main roadsÌý

• take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season Ì�

• avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark Ì�

• only use licensed taxis Ì�

• do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery Ì�

• leave valuables and travel documents in your hotel safe or a safety deposit box Ì�

• keep car doors locked when driving and do not stop if pedestrians try to flag down your vehicle

Laws and cultural differencesÌýÌý

Laws on clothingÌý

It is illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.ÌýÌý

Illegal drugs and prison sentencesÌý

There are severe penalties for drug offences. Pack all your luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.Ìý

LGBT+ travellersÌý

Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. Certain same-sex sexual acts are illegal. LGBT+ travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware thatÌýthey may receive unwanted and negative attention when showing affection in public.Ìý

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.Ìý

Outdoor activities and adventure tourismÌýÌý

Swimming safetyÌý

Take care when swimming. Currents can be stronger than they look and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.

See from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Hiking and mountaineeringÌý

Before hiking to the Boiling Lake, check with guides that it is safe to do so. You can also contact theâ€� or see their .Ìý

Transport risksÌýÌý

Road travelÌýÌý

If you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad. You need to arrange car rental ahead of your arrival.Ìý

You must show your UK driving licence to get a temporary Dominican driving licence. Car hire companies will usually help with this.Ìý Ìý

The roads on the island are sometimes narrow and in poor condition. Pedestrians often walk on the roads and drivers swerve to avoid potholes or fail to indicate before they pull out. There are few road signs and it’s easy to get lost. If you have an accident, call the police and do not move your vehicle.Ìý

The main highway from Douglas Charles Airport is prone to landslides after bad weather and there are sheer drops where the road has fallen away. Avoid driving on this road at night.ÌýÌý

Taxis and minibusesÌý

Taxis are not metered, but there are standard fares for most destinations. Registered taxis have a windscreen sticker that reads: ‘Nature Island’s Standard of Excellenceâ€� followed by a number. Ìý

To avoid being overcharged, agree the fare before you set off. You can usually also pay in US dollars.ÌýÌý

You can tell your taxi driver if you want to be driven at slow speeds, but minibuses are likely to drive over the speed limit.ÌýÌý

Extreme weather and natural disastersÌý

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

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The hurricane season normally runs from June to November. Tropical storms and hurricanes can develop suddenly and unexpectedly.ÌýMonitor the  or the for hurricane warnings.ÌýÌý

Check theâ€� for local instructions, including any evacuation orders.Ìý

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During especially hot and dry periods a single spark or flame can start a wildfire. Report fires to the emergency services immediately.Ìý

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Earthquakes are a risk in Dominica and tremors are frequently felt.ÌýIf there is an earthquake, local authorities should direct you. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about .Ìý

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the

See , including:

• Zika virus
• dengue
• chikungunya

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.Ìý

Read .Ìý

Healthcare in DominicaÌýÌý

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Dominica.ÌýÌýÌý

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Dominica.ÌýÌý

The Dominica China Friendship Hospital, the government hospital in Roseau, can cope with many types of treatment, but serious cases may require emergency evacuation.Ìý

Before choosing to be treated at a private facility, you should check the payment policy. Private clinics may ask for payment up front, so insurance documents may not be sufficient.ÌýÌý

Private medical treatment in Dominica can be expensive. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.Ìý

Travel and mental healthÌý

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .Ìý

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.Ìý

Emergency services in DominicaÌý

Telephone: 999 (ambulance, fire, police)Ìý

Contact your travel provider and insurerÌý

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.Ìý

Refunds and changes to travelÌý

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.Ìý

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:Ìý

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a providerÌý
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claimÌý

Support from FCDOÌý

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:Ìý

• finding and  in DominicaÌý
• dealing with a death in DominicaÌý
• being arrested or imprisoned in DominicaÌý
• getting help if you’re a victim of crimeÌýÌý
• what to do if you’re in hospitalÌý
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attackÌý

ContactingÌýFCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. �

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