Dominica, Commonwealth of travel advice

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Health and Natural Disasters section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Travel Summary

• The hurricane season in Dominica normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates. See the Natural Disasters (Hurricanes) section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details.
  
  
• There is no British High Commission in Dominica. For emergency consular assistance you should contact the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados.
  
  
• Around 5,000 British nationals visited Dominica in 2006 (Source: Dominican Immigration). Most visits to Dominica are trouble free. However, you should be aware that cases of robbery and other crimes do occur. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

Around 5,000 British tourists visit Dominica each year (Source: Dominica Immigration) and the vast majority of visits are trouble free. Dominica is a friendly and welcoming country and overall crime rates are relatively low. Despite the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, however, there have been incidents of violent crime including murder. These tend to occur within the local community but can sometimes affect tourists. A British couple were attacked and robbed on their yacht in May 2009.

You should therefore maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in the UK and ensure that your living accommodation is secure. Apply the same measures if you are staying on a yacht. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including beaches after dark. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Valuables and travel documents should be left, where possible, in safety deposit boxes and hotel safes.

For more general information see Victims of crime.

Political Situation

Dominica Country Profile

Local Travel

Road Travel

Motorists drive on the left in Dominica. Most roads are paved but driving can be difficult due to blind corners, and poor road surfaces lacking grip. Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour and although there is no enforced limit in rural areas, you should take extra care. Outside of the capital and larger towns roads are unlit, so driving at night can be extremely hazardous.. Caution should be exercised when driving on the main road from Melville Hall airport which is prone to landslides following bad weather and has a number of sheer drops where the road has fallen away. d Driving on this road at night is not recommended as road signs warning of landslides are not visible. Road signs are poor and a map is essential. Pedestrians walk on the roads because of a lack of pavements. In the event of an accident, stop your vehicle and call the police.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

Air Travel

You will have to pay a departure tax when leaving Dominica of 54 East Caribbean Dollars (for each traveller aged 12 years or older). The equivalent in US dollars (US$21) is accepted.

Local laws and customs

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

You should be aware that it is an offence for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

British Passport holders do not require visas to visit Dominica and can stay in the country for up to six months.

Entry requirements may change from time to time and should be checked with the Office of the High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Passport Validity

Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

Return Air Ticket

You must hold a return air ticket. If you fail to do so, you may be refused entry to Dominica.

Foot and mouth disease

You are banned from bringing meat products into Dominica from the United Kingdom in your personal luggage.

Health

You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance for Pandemic Flu can be found on the UK Department of Health website.

Dengue Fever occurs in Latin America and the Caribbean throughout the year.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Dominica and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC or NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health. page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK

Natural disasters

Hurricanes

The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the US National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see Tropical Cyclones.

Earthquakes

Dominica is susceptible to periodic earth tremors.

General

Insurance

We strongly recommend you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance, which includes medical evacuation by air ambulance, before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.

Here's how we can help when things go wrong.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

Passports

Keep a copy of the photopage of your passport and relevant entry stamp in case your documents are stolen.

In the event of loss of your passport, you will need to apply to the Passport Office at the British High Commission, Barbados for a replacement. Urgent applications can be speeded up if you pay courier costs, but even so, the issue of a replacement passport could still take several days.