Security travel advice for Dominica

HOW SAFE IS THE DOMINICA?

Threat level: Low-Medium

The travel advice for Dominica is to remain cautious and carry out general safety precautions due to the crime rate in the country and how this can impact visitors. There is a low threat from terrorism, however with all popular tourist destinations vigilance is advised and to report anything suspicious. There are health warnings in place, please see immunisations and health risks for further information.

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COVID-19 SITUATION IN DOMINICA

Dominica is one of the world's least affected countries by COVID-19. To prevent the virus from spreading in the country, Dominica has implemented rules of entry. Passengers must fill in a self-declaration form 24 hours prior to travelling and they must undergo a PCR swab test taken up to 72 hours before arriving. When testing negative in order to be authorised entry to the country, travellers must upload and submit their test result with the self-declaration form and they will receive an email of approval for their trip from the Dominican Ministry of Health. Travellers must wear a face mask indoor in public places, sanitise their hands and maintain social distancing.

RECENT SECURITY RISK EVENTS

There have been previous threats against soft targets in the Caribbean, with the intelligence services being cautious of home grown militants leaving to fight in the Middle East and returning to destinations of which are popular with American tourists.

Security Risks
Dominica has a high crime rate ranging from bag snatching through to more violent attacks on tourists such as armed robbery. There has been an increase in the military and police presence in some areas to be used as a deterrent against this. Credit card fraud is common and it is advised that cash is used.

Women should take particular care and it is advisable not to travel alone, to be cautious of any new acquaintances met during your stay including resort staff and take sensible security precautions. This is due to the risk of rape and violent assault against women in the country.

The general travel advice for Dominica is not to leave the hotel complexes at night as there is an increased risk of violent crime and transport issues, however if you do it is advised limited cash is carried and no jewellery worn. If you are victimised, do not fight back, comply and go to the nearest police station.

Demonstrations do occur, but in general these happen away from main tourist destinations, in places such as Santiago, Salcedo, Bonao, and Santo Domingo. If one of these public gatherings do occur, please leave the area as violence can occur.

DOMINICA'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Dominica’s relations internationally have widened since the 1970s when it had joined the Commonwealth, United Nations and the International Monetary Fund (World Bank and Organization of American States.

Dominica’s relations with its neighbours is good, although it is not one without past conflict.

DOMINICA'S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Please be aware of the weather conditions during your stay in Dominica, the main hurricane season is from June to the end of November. There is also a likelihood of mudslides and flooding in the country due to heavy rain, especially during hurricane season.

Lack of adequate road safety standards such as signs and lighting on roads during the evening can make travelling in the country dangerous.

It is advised that you should not use the route taxis (‘carros publicos’) as there is a higher chance of being robbed, a wise choice would be to use a fully licenced vehicle from the hotel.

COMMERCIAL TRAVEL RISK SERVICES

EMERGENCY SERVICES IN DOMINICA

Police, Fire, Ambulance emergency: 999

DOMINICA OVERVIEW

Capital: Roseau
Official languages: English
Other languages: Kwéyòl and Island Carib
Religion: Christianity
Currency: East Caribbean Dollar

CONSULAR INFORMATION FOR DOMINICA

U.S. Embassy Barbados
Wildey Business Park
Wildey
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Telephone: +1 246 227-4000
Email: bridgetownacs@state.gov

British High Commission Bridgetown
Lower Collymore Rock
PO Box 676
Bridgetown
Barbados
Telephone: +1 246 430 7800
Email: ukinbarbados@fco.gov.uk

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR DOMINICA

British and United States of America Passport holders do not need a travel visa to enter Dominica. If you are unsure whether or not you require a visa to enter Dominica, you should check with your nearest Embassy in advanced to travel to avoid any complications.

A departure tax must be paid when leaving Dominica, which is usually included in the price of your plane ticket and costs 86 East Caribbean Dollars.

HEALTHCARE AND IMMUNISATIONS

It is advised that visitors to Dominica are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus which usually administered when you are a young baby.

Although there is no direct risk of Yellow Fever in Dominica, if you are coming from a country where there is a risk of the disease, or transiting for longer than 12 hours in an at risk country, you will be required to provide a vaccination certificate. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

There have been confirmed cases of the Zika virus, Chikungunya fever and Dengue fever in Dominica and suitable precautions are advised. All three diseases are transmitted to humans by mosquito bites and although there is no vaccine at present, taking precautions against bites can prevent contraction in the first place.

You can find more about the Zika virus here:
Zika virus facts
More information on Dengue fever, see:
Dengue Fever facts

Information about the Chikungunya Fever, see:
Chikungunya Fever facts

Schistosomiasis (parasitic infection also known as bilharzia) is a low risk, so contact with fresh water including activities such as swimming, bathing or paddling in fresh water lakes and streams could put you at risk.

Personal hygiene must be paramount, the local water supply avoided at all costs and bottled water inspected prior to consumption. There have been a number of cases of bottled water being refilled with tap water and re-sold.