Dominica

U.S. Embassy Bridgetown
Wildey Business Park
Wildey
St. Michael BB 14006
Barbados, W.I.
Telephone: +(246) 227-4399
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(246) 227-4000
Fax: +(246) 431-0179
Email: BridgetownACS@state.gov

Passports and visa: U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Dominica. No visa is required for stays less than 6 months if you have an onward or return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, and can produce evidence of your ability to maintain yourself. There is a departure tax of US $22 assessed when leaving Dominica. Children under twelve years of age are exempt from the departure tax.

Generally, all U.S. citizens are required to present a valid U.S. passport when traveling to Dominica, as well as proof of anticipated departure from Dominica. This includes travelers arriving by airplane and by private sea-going vessel. Those traveling to Dominica on a cruise may use another Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document. However, we strongly recommend visitors obtain a passport before travel in case of an unforeseen emergency that requires a cruise passenger to disembark and return by air. 

HIV/AIDS:

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Dominica.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs information on our websites.

Crime: U.S. citizens are not specifically targeted for crime in the Eastern Caribbean islands. However, crimes of opportunity such as petty larceny, burglary, automobile break-ins; as well as incidents of violent crime, such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, and drug related crimes do occasionally occur. As you would in any major metropolitan area of the United States, use the below personal security measures while traveling:

• Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas, on beaches, unsecured in hotel rooms, or in rental homes.
• Avoid walking alone, especially at night, on beaches, and in isolated or poorly lit locations.
• Go out in groups or with a companion and limit nighttime activities to established safe and reputable venues.
• Use only clearly marked taxis and avoid rides with strangers.
• Stick to well-lit and well-traveled routes.
• Avoid displaying flashy jewelry, expensive electronics, and large amounts of cash.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you see something suspicious or unusual contact local police to report immediately.
• Use added caution when shopping in crowded areas, especially during the holiday season.
• Use added caution when attending crowded events, celebrations, music festivals, etc.
• Do not leave drinks unattended in public venues as this could create a potential vulnerability for the use of “date rape” drugs in furtherance of criminal activity.
• Do not be predictable; vary your daily routes and schedules.
• Do not engage in illegal activity.

Firearms: Do not enter Dominica with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Dominican government.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at (246) 227-4000.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at (246) 227-4000.

Watersports Advisory: Carefully assess the potential risks of recreational water activities and consider your physical capabilities and skills. Never venture out alone, particularly at isolated beaches or far out to sea. Avoid entering the water above your waist if you have been drinking and always be mindful of jet ski and boat traffic in the area. 

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, hospitals are able provide urgent medical treatment, though very serious injuries often require medical evacuation. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Firearms: Do not enter Dominica with firearms or ammunition without prior express consent from the Dominican government.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report
• Human Rights Report
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

 LGBTI Travelers: Consensual same-sex conduct is illegal, and no laws prohibit discrimination against a person on the basis of sexual orientation. There are no legal impediments to organizations for LGBTI persons.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Access to buildings, pedestrian paths and transportation is extremely difficult for persons with mobility issues. Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and will only occasionally have ramps at intersections. Pedestrian crossings are also very infrequent and can be poorly marked. Buses and taxis do not have special accommodations.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Medical facilities in Dominica do not meet U.S. standards. Dominica has an operational hyperbaric chamber. There is limited ambulance service on most of the island. Sea rescue service is available at the North end of the island. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

The U.S. government does not pay medical bills for overseas travelers. Be aware that U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of Dominica to ensure the medication is legal in Dominica. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

 Dominica has reported past or current transmission of the following diseases:

• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• Zika

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Road Conditions and Safety: Be careful when driving, riding in a vehicle, or crossing roads on foot. Major roads are in average to poor condition. You may encounter wandering animals and slow-moving heavy equipment. Drivers often stop in the middle of the roadway without warning. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and watch for signs of sudden braking. Automobiles may lack working safety and signaling devices.

Traffic Laws: Driving is on the left-hand side of the road. There is relatively little police enforcement of traffic regulations. A local temporary driver’s license is required and can be purchased at car rental offices or from the Traffic Department in Roseau.

Public Transportation: Public transportation consists of mini-buses and taxis.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assesses whether local civil aviation authorities are in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Dominica should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.