North and Central America and Caribbean
Dominica, Commonwealth of
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Still current at: 04 July 2009
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Updated: 19 June 2009
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and the Health section (A (H1N1) - Swine Flu – confirmed case). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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There is a confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) in Dominica. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
has further details. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
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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.
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There is no British High Commission in Dominica. For emergency consular assistance you should contact the British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados.
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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.
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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 Abroad.
Political Situation
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 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 Travel Advice Relevant to You.
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.
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
There is a confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) (Swine Flu) in Dominica. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html has further details. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.
Dengue Fever occurs in Latin America and the Caribbean throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region.
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.
Dengue Fever occurs in Latin America and the Caribbean throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region.
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.
Natural disasters
Hurricanes
Hurricane Dean passed over to Dominica on 17 August 2007, causing some damage to hotels and other infrastructure. Hotel repairs have now been completed but untreated landslides have caused some road disruption in the interior of the island. Drivers should exercise caution, particularly on the stretch of road from Melville Hall airport to the capital,Roseau.
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. In November 2004 an earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale affected the island. This caused widespread damage to buildings in the north of the island. There were no casualties. Heavy rains at the same time caused landslides. In February 2005 a further earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale affected the island. There were no reports of damage.
An earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter Scale hit just off the coast ofMartinique on 29 November 2007. The earthquake was felt throughout theregion but there were no reports of injury or major damage to property.
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.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
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. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
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. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
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.
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Change country
contacts
Barbados, Bridgetown, British High Commission
Address:
British High Commission
Lower Collymore Rock
PO Box 676
Bridgetown
Telephone:
(1) (246) 430 7800
Fax:
(1) (246) 430 7851 Chancery
(1) (246) 430 7860 Management/Consular
(1) (246) 430 7826 Trade & Investment/Information
Email: britishhcb@sunbeach.net
Office hours:
Mon-Thurs: 1200-2000;Fri: 1200-1700 GMT
Mon-Thurs: 0800-1600; Fri: 0800-1300 Local Time
Website: http://www.ukinbarbados.fco.gov.uk
