Dominica

Use Normal Level of Caution

The Commonwealth of Dominica is an island nation located along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago southeast of Guadeloupe and about 58 miles northwest of Martinique. The population is about 74,000 people. Dominica is the only island in the eastern Caribbean with about 3,000 Carib Indians descended from the pre-Columbian population. The government is a parliamentary democracy with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Dominica was a colony of Great Britain from 1805 until achieving independence in 1978. For a few years after independence, the country suffered from a corrupt and authoritarian government. In 19890, however, that government was replaced by a party led by the first woman prime minister in the Caribbean. The country has few natural resources and has relied on banana exports as the main revenue source. However, Dominica is striving to expand its economic base. There have been some difficulties in expansion due to lack of adequate infrastructure, for example, a larger airport, and concerns about the impact on the environment of large numbers of visitors to the island.

Dominica has the potential for building the tourism sector. The island has few beaches, but there is potential for eco-tourism with mountainous and forested areas. Visitors can enjoy the Morne Trois Piton National Park, Boiling Lake, and Trafalgar Falls.

Currency	XCD: East Caribbean dollar
Language	English
Capital	Roseau
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	July 01, 2021 - Tropical Storm ELSA en route to Caribbean Islands

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Dominica. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Dominica through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Dominica.
Typhoid Fever There is some debate regarding the risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Some authoritative sources (the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend vaccination since exposure to unsafe sources may be variable within this country, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated. Other sources (the UK National Travel Health Network and Centre) do not recommend vaccination.
Yellow Fever There is no risk for yellow fever in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever occur often in all islands in the Caribbean.
Chikungunya Fever Outbreaks of chikungunya fever may occur.
Rabies Rabies may be present in bats.
Zika Fever There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.
African Tick Bite Fever There is an increased risk of this disease in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Dominica.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is some debate regarding the risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Some authoritative sources (the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommend vaccination since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated. Other sources (the UK National Travel Health Network and Centre) do not recommend vaccination.
Yellow Fever Vaccine This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination is recommended for those travellers whose activities may bring them into contact with bats (i.e. veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers).

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Dominica.

None required.

Safety and Security in Dominica

Emergency Numbers

999

767-448-2222 Roseau police

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. Always take precautions for your personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, including beaches, particularly after dark.

Traffic drives on the left. Road travel may be dangerous as roads are narrow, unpaved, winding, may not have proper signage, and may not be lit at night. Exercise caution when driving on the main road from Melville Hall Airport. This road is known to have landslides in bad weather. There are a number of sheer drops if the road has fallen away. Avoid driving on this road at night.

Use only licensed taxis.

Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate. Ensure your travel insurance policy covers these types of activities. Also, exercise caution when swimming as currents may be strong and unpredictable. Always seek advice from local guides as to the safe swimming locations.

Dominica is at risk of hurricanes (May-November). Follow weather forecast information closely and heed the warning of local authorities in the event of a hurricane. Furthermore, due to its location in an active seismic zone, Dominica is at risk for earthquakes.

Same-sex sexual activity is prohibited in Dominica, and there are high levels of social and political discrimination against same-sex couples.

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Updated: July 01, 2021