{"slug":"dominica","title":"Dominica travel advice","updated_at":"2025-12-10T13:28:48+00:00","reviewed_at":"2025-12-10T13:28:48Z","change_description":"New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/dominica","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Dominica’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Dominica set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.dominicahighcommission.co.uk/\">Dominica High Commission in the UK</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements </h2>\n\n<p>To enter Dominica, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. </p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.  </p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements </h2>\n\n<p>You do not need a visa to visit Dominica. The border authorities will grant you a stay of 6 months on arrival. If you want to stay longer, you must arrange and pay for an extension with the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nationalsecurity.gov.dm/divisions/immigration-division\">Dominica Immigration Division</a>. </p>\n\n<p>It is illegal to overstay or work without a work permit. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"checks-at-border-control\">Checks at border control </h3>\n\n<p>At border control, you may also need to show a return or onward ticket. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"departure-tax\">Departure tax </h2>\n\n<p>There is a departure tax of 86 East Caribbean dollars or 33 US dollars. It is usually included in the cost of your plane ticket. You also need to pay departure tax if travelling by ferry. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements  </h2>\n\n<p>To enter Dominica, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission\">country listed as a transmission risk</a>.</p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/66/dominica\">TravelHealthPro’s Dominica guide</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules </h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://customs.gov.dm/index.php/trade/prohibited-and-restricted-items\">goods you can take into or out of Dominica</a>. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-money-into-dominica\">Taking money into Dominica   </h3>\n\n<p>Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 East Caribbean dollars or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you.  </p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism  </h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.        </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-dominica\">Terrorism in Dominica </h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Dominica, attacks cannot be ruled out. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"demonstrations\">Demonstrations</h3>\n\n<p>Protests and demonstrations sometimes occur in Dominica. There have been instances of police using tear gas to disperse protesters. Should a demonstration occur, avoid the area concerned and exercise caution.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime </h2>\n\n<p>The crime rate in Dominica is low, but you could be at risk walking alone away from the main roads, particularly after dark.</p>\n\n<p>Take precautions to protect your personal safety:  </p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>\n    <p>make sure your accommodation is secure – this also applies if you’re staying on a yacht  </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>take care when walking alone off main roads </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season  </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark  </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>only use licensed taxis  </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery  </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>leave valuables and travel documents in your hotel safe or a safety deposit box  </p>\n  </li>\n  <li>\n    <p>keep car doors locked when driving and do not stop if pedestrians try to flag down your vehicle</p>\n  </li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"laws-on-clothing\">Laws on clothing </h3>\n\n<p>It is illegal for anyone, including children, to dress in camouflage clothing.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-and-prison-sentences\">Illegal drugs and prison sentences </h3>\n\n<p>There are severe penalties for drug offences. Pack all your luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers </h3>\n\n<p>Attitudes towards the LGBT+ community are mostly conservative throughout the Caribbean. Certain same-sex sexual acts are illegal. LGBT+ travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that they may receive unwanted and negative attention when showing affection in public. </p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"swimming-safety\">Swimming safety </h3>\n\n<p>Take care when swimming. Currents can be stronger than they look and not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.</p>\n\n<p>See <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.rlss.org.uk/safety-on-holiday\">water safety on holiday</a> from the Royal Life Saving Society.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hiking-and-mountaineering\">Hiking and mountaineering </h3>\n\n<p>Before hiking to the Boiling Lake, check with guides that it is safe to do so. You can also contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://odm.gov.dm/\">Office of Disaster Management</a> or see their <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.facebook.com/ODMDominica1\">Facebook updates</a>. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel  </h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>. You need to arrange car rental ahead of your arrival. </p>\n\n<p>You must show your UK driving licence to get a temporary Dominican driving licence. Car hire companies will usually help with this.   </p>\n\n<p>The roads on the island are sometimes narrow and in poor condition. Pedestrians often walk on the roads and drivers swerve to avoid potholes or fail to indicate before they pull out. There are few road signs and it’s easy to get lost. If you have an accident, call the police and do not move your vehicle. </p>\n\n<p>The main highway from Douglas Charles Airport is prone to landslides after bad weather and there are sheer drops where the road has fallen away. Avoid driving on this road at night.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis-and-minibuses\">Taxis and minibuses </h3>\n\n<p>Taxis are not metered, but there are standard fares for most destinations. Registered taxis have a windscreen sticker that reads: ‘Nature Island’s Standard of Excellence’ followed by a number.  </p>\n\n<p>To avoid being overcharged, agree the fare before you set off. You can usually also pay in US dollars.  </p>\n\n<p>You can tell your taxi driver if you want to be driven at slow speeds, but minibuses are likely to drive over the speed limit.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters </h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hurricanes\">Hurricanes  </h3>\n\n<p>The hurricane season normally runs from June to November. Tropical storms and hurricanes can develop suddenly and unexpectedly. Monitor the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/\">US National Hurricane Center</a> or the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://severeweather.wmo.int/tc/cgn/\">World Meteorological Organization</a> for hurricane warnings.  </p>\n\n<p>Check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://news.gov.dm/\">Government Information Service</a> for local instructions, including any evacuation orders. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"wildfires\">Wildfires </h3>\n\n<p>During especially hot and dry periods a single spark or flame can start a wildfire. Report fires to the emergency services immediately. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"earthquakes\">Earthquakes </h3>\n\n<p>Earthquakes are a risk in Dominica and tremors are frequently felt. If there is an earthquake, local authorities should direct you. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes\">what to do before, during and after an earthquake</a>. </p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 East Caribbean dollars or more.","do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery","Pack all your luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else."]}
