Dominica

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 999 for police

Crime

While U.S. citizens may not be specifically targeted for crime in the Eastern Caribbean islands, crimes do occur, including theft, burglary, vehicle break-ins, murder, sexual assault, robbery, shootings, and drug crimes. Just like you would in any large U.S. city, follow these safety tips while traveling:

• Don't leave valuables alone in public places, on beaches, in hotel rooms, or in rental homes.
• Don't walk alone, especially at night, on beaches, or in dark or isolated places.
• Go out with friends or a companion and only go to well-known, safe places at night.
• Only use official taxis with clear markings and don't accept rides from strangers.
• Stay on well-lit streets with other people around.
• Don't show off expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash.
• Pay attention to what's happening around you. If you see something suspicious, call the police immediately.
• Be extra careful in crowded places like shopping areas, especially during holidays.
• Be extra careful at crowded events like celebrations and music festivals.
• Don't leave your drink unattended—someone could put drugs in it.
• Change your daily routine so you're not predictable.
• Don't do anything illegal.
• If you're on a boat, watch out for unknown people or boats coming near you.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help. 

Scams are not common but may happen in Dominica. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Dominica: 

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person. 
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments, or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Firearms

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

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 999 and contact the U.S. embassy at 246-227-4000.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy at 246-227-4000 for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Drones are legal in Dominica but their use is restricted.  Contact the Government of Dominica for further information.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.
• The fastest path may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel and watersports

Think carefully about the risks of water activities and whether you have the skills and physical ability to do them safely.

• Never go out alone, especially at isolated beaches or far from shore.
• Don't go into water deeper than your waist if you've been drinking, and always watch out for jet skis and boats in the area.
• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  

• Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs or firearms are severe. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Dominica seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Detention conditions

• Detainees in Dominica often can’t get their prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no laws that protect gay or lesbian people from discrimination.
• Organizations for gay or lesbian people are legal.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• Access to buildings, sidewalks, and transportation is extremely difficult for people with disabilities or mobility issues.
• Sidewalks (if they exist) are very uneven and sometimes have ramps at intersections.
• Pedestrian crossings are not common and are poorly marked.
• Buses and taxis don’t have special accommodations.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Dominica Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 999 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are:

• limited on most of the island. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Dominica. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Dominica.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient. 
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Common diseases

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

• Chikungunya
• Dengue
• Zika

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Dominica has an operational hyperbaric chamber.
• Sea rescue services are available at the North end of the island. 
• Health facilities are available throughout Dominica. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Be aware that some hotels and resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers. This may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• Hospital-based care is only available through government institutions.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the government of Dominica to ensure the medication is legal in Dominica.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Dominica to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Dominica with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.  Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Dominican courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Dominica via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences. 

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Visit the CDC for tips on how to make water safe during an emergency. 

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Be careful when driving, riding in a car, or crossing streets. Major roads are in average to poor condition.

• Be aware of animals wandering on the road and slow-moving heavy equipment.
• Drivers often stop suddenly in the middle of the road without warning.
• Always keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and watch for sudden braking.
• Some cars may have broken safety equipment like brake lights or turn signals.

Traffic laws 

• You must drive on the left side of the road.
• Police rarely enforce traffic laws.
• You need a local temporary driver's license, which you can buy at car rental offices or from the Traffic Department in Roseau.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Mini-buses and taxis are available.
• Taxis are generally safe, but ride-share apps are not widely available.

Public and commercial transportation

• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Dominica’s Civil Aviation Authority does not meet international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Dominica should check the following: 

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Hurricanes and tropical storms - Dominica is in the Atlantic hurricane belt. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with peak risk from August to October. These storms bring heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and landslides.
• Flooding and landslides - Dominica's mountains and heavy rainfall cause flash floods and landslides that can block roads and damage buildings. 
• Earthquakes - Dominica is in an active earthquake zone. While most earthquakes are minor, larger ones can cause damage.
• Volcanic activity - Dominica has active geothermal areas. Major eruptions are rare, but volcanic activity can occur in areas like the Valley of Desolation and Boiling Lake.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates