Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Electronic Entry Form
All visitors to Dominica must complete the free Electronic Entry Visa (EEV) form online up to 72 hours before arrival, providing travel details and health declarations. This digital process simplifies entry and is valid for stays up to six months for most nationalities.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Dominica, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps and any onward travel documentation.
Children under 18 traveling without parents should carry notarized consent letters to avoid delays at immigration checkpoints.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, EU countries, Australia, and many Caribbean nations can enter visa-free for up to six months for tourism, provided they have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
This policy supports Dominica's eco-tourism focus, but always verify with the official immigration website for updates on your nationality.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring visas, such as China or India, apply online through the Dominica Immigration portal or at a Dominican consulate (€50-100 fee), submitting passport copies, flight itineraries, accommodation proof, and financial statements showing at least $100/day.
Processing typically takes 5-10 business days; expedited options are available for an additional fee during peak seasons.
Border Crossings
Dominica's main entry point is Douglas-Charles Airport with direct flights from major US and UK hubs; expect quick customs checks but prepare for agricultural inspections on fresh foods.
Ferry arrivals from Guadeloupe or Martinique require the same EEV and may involve brief health screenings; yacht arrivals need advance clearance via the yachting authority.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuations (crucial for remote areas), adventure activities like hiking Boiling Lake, and trip interruptions due to weather.
Opt for policies with at least $50,000 in emergency coverage starting from $10/day; providers like World Nomads specialize in adventure travel for Dominica.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to an additional three months by applying at the Immigration Department in Roseau before your initial period expires, with a fee of around $50 and proof of continued funds and accommodation.
Extensions are commonly granted for eco-volunteering or extended nature immersion, but overstay fines start at $100 per day, so plan accordingly.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Dominica uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD/EC$). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Dominica by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for regional connections via Antigua or Barbados.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside shacks or markets for fresh fish and plantains under EC$20, avoiding resort restaurants to save up to 60% on meals.
Stock up on local fruits like soursop at farmers' markets in Roseau for cheap, healthy snacks during hikes.
Public Transport Passes
Use affordable minibuses (EC$2-5 per ride) for island travel; no formal passes needed, but group rides with locals to split taxi costs for longer trips.
Rent a scooter for EC$50/day instead of a car to navigate winding roads economically while enjoying the scenery.
Free Attractions
Explore Trafalgar Falls, Emerald Pool, and black sand beaches at no cost, immersing in Dominica's natural beauty without guided fees.
Join community-led eco-walks or visit the Botanic Gardens in Roseau for authentic, budget-free cultural experiences.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted at hotels and larger shops, but carry cash (XCD or USD) for rural areas, markets, and small vendors where surcharges apply.
Withdraw from bank ATMs in Roseau for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge up to 10% fees.
National Park Passes
Purchase a Morne Trois Pitons National Park pass for EC$25 (valid multiple days) to access trails like Boiling Lake without per-site fees.
It covers entry to key sites and supports conservation, paying off after just one or two major hikes.
Smart Packing for Dominica
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes for humid tropics, including long-sleeve shirts for sun protection during rainforest hikes and swimwear for waterfalls and beaches.
Include modest cover-ups for cultural sites like the Kalinago Territory and breathable fabrics to handle sudden rain showers year-round.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type A/B), waterproof phone case for water activities, solar charger for remote areas, and a GoPro for capturing diving or zip-lining adventures.
Download offline maps of trails and the Discover Dominica app for navigation without reliable signal in interiors.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with blister treatments for hikes, prescription meds, and high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Include DEET insect repellent for mosquito-prone areas, water purification tablets for remote streams, and any antimalarial if advised by your doctor.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for trail explorations, reusable water bottle with filter, microfiber towel for quick drying, and small-denomination USD for tips and vendors.
Bring passport copies in a waterproof pouch and a money belt for security during boat trips or crowded markets.
Footwear Strategy
Opt for sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip for volcanic trails like the Waitukubuli National Trail and water shoes for river crossings and snorkeling.
Comfortable sandals suffice for Roseau strolls, but pack extra socks for muddy conditions after rains, which are common even in dry season.
Personal Care
Include eco-friendly toiletries to minimize environmental impact, aloe vera gel for sunburn relief, and a compact rain poncho for sudden tropical downpours.
Travel-sized items keep your luggage light for multi-stop itineraries, and don't forget biodegradable wipes for off-grid camping spots.
When to Visit Dominica
Dry Season (December-April)
Peak time for sunny weather with temperatures 24-30°C, low humidity, and calm seas ideal for whale watching, diving at Champagne Reef, and hiking without mud.
Fewer rains mean better access to remote sites like the Syndicate Nature Trail, though expect higher crowds and prices during holiday periods.
Early Wet Season (May-June)
Shoulder season with warm 25-31°C temps, occasional showers that keep rainforests lush, and fewer tourists for a serene experience at spots like Titou Gorge.
Great for birdwatching as migratory species arrive, with lower accommodation rates and vibrant wildflowers blooming post-rains.
Late Wet Season (July-November)
Budget-friendly with heavy rains but temperatures holding at 26-30°C; waterfalls like Trafalgar Falls are at their most spectacular, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Avoid peak hurricane months (August-October) but enjoy cultural festivals like World Creole Music Festival in October with reduced crowds and deals.
Hurricane Awareness (June-November Overall)
Monitor weather closely during the official hurricane season, but Dominica's rugged terrain offers unique post-storm recovery experiences like volunteer eco-projects.
Travel insurance with weather coverage is essential; off-peak visits yield intimate encounters with nature's resilience and local hospitality.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD/EC$), fixed at 2.7 to 1 USD. US Dollars widely accepted; exchange at banks for best rates.
- Language: English is official, with French Patois spoken in rural areas. Basic Creole phrases enhance interactions with locals.
- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC-4 year-round (no daylight saving).
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type A/B plugs (North American two/three-pin); voltage converters needed for European devices.
- Emergency Number: 999 for police, ambulance, or fire; 911 also works in tourist areas.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10-15% at restaurants, EC$5-10 for guides and drivers.
- Water: Tap water is generally safe in urban areas but boil or use bottled in rural spots to avoid stomach issues.
- Pharmacies: Available in Roseau and Portsmouth; look for "Pharmacy" signs. Stock up on basics before heading to remote areas.