Dominica

Dominica is an English-speaking developing Caribbean island nation. The tourism industry is in the early stages of development; first-class tourist facilities are limited, but medium-range facilities are widely available. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet for Dominica for additional information on U.S. – Dominica relations.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Dominica, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Vehicles are driven on the left in Dominica. Seatbelt laws are not strictly enforced. Roads are narrow with steep inclines throughout the island. There are few guardrails in areas that have precipitous drop-offs from the road. Be especially careful on the two hour trip from the airport to the capital, Roseau, that winds through the mountainous interior. Serious accidents involving tourist vehicles occur periodically. Road signs are limited outside of the major towns. Drivers should be alert for minibus (taxi) drivers, who often make sudden stops or pull out into traffic without warning or signaling. A local temporary driver’s license is required. These can be purchased at all car rental offices and from the Traffic Department in Roseau.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit Dominica’s national tourist office website for further information

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: Civil aviation operations in Dominica fall under the jurisdiction of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States as complying with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Dominica’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page

Safety and Security

Visit the U.S. Embassy site for up-to-date messages for U.S. citizens.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• =Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Street crime, including armed robbery, occurs in Dominica. Valuables left unattended, especially on beaches, are vulnerable to theft. If renting a private property on Dominica, be certain to request proof of insurance from the property owner. Rented villas are sometimes robbed, especially those in the Calibishie area, and if the owner has no insurance for theft you will be unable to recoup your losses.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Dominica is: 999. The Roseau police can be reached at 767-448-2222.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.