Last updated: 23 Nov 2023
Dominica
About
| The Caribbean island Dominica is a medley of brooding volcanic peaks, gushing mountain streams, dense forests, quiet lakes and spouting geysers; this is a diverse and beautiful land. Given its natural assets and warm and welcoming locals, Dominica should be a bustling tourism hotspot, and despite being one of the poorest in the region, crime is relatively low. With February comes Carnival season (Mas Dominik): two weeks of celebrations culminating in a wild, colourful costumed parade. Revel in dazzling sequins, feather-topped masks and glitzy-ritzy skimpy dresses; watch street jugglers, prancing musicians and marching drummers amidst cheering crowds of merrymakers. Trafalgar Falls is Dominica's most popular waterfalls are incredibly beautiful and many flock to see the waters tumbling down the rocks. Explore Dominica's capital Roseau, boasting friendly locals and sea views. Join in the hubbub of downtown and then relax in the Botanical Gardens. |
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| Capital: | Roseau (DCF) |
| Currency: | East Caribbean Dollar (XCD) (US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are also legal tender.) |
| Language: | English. Creole is also spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 767 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT -4 (6 hours behind South Africa) |
| Public Holidays 2022: |
Jan 1, 3; Feb 28; Mar 1; Apr 15, 18; May 2; Jun 6; Aug 1; Nov 3-4; Dec 25-27 |
| Side of the Road: | Left (International Driving Permit recommended. A valid foreign licence can be used to get a Temporary Visitor's Permit.) |
| Best Time to go: | December – May (June – October is the rainy season) |
| Best For: | Island relaxation |
| Plugs: | 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin European-style plugs are usual. Many hotels have dual 220/110 voltage. |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated. Bottled water is available and recommended. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited and doctors require payment upfront. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Revealing clothing should be confined to the beach / poolside and dress in public should be more conservative. Nude sunbathing and haggling at the markets are not socially acceptable practices. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into Dominica without incurring customs duty by passengers aged 18 and above: • 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 227g of tobacco • 1L of wine or spirits • Gifts and souvenirs to the value of EC$400 (this allowance can only be claimed once a year and does not apply to cigarettes and alcohol) Travellers carrying prescription medication must bring it in the original labelled container. |
| Prohibited Imports: | A permit is required to import animals, plants or seeds |
| Prohibited Exports: | Wildlife (alive or dead) |
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by SA passport holders for a stay up to 6 months.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid Passport
- Valid return ticket
- Sufficient funds to sustain oneself for length of time intended to stay
- Local address
Visa and entry information: dominica.gov.dm
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Kingston, Jamaica
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
