Capital: Roseau
Population: 71 625
Official language: English
Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time
Emergency #: 999
Vaccinations required: Yes
Risk of malaria: No
Well known for its mountainous landscapes and tropical rainforests, Dominica is a popular Caribbean destination. Visitors can go snorkeling and diving at Champagne Reef, and see whales and sea turtles in the wild at L’abym. Travellers can also hike the paths of Morne Trois Piton National Park and experience the lava-heated Boiling Lake.
The standards for patient care and medical services in Dominica may differ from your home country. Dominica has public and private healthcare options. There are four hospitals on the island of Dominica, but only Princess Margaret Hospital is equipped to handle emergencies and surgeries. The quality of care generally does not meet international standards and certain types of specialized care or complex procedures may be limited or unavailable, especially outside of Roseau. Private healthcare options are largely concentrated in Roseau and other large cities. Healthcare in rural regions can be limited.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in Dominica typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Evacuation to the United States will be required for complex emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Dominica.
There are twelve licensed pharmacies on the island and some essential medications may not be available. Ensure you pack a sufficient supply of essential medications for the duration of your trip.
If you are travelling with medication, check with Dominica’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information. If your medication is a psychotropic or narcotic, you can review Dominica’s regulations on the International Narcotics Control Board. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.
Many roads in Dominica are narrow, winding, and have steep inclines with very few guardrails. Many roads outside of Roseau do not have street signs. Drivers and passengers of vehicles should wear a seat belt for safety at all times. Motorcycle drivers and passengers should wear helmets. In Dominica, traffic drives on the left.