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Dominica - Consular Information Sheet
April 5, 2000
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Dominica is a developing Caribbean
island nation with a high level of unemployment and serious economic
challenges. The tourism industry is not highly developed and has
a very limited number of first-class tourist facilities, including
hotels.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens may enter Dominica
without a passport for tourist stays of up to three months, but
they must carry an original document proving U.S. citizenship,
such as a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate
of Citizenship or certified U.S. birth certificate; photo identification;
and a return or onward ticket. For further information concerning
entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Commonwealth
of Dominica, 3216 New Mexico Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20016,
telephone: (202) 364-6781, email: embdomdc@aol.com, or the Consulate
General of Dominica in New York at (212) 768-2480.
CRIME INFORMATION: Petty street crime occurs in Dominica.
Valuables left unattended on beaches are subject to theft. Availability
and use of illegal drugs are increasing.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's
pamphlets, "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to the
Caribbean," for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The
pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the
Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is limited. Serious
medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation
to the U.S. can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and
hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always
valid outside the U.S. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do
not provide payment for medical services outside the U.S. Uninsured
travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties.
Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether
your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical
evacuation. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to the
overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed
later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also
include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition
of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical
emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is
provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs
brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,"
available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax:
(202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations
and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international
travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign
country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ
significantly from those in the U.S. The information below concerning
Dominica is provided for general reference only, and may not be
totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: None
Vehicles are driven on the left, so traffic approaches from
the right in Dominica. Roads are narrow with steep inclines/declines
throughout the island, and there are few guardrails in areas that
have precipitous drop-offs from the road.
For specific information concerning driver's permits, vehicle
inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance in Dominica, please
contact the Dominica Mission in New York at tel. (212) 949-0853.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Dominica civil
aviation authority as category 2 - not in compliance with international
aviation safety standards for oversight of Dominica's air carrier
operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are
ongoing, Dominica's air carriers are permitted to conduct limited
operations to the U.S. subject to heightened FAA surveillance.
For further information, travelers may contact the Department
of Transportation within the U.S. at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit
the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) does not permit its personnel
to use air carriers from Category 2 countries for official business
except for flights originating from or terminating in the U.S.
For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers,
travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Dominica's customs authorities may
enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import or
export of items such as business equipment, food and beverages,
paints and varnishes, and chemicals. It is advisable to contact
the Embassy of Dominica in Washington or the Consulate in New
York for specific information regarding customs requirements.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S.
citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which
sometimes differ significantly from those in the U.S and may not
afford the protection available to the individual under U.S. law.
Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the
U.S. for similar offenses. Persons violating Dominican laws, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties
for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Dominica
are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and heavy fines.
CONSULAR ACCESS: There is no U.S. Embassy or Consulate
in Dominica. The U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados is responsible
for the safety and security of U.S. citizens on the island of
Dominica. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry their U.S. passports,
certified birth certificates or Certificates of Naturalization/Citizenship
and photo identification with them at all times, so that, if questioned
by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are
readily available.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Dominica is a hurricane-prone
country. General information about natural disaster preparedness
is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption
of children and international parental child abduction, please
refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html
or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans
living in or visiting Dominica are encouraged to register at the
Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados and
obtain updated information on travel and security within Dominica.
Consular Section hours are 9:00am-12 noon and 2:00pm-4:00pm, Monday-Friday
except local and U.S. holidays. The U.S. Embassy is located in
the American Life Insurance (ALICO) building, Cheapside, Bridgetown,
Barbados, telephone 1-246-431-0225, fax 1-246-431-0179, e-mail:
consularbridge@state.gov or Internet: http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/bb1/wwwhcons.html.
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