Dominica Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Dominica.
Healthcare System
Dominica has a public healthcare system supplemented by private clinics. The main facility is Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau, with smaller health centers distributed across the island. Medical facilities are basic by international standards, and serious medical emergencies often require evacuation to Martinique, Guadeloupe, or Barbados.
Hospitals
Princess Margaret Hospital in Roseau is the primary facility. There are health centers in Portsmouth, Marigot, and other towns for basic care. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to larger Caribbean islands or North America may be necessary, which can cost $20,000-50,000 USD.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in Roseau and larger towns, with limited hours (typically closed Sundays and after 5 PM weekdays). Common medications are available, but specific brands may not be. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications in original containers with prescriptions. Antibiotics require prescriptions.
Insurance
Travel insurance with medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and effectively essential. Medical evacuation insurance should cover at least $100,000 USD. Some hotels and tour operators may require proof of insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a complete first-aid kit, as supplies in remote areas are limited
- Carry copies of prescriptions and medical records, especially for pre-existing conditions
- Ensure your insurance covers adventure activities like hiking, diving, and canyoning if you plan to participate
- The nearest hyperbaric chamber for diving emergencies is in Guadeloupe or Saba
- Tap water in most areas is safe to drink, but use bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach
- Bring insect repellent to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles or accommodations can occur, particularly targeting tourists. Most incidents involve unattended belongings or items visible in parked cars.
Dominica's rugged terrain, slippery trails, flash floods, and challenging hikes cause more tourist injuries than crime. Trails can be poorly marked, and weather conditions change rapidly. Falls, sprains, and getting lost are common.
Narrow, winding mountain roads with poor lighting, inadequate signage, and occasional landslides create hazardous driving conditions. Local driving can be aggressive, and roads flood easily during rain.
Strong currents, riptides, and rough surf cause drowning incidents. River swimming can be dangerous due to flash floods and slippery rocks. Diving and snorkeling accidents occur.
Mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus are present. Leptospirosis can be contracted from freshwater exposure. Cases are generally sporadic rather than epidemic.
Rental scooters and motorcycles are involved in frequent accidents due to inexperienced riders, challenging road conditions, and inadequate safety equipment.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed or informal guides approach tourists offering hiking or tour services at inflated prices, sometimes providing poor service or abandoning tourists on trails. Some may claim to be official guides when they're not certified.
Some taxi drivers quote inflated fares to tourists, especially at the airport, cruise terminal, or hotels. Meters are not standard, and tourists unfamiliar with local rates are vulnerable.
Vendors may claim items are locally handmade when they're actually imported. Some pressure tourists into buying or claim items are rare or special when they're common.
Some budget accommodations show nice photos online but provide substandard rooms, or claim amenities that don't exist. Some may add unexpected fees.
Informal money changers may offer better rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists or provide counterfeit bills. Some shops may give poor exchange rates without clearly stating them.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy or consulate upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Keep photocopies of important documents separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with someone back home, especially for hikes and remote travel
- Learn basic emergency phrases in local English/Creole
- Keep emergency contacts and your hotel address written down in case your phone dies
- Be aware that cell phone coverage is limited in remote and mountainous areas
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs during daylight hours at banks or secure locations
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave excess cash and cards in hotel safe
- Divide money between different locations (wallet, bag, safe)
- Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels and restaurants; carry cash
- Small bills (XCD or USD) are useful as change can be limited
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card freezes
Transportation
- Use licensed taxis (they should have 'H' or 'HA' on license plates)
- If renting a car, you must purchase a temporary Dominican driver's license (about $12 USD)
- Fill up gas when you can; stations are limited and may have irregular hours
- Drive on the LEFT side of the road
- Avoid driving at night due to poor lighting, narrow roads, and wandering livestock
- Public buses are cheap but can be crowded and have irregular schedules
Outdoor Activities
- Hire certified guides for challenging hikes; it's required for some trails and recommended for most
- Start hikes early to avoid afternoon rain and to ensure you return before dark
- Wear proper hiking boots with ankle support and good tread
- Bring more water than you think you need; streams may not be safe to drink from
- Tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time
- Carry a whistle, flashlight, and basic first-aid supplies
- Don't underestimate trail difficulty; many hikes are strenuous and take longer than expected
Health Precautions
- Bring prescription medications in original containers with enough for your entire trip plus extra
- Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication, pain relievers, and antihistamines
- Use insect repellent consistently to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Be cautious with street food; eat at busy stalls where food is freshly cooked
- Stay hydrated but avoid ice in drinks unless you're confident of water quality
- Seek medical attention promptly for any fever, as it could indicate dengue or other tropical illness
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for better rates and connectivity (available at Digicel or Flow stores)
- Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
- WiFi is available at most hotels but may be slow or unreliable
- Have important phone numbers written down in case of phone loss or battery death
- Learn that Dominicans are generally friendly and helpful if you need assistance
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good reviews and security features
- Use room safes for valuables, passports, and extra cash
- Keep doors and windows locked, especially at ground level
- Know the location of emergency exits
- Confirm that your accommodation has backup power/water (outages can occur)
- In budget accommodations, check for bed bugs before unpacking
Beach and Water Safety
- Never leave belongings unattended on the beach
- Don't swim alone or in unfamiliar waters without local advice
- Watch for warning flags and signs at beaches
- Be extremely cautious on the Atlantic coast where currents are strongest
- Wear water shoes to protect against sea urchins and sharp rocks
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral ecosystems
- Check with dive operators about their safety record and equipment maintenance
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Dominica is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The island has a relatively low rate of violent crime, and Dominican culture is generally respectful. However, women may experience catcalling, unwanted attention, or persistent vendors, particularly in Roseau and tourist areas. These interactions are usually harmless but can be uncomfortable. Solo women should take standard precautions, especially after dark and in isolated areas.
- Dress modestly when not at the beach; covering shoulders and knees in towns shows respect and may reduce unwanted attention
- Firmly but politely decline unwanted advances; a wedding ring (real or fake) can sometimes help deflect attention
- Avoid walking alone after dark, especially in Roseau or on isolated beaches and trails
- Use licensed taxis rather than hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers
- Book accommodations with good security and reviews from other solo female travelers
- Join group tours for hiking and activities rather than going alone to remote areas
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Be aware that some beach vendors or tour touts may be persistent; a firm 'no thank you' usually works
- Consider staying in guesthouses or small hotels where staff know guests personally
- Connect with other travelers or join group activities through your accommodation
- Keep your room number private and don't share travel plans with strangers
- Be cautious about alcohol consumption and never leave drinks unattended
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Dominica following a 2024 court ruling that struck down colonial-era laws. However, there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection; what's acceptable for heterosexual couples may not be for same-sex couples
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance; some guesthouses and hotels are more welcoming than others
- Be more cautious in rural areas and small villages where conservative attitudes are stronger
- Consider staying in accommodations that cater to international travelers who may be more accepting
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics with locals unless you're certain of their openness
- Be aware that some hotels may question same-sex couples sharing a room, though this is becoming less common
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ travel groups or forums for current information and recommendations
- Tourist areas and dive resorts tend to be more accepting than local communities
- Exercise the same discretion you would in other conservative Caribbean destinations
- Be prepared for the possibility of uncomfortable questions or assumptions about your relationship
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Dominica due to limited medical facilities, the need for potential medical evacuation, adventure activity risks, and hurricane season threats. Medical evacuation to Martinique, Barbados, or the United States can cost $20,000-$50,000 USD. The island's focus on eco-tourism and adventure activities (hiking, diving, canyoning) increases injury risk. Basic medical care is available, but serious conditions require evacuation. Additionally, hurricane season and tropical weather can cause trip disruptions.
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