Dominica

The Commonwealth of Dominica is one of the British Windward Islands, situated between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Caribbean. Tourism has suddenly exploded on the island, which is increasingly popular as a stop for cruise ships, particularly since it became the setting for the hit movie franchise, Pirates of the Caribbean. Don't come to Dominica for the archetypical Caribbean sandy beaches, though. The coastline is rugged with steep cliffs plunging into the sea. Never mind, because on this volcanic island nature has traded white powdery beaches for other treasures, like thick forests, magnificent waterfalls and gushing rivers. Offshore there is a wondrous world for scuba divers with diverse sloping reefs, pinnacles, walls and underwater hot springs to explore.

Many of those who come ashore from cruise liners have only a day to take in the delights of Dominica, which is certainly not enough for all the activities and excursions on offer. There is the fascinating 'Boiling Lake' in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, tubing down the Layou River, snorkelling among the tropical fish at 'Champagne' (where volcanic fissures make the water bubble), hiking through the forest, plunging into the green depths of the Emerald Pool, riding an aerial tram through the rain forest canopy, or watching a live folklore show, to name just a few of the diversions to be enjoyed.

This unspoilt tropical paradise does not offer luxury resorts and high-rise hotels, but is rather designed for those who want to take a break and relax in cliff-top villas, small mountain spas, guesthouses and apartments. At the same time the island is equipped with all the modern conveniences, including good communications, banks and numerous restaurants, usually run by local families, in which to sample the delicious local West Indian cuisine. Those brave enough might like to tuck into traditional favourites like stewed opossum, or 'mountain chicken' (which is actually a large frog), which can be washed down with some hearty coconut rum punch.

Dominica is one of the few places left in the world, and most certainly in the Caribbean, where it is genuinely possible to 'get back to nature'.

Climate

Dominica's tropical climate means there is plenty of sunshine, humidity and heat all year round, but this is interspersed with an abundance of frequent rain showers. The rain is not all bad though, dampening the often intense heat and nourishing the island's extensive rainforest. It is dryer on the coast. The island is very susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, usually between June and November.

Money

The official currency of Dominica is the East Caribbean Dollar (XCD), which is fixed to the US dollar at a rate of EC$2.67 to US$1. US Dollars, the Euro and the British Pound are also usually accepted on the island, but change is given in EC dollars. Travellers cheques and money can be exchanged at major hotels and at the bank. Banks open from 8am to 2pm Monday to Thursday, and 8am to 4pm on Friday. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted by most businesses except small vendors. There are several ATMs attached to banks in the capital, Roseau, which dispense EC Dollars.

Passport Visa

All visitors require a return or onward ticket, entry documents for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Dominica. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers going between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Dominca within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months.
• British citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months for British passport holders, irrespective of the endorsement in their passport regarding their national status.
• Canadian citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months.
• Australian citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months.
• South African citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months.
• Irish citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
• New Zealand citizens require a passport valid upon arrival in Dominica. No visa is required for a stay of up to six months.

Health

Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended for visitors to Dominica, and yellow fever vaccination is compulsory for entry for those coming from an infected area. Dengue fever is on the increase and visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Medical facilities on the island are limited, so health insurance with evacuation cover is recommended. It is advisable to bring personal medications. Food and drinks are safe to consume in hotels and restaurants, but it is preferable to drink bottled water.

Embassy Consulates

• Embassy of Dominica, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 364 6781/2.
• High Commission of Dominica, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7370 5194/5.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Dominica): +1 246 227 4000.
• British Consulate, Roseau: +1 767 255 3116.
• Canadian Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados (also responsible for Dominica): +1 246 429 3550.
• South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Dominica): +1 876 978 3160.