Trevor KucheranLast Updated
The Caribbean island of Dominica reopened its borders for international tourism on August 7, 2020.
Denise Charles, the Minister for Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives, made the announcement in late July.
All travelers will be required to follow new health protocols for entry to the island.
Since reopening in August, Dominica has updated their entry requirements a few times. Below you will find accurate information as of December 15, 2020.
Which countries can visit Dominica?
The Commonwealth of Dominica will be reopening to travelers from all countries, but will have different entry requirements based on risk.
Risk Classification for Travel to Dominica
The risk of the traveler is based on them being in one of the below countries for at least 21 days and traveling straight to Dominica. If a lower risk nation needs to transfer through a higher risk nation, then the higher risk will be used. (Example: A low-risk traveler from Norway transiting through high-risk USA will be treated as a high risk traveler)
Caricom Travel Bubble includes:
Barbados
Low Risk Countries:
Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and Grenadines ,Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, The Cayman Islands, Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, Bermuda, BVI, Greenland, Singapore, Turks & Caicos Islands
Medium Risk Countries:
Finland, Sweden, Nigeria, Switzerland
High Risk Countries:
Curacao, Canada, Italy, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Belize, Guadeloupe, Martinique, United States, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa, Peru, Mexico, Haiti, Colombia, Chile, Spain, Iran, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Argentina, Dominican Republic, Japan, Ecuador, Bolivia, Panama, Aruba, Surinam, Sint Maarten / Saint Martin, St. Lucia
Entry Requirements FOR ALL COUNTRIES
- Travelers must complete an online questionnaire at least 24 hours in advance and show their clearance to travel.
- Undergo a Rapid test upon arrival
(and, except Caricom bubble)
- All travelers must obtain a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) result recorded 24 to 72 hours before arriving in Dominica.
Additional Entry Requirements for:
Low-Risk Countries –
- Travelers will be monitored (on phone or in person) for 7 days at their hotel or place of residence
Medium-Risk Countries –
- Travelers will be monitored (on phone or in person) for 14 days at their hotel or place of residence
- A PCR test can be done on day 5 to end monitoring
High-Risk Countries –
- After rapid test is given on arrival, providing its negative, travelers will be taken to a government quarantine, or government-approved place, for 5 days.
- A PCR test will be given on day 5 to clear the traveler
Since travellers from high-risk countries need to quarantine at a government facility or government-approved ‘safe in nature' accommodation, there are some fees/costs involved. The image above shows what visitors can expect to pay.
“The reopening of borders will be done in a phased manner, with nationals allowed to return home from July 15th in phase one for travel by air [via] Douglas Charles and Canefield Airport,” said Minister Charles in a press briefing. “all travellers, including non-nationals, can travel to the Nature Island from August 7th, 2020, as part of phase two of the reopening of borders – if all goes well,” she stressed.
Dominica has had no COVID-19 deaths and only 54 total cases (accurate as of November 1, 2020.)
It is one of the least affected countries in the world and features on the United Kingdom's quarantine-free list.
The government has been cautious about reopening borders, especially as the island specializes in ecotourism that promotes respiratory health and suits social distancing requirements.
“Health and safety guidelines have been carefully deliberated and formally announced to keep the probability that new cases of COVID-19 may be recorded once the borders are reopened as low as possible,” Minister Charles added.
Nicknamed ‘Nature Island', Dominica attracts unconventional visitors seeking intimacy, adventures and eco-luxury experiences.
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Source: DiscoverDominica
Article was originally written and published on July 14, 2020 with updates
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