Travel Vaccines and Advice for Dominica
Dominica has been nickname the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean” due to its beautiful natural environment. Marked with lush rain forests, tall mountains, and filled with exotic flora and fauna, the island is a must-visit.
Travellers can go to small fishing villages, giving them a chance to snorkel or dive and see sunken ships. There are also beautiful hiking trails through the rain forest and mountains. Those looking to relax in one of many hot springs in the country. The more adventurous can even find zip-lines to get an amazing view of the country.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Dominica?
What are Dominica’s Entry Requirements?
What is the Climate Like in Dominica?
How Safe is Dominica?
Visiting Papillote Wilderness Retreat
What Should I Take to Dominica?
Canadian Embassy to Dominica
Do I Need Vaccines for Dominica?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Dominica. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Dominica: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Dominica |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Dominica |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Hepatitis A and typhoid can be contract from contaminated food or water. Be cautious of the food and water (including ice) that you consume.
Dengue and Zika are both present on the island. Make sure your protected with repellents or netting. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should take extra precautions against Zika.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
What are Dominica’s Entry Requirements?
To enter Dominica, a valid passport is required. A business or tourist visa is not required for up to 6 months.
Dominica Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Dominica? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Dominica and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Travellers may be asked to provide proof of an onward ticket, confirmed accommodations and sufficient funds. All individuals over the age of 12 are subject to a $22 departure tax upon leaving the country.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Dominica?
Dominica is almost always warm, with temperatures remaining stable throughout the year. Rains are less common the coast than inland, but are not uncommon. Peak hurricane season is late August to early September.
- Roseau – The temperatures in Dominica’s capital are almost always high. The hottest month is August, with average highs around 31 degrees Celsius. The coolest month is December. November has the most rain. Prepare according to the time of your visit.
- Marigot – Marigot is located in northeastern Dominica. The warmest month is August, with average temperatures around 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. Winter months bring rain, while summers are dry.
How Safe is Dominica?
Crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and burglary do occur in Dominica. Travel only in well-lit areas and avoid travelling alone if possible. Do not leave valuable items unattended in public areas including beaches.
Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing or bag-snatching, can also occur. Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables with them. Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, as they are good opportunities for pick-pocketing.
Take extra precautions at beaches, night clubs or other public areas. Try to travel in groups and avoid wearing anything that will attract undue attention.
Visiting Papillote Wilderness Retreat
Papillote Wilderness Retreat is Dominica’s first ecotourist area. Located on the rain forest slope Morne Macaque, it is near two different rain forests and volcanic pools.
The gorgeous hot pools are fed by a constant stream of natural spring water.
For those who get too warm, there are many cold rivers flowing through the grounds to cool off in. There are also ten acres of wilderness to explore, which have a plethora of exotic flora and fauna.
What Should I Take to Dominica?
Caribbean nations are some of the most popular destinations for travel. But, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need before travelling.
- Light Clothing – It can get very hot and humid in Dominica. You will be most comfortable in light, flowy clothing.
- Sunscreen – Lounging on the beach or exploring the outdoors is a must in Dominica. Make sure to lather up in sunscreen first to preventing burning.
- Mosquito Repellent – Mosquito-borne diseases are common in many parts of Dominica. Make sure you’re protected with repellents and any needed vaccinations.
- Sweater or Jacket – Nights can be chilly in some areas at various times of the year. Make sure to bring a light jacket or sweater just in case.
Canadian Embassy to Dominica
Due to the fact that there is no resident Canada government office in Dominica, all consular assistance can be handled by the High Commission of Bridgetown.
High Commission of Canada in Bridgetown, Barbados
Bishop’s Court Hill,
St. Michael,
P.O. Box 404,
Bridgetown, Barbados BB11113
Telephone: (246) 629-3550
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Dominica
“The nurse was very knowledgeable and made me feel so comfortable. I don’t like needles and I didn’t feel a thing. It was a great experience and I am less nervous for my trip to Dominica.”
“The nurse was sympathetic and listened to my concerns about Dominica. She was very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. I had an excellent consultation and left without any lingering questions or doubts.”
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