Dominica: Authorities slightly modify COVID-19-related international travel restrictions as of Feb. 17 /update 29

Event

Authorities in Dominica have made minor changes to the country's COVID-19-related international travel restrictions as of Feb. 17. Authorities have expanded the list of approved vaccines to include Abdala and Soberana and now allow fully vaccinated travelers from the US to enter the country with a negative result from a pre-arrival antigen test, instead of a PCR test. Other previously imposed requirements remain largely unchanged.

Domestic Measures
Under existing directives, most nonessential businesses may operate. Barbershops, spas, and restaurants can offer in-person services, provided they enforce social distancing measures. Protective facemasks are mandatory in indoor public settings and on public transportation.

International Travel Restrictions
Fully vaccinated travelers do not need to self-quarantine upon arrival in Dominica. Officials consider individuals to be fully vaccinated if they have received a second dose (or one dose of the Janssen vaccine) of an approved COVID-19 vaccine more than two weeks before entering the country. Approved vaccines include those by AstraZeneca, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Moderna, Pfizer, Sinopharm, Abdala, and Soberana.

Regardless of their country or territory of origin, in order to enter Dominica, fully vaccinated individuals must:

• Submit a health questionnaire online at least 24 hours before arrival;

• Submit proof online of a negative result from a PCR test taken 24-72 hours before arrival (travelers from the US can present a negative result from an antigen test taken 24-48 hours before arrival; home tests are not allowed);

• Upload a vaccination certificate (which must be in English);

• Make an online payment for an antigen test to be taken upon arrival;

• Present the notification of health clearance to travel before departure for Dominica and upon arrival;

• Upon arrival, undergo a health assessment, including an antigen test, and present required certificates and documents.

Persons whose on-arrival test is positive must enter a government quarantine facility for a minimum of 10 days if symptomatic. Asymptomatic travelers who test positive upon arrival may quarantine at home or at a designated Safe in Nature facility. If the antigen test result is negative, the traveler will be medically cleared. Travelers who test positive and are asymptomatic should use certified transportation, continue monitoring for symptoms, and book accommodations at a Safe in Nature-certified property.

Fully vaccinated travelers arriving without proof of a negative result from a pre-travel PCR test must take a rapid antigen test upon arrival and wait for the results at a government-approved facility or at a Safe in Nature-certified property. Those who test negative must remain in isolation until receiving another negative result from an antigen test taken on the third day after arrival. Unvaccinated individuals under the age of 18 arriving with fully vaccinated family members can follow the same guidelines as their fully vaccinated relatives.

Persons who are not fully vaccinated or do not have proof of full vaccination must follow the same requirements as those fully vaccinated; upon arrival, they will undergo an antigen test and must quarantine at a certified location. A PCR test will be administered on the fifth day of the quarantine period and travelers must remain in isolation while awaiting the results, which typically come in 24-48 hours.

Unvaccinated travelers who test positive at any step of this process must remain isolated at a COVID Care Complex, where hospital fees will be charged.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any entry requirements with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Confirm all travel arrangements.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Dominica - COVID-19 Travel Guidelines
Dominica - COVID-19 Travel Health Questionnaire