This page gives you the practical frame. We link to official sources for anything that can change, because entry rules, flight routes and fares move faster than any guide.
Check before you travel
Rules depend on your passport. Use the Discover Dominica Authority, the Government of Dominica and your own government's advice, for example the UK travel advice for Dominica.
Getting there
Dominica's main airport is Douglas-Charles (DOM) on the northeast coast, roughly an hour's drive from Roseau. Canefield Airport (DCF), near Roseau, mostly handles domestic and charter flights. A new international airport at Wesley has been under construction, so check whether it has opened. Many visitors connect through another Caribbean island or fly via Miami or Newark, and some arrive by sea, by ferry or cruise ship at Roseau or Portsmouth.
When to go
Dominica is warm all year. Rain is common in the interior at any time, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. The island was struck by Hurricane Maria at Category 5 in September 2017, so travel insurance and flexible bookings matter in the season. See our guides in the journal for more.
Money and language
The currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. English is the official language, and many people also speak Dominican Creole (Kwéyòl). A greeting in Kwéyòl is always welcome.
Getting around
Minibuses
Private minibuses form most of the public transport system. They are cheap and sociable but are not built around visitor timetables.
Taxis and guides
Taxi drivers often double as tour guides, which is a good way to reach several sites in one day.
Hire car
Roads are two-lane and winding, and some were damaged by storms in 2015 and 2017. Check licence and insurance requirements with the rental company.
Staying safe on the trails
Volcanic and rainforest terrain is beautiful and unforgiving. Tell someone your plan, carry water and a rain layer, and use a guide for long routes. Non-residents need a trail pass for the Waitukubuli National Trail. Always check the current trail status before heading out.