Visit the Magical Island of Dominica in complete Safety in 2021.

An Exclusive Interview with M. Colin Piper, CEO/Director of Tourism Discover Dominica Authority  

The Island of Dominica officially known as Commonwealth of Dominica conjures up a magical and unspoilt tropical paradise, with its unique flora and wildlife. In a short paragraph, could you describe what makes Dominica so special? 

Dominica is blessed with an array of natural and attributes that sets it apart from its competitors. Dominica is the Caribbean country with the highest percentage of centenarians and the Caribbean island with the largest number of Kalinago descendants.  It is blessed with an abundance of water, an array of tall cascading waterfalls,  majestic mountains and amazing dive sites like the Champagne Reef named for the bubbling waters rising from volcanic thermal springs on the ocean floor. The island boasts the Waitukubuli National Trail covering 114 miles of hiking trails spanning and twisting the length of the island, and the second largest Boiling lake in the world.                                                                                   

Discover Dominica recently launched Safe in Nature and has won applause for its handling and control of the pandemic.  What are the key aspects of the programme and what are the latest entry conditions for visitors from Britain and the EU?  

Safe in Nature is a managed experience that safeguards travellers from high-risk destinations for the first 5-7 days of arrival and offers unique and certified land and water-based experiences. The Safe in Nature commitment includes certified accommodation, transport providers, attractions, spas, and restaurants.  Click here to watch the Safe in Nature video.   

Entry into the island is essentially following the Safe in Nature Managed Experience protocols.  Visitors need to adhere to the protocols to enter the island which at present are i)  Negative PCR test results where swabs were taken no more than 72 hours before arrival into Dominica; ii) Completing an online health screening form that will give them health approval to enter the island.  Upon arrival, visitors from classified high risk countries are required to spend up to 7 days in quarantine (Safe in Nature)  where they are PCR tested on the 5th day. Upon receipt of negative PCR test results, they will be medically cleared.  At that point they are free to pursue their itinerary. The protocols change often and we are currently discussing the entry conditions for a vaccinated person. However the Government has not approved these protocols yet.      

In addition, the island has been awarded the Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council which reassures that the destination’s health and safety protocols meet globally accepted standards.      

Discover Dominica has just launched a Work in Nature programme. Providing that they meet the criteria, are British and EU passport holders eligible? Where can they apply for their working visa?  

Dominica launched its Work in Nature extended stay visa programme in March 2021.  British and EU passport holders are eligible once that have met the criteria. Please visit www.windominica.gov.dm for details on the visa programme.  

Do UK and EU visitors require a tourist visa to enter Dominica? 

Visitors from the UK and the EU do not require a tourist visa if the planned stay in less than 3 months (or 6 months in some cases, which depends on Dominica’s immigration country category). European countries who are members of the Commonwealth and wish to enter into the Commonwealth of Dominica for a period not exceeding six months do not require a visa. 

Can UK and EU visitors fly directly from Europe or/and are there good regional flights connections? 

There are no direct flights into Dominica. International flights from the U.S. and Europe are connected to the island through hubs in Antigua (ANU), Barbados (BGI), Martinique (FDF), St. Maarten (SXM), Puerto Rico (SJU), Guadeloupe (PTP) and St. Lucia (SLU).  

How long do visitors typically spend on the island? 

Visitors typically spend two weeks on the island of Dominica.

What is the Best Time of the year to visit Dominica? 

We recommend travel to Dominica all year-round. Dominica offers exciting land and water-based activities for all categories of travellers: from nature lovers to hikers, divers, snorkelers, whale and Dolphin enthusiasts, festival lovers, historians, nomads and bohemians, there is something for everyone. The best time to travel to Dominica depends on the traveler’s interest. 

Can you name some of the most popular local dishes and drinks for our readers?  

Local favourites include Callaloo soup, black pudding,  fish and smoked meat Braff, green banana & saltfish and stuffed fried bakes. Our most popular drinks are Kubuli, a local rum punch, Bwa Bandé, Red Cap Rum and infused Bush Rums (flavored with herbs and spices) as well as local fresh fruit juices. For a list of Dominica restaurants, click here. 

In one sentence, what is your message to British and EU citizens who are considering visiting or working on the Island of Dominica in 2021? 

Dominica warmly welcomes all UK and European travelers seeking a safe, relaxing and rejuvenating getaway for work or a  vacation, while being connected to Nature.    

To learn more about Dominica, become a qualified agent to sell this destination or simply refresh your skills and knowledge, click here to start the OTT course or visit the official site of Discover Dominica.

END OF INTERVIEW 

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