Everything you need to know about a Dominica Visa
The
Commonwealth of Dominica has identified several jurisdictions under the
visa-free regime. Whereas some nationals can stay in the country without a visa
for up to six months, others can visit the nation for a maximum period not
exceeding three months.
British passport holders fall under the latter
category, i.e they can enter Dominica and stay here for a maximum span of up to
90 days.
However,
once you arrive at the port of entry, the immigration officials will verify
your purpose of visit and grant a specified period to stay.
If you wish to
extend this period, you have to apply for an extension at the Dominica
Immigration Department. This process requires a small fee and you cannot
overstay your visa without getting prior approval. Also, you cannot work under
the visa-free facility and have to obtain a work permit if you plan to do so.
British
nationals, in order to avail the visa-free facility, must carry an original UK
passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into
Dominica.
It should also contain a minimum of two blank pages. Additionally,
you are also required to carry proof of sufficient funds that shall cover your
stay period and evidence of return or onward travel.
Entry requirements for foreigners planning to travel to Dominica
Citizens of the following nations can stay in Dominica without a visa for up to 180 days:
- The Member States of the Commonwealth
- CARICOM member states
- Austria
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- Hungary
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- The United States of America
Nationals of the following countries can stay in Dominica without a visa for up to 90 days:
- Argentina
- Belgium
- Costa Rica
- Denmark
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Netherlands (including Netherland Antilles)
- Norway
- People's Republic of China
- Portugal
- South Korea
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- Venezuela
Now, if you do not belong to either of the above nations, you shall have to lodge an application for a visitor visa. For this purpose, the documents required are as follows:
- A fully completed and signedvisa application form
- A passport that holds a validity of at least six months and contains a minimum of two blank pages
- A letter of invitation from your sponsor in Dominica
- Recent police record, which is not older than three months
- Recent bank statements. If you are unable to produce this document, you have to submit the bank statements of your sponsor
- An employment letter or evidence that you are self-employed
- The required application fee, amounting to £25, paid through bank draft, postal order, or cheques, payable to the Dominica High Commission
- Comprehensive health report inclusive of HIV/AIDS test
Once you lodge your application, if approved, it will be issued within 10 days. For additional questions on the visa application process, you should contact theDominica High Commission in London.
Note: If any document is in a foreign language, it should be translated by a certified translator, stamped and notarized. Even all the above-listed forms, as well as their copies, must be notarized.
Applying for a residence permit in Dominica
If you wish to apply for a residence permit, you must be able to present a valid UK passport, in original, which is valid for at least six months.
The next step is to apply for an Extension of Stay through the Immigration Department. This approval must be recorded in the passport.
Once you satisfy the above two requirements, you will be issued an application form to apply for a residence permit. The form comprises two parts, a checklist and a medical form.
Once you complete and sign these documents, you need to arrange for the following documents:
- A medical certificate which states that the applicant is in sound health and has not been diagnosed with any infectious disease in the last three years
- Two testimonials, one of them being issued by the applicant’s employer
- Bank statements specifying the financial stability of the applicant
- A recent police record
- Two clear and recent passport-sized photos.
- Valid passport (must be valid for up to six months
- Application fee, which has to be paid to the Treasury Department and a copy of the payment receipt
- A letter from the applicant’s sponsor in Dominica
- Marriage certificate
- A cover letter from the applicant detailing the purpose of seeking a residence permit
- Extension of Stay from Immigration Department
Note: If you wish to work in Dominica and you already have a work permit from the Labour Division, you automatically receive residency status if the term of employment is for more than six months. Work permits come with a validity of up to one year and can be renewed.
If you want further details on obtaining a residence permit, please contact the below address:
Ministry of National Security, Labour and Immigration
2nd Floor, Government Headquarters
Kennedy Avenue
Roseau
Commonwealth of Dominica
Telephone: (767) 266-3553
Fax: (767) 448 8960
E-mail: nationalsecurity@dominica.gov.dm
Additional points
Do note that you may not be able to seek consular support in Dominica because the country has no British High Commission office.
You can contact the nearest British High Commission in Bridgetown, Barbados for emergency assistance.
Dominica has also been identified to pose a risk of Zika virus transmission. You should take out comprehensive travel medical insurance before visiting the nation.
You can use UK ETDs (Emergency Travel Documents) to enter and exit from Dominica ports of entry and departure.