The Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica is reopening to all foreign visitors on Aug. 7.
The country, known as the “Nature Island” for its abundant natural beauty, has announced a streamlined process for all travelers.
What it means is that all tourists and Dominican nationals must obtain a negative COVID-19 PCR test result recorded within 24 to 72 hours of arriving in Dominica.
They also need to fill out a “health questionnaire” online at least 24 hours prior to arrival in Dominica (you can find it here).
All travelers will undergo a “series of checks,” including a rapid test screening.
Dominican officials said that, should any traveler “present any signals deemed unsafe, such as a positive test result, they will be quarantined at a government facility or a certified hotel.”
The protocols apply to all visitors to the island.
“Though excited to once again be offering travelers an opportunity to experience the Nature Island of the Caribbean, we are approaching this opening with stringent protocols,” Discover Dominica Authority CEO Colin Piper told Caribbean Journal. “Our priority remains to keep visitors and our residents free from the spread of the virus. Dominica’s many nature based activities, our secluded beaches and long meandering rainforest hikes, are perfectly positioned for a socially distanced travel experience. The great outdoors and wholesome cuisine of Dominica offers the perfect antidote to the stresses of this pandemic.”
So where can travelers stay? The island’s largest resort, the new Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski Dominica, is the first to confirm its reopening, which will be taking place in August.
The island’s top eco resort, the Rosalie Bay resort, is already open, while the ultra-luxe Secret Bay and its sister hotel, the Fort Young in Roseau, are both likely opening on Aug. 7 too, in time for the reopening.
To date, Dominica has had just 18 cases of COVID-19, with no deaths recorded.