Dominica Visa Guide 2026: Key requirements and ED card steps

(DOMINICA) As of January 2026, most short-term visitors to Dominica enter without a visa for up to six months, but every traveler must submit the new online ED card within three days of arrival. That mix—longer visa-free entry and a digital pre-arrival check—changes how you should plan flights, documents, and any longer stay.

Citizens of the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom, Canada 🇨🇦, and most EU countries are in the six‑month visa‑exempt group, while some nationalities receive 3 months, 21 days, or need a visa before travel. Officers still expect a passport valid for at least six months beyond departure, one blank page, and proof you will leave, such as an onward ticket that matches the length of stay you request.

Dominica’s government made the ED requirement mandatory on October 18, 2024. Complete it at the official Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) card portal and keep the QR code ready for airline check‑in and border control. VisaVerge.com reports that the digital card has cut down on paper queues at busy arrival times, but missing it can slow entry.

Common entry rules that trip up travelers

Dominica’s border process is simple, but it is strict about a few basics that tourists sometimes treat casually.

Bring evidence of:
– Where you will stay (hotel booking, host address, or rental agreement).
– Money for the trip, with a practical benchmark of $100+ per day in accessible funds.
– A return or onward ticket that matches the length of stay you request.

If you arrive from a yellow fever risk area within the last six weeks, you must show a yellow fever vaccination record. Cruise visitors often receive 21 days on entry, and transit passengers under 24 hours fall into a short stay category.

Budget for exit costs:
– Departure tax: EC$86 (about USD$33) — waived for children under 12.

For U.S. cruise passengers, WHTI‑compliant documents may work, but a passport remains the safest option if you need to fly home unexpectedly.

Important: Missing the online ED card can delay entry. Keep the ED QR code as a screenshot and a printed copy for airline check‑in and border control.

Practical timeline: what to do before you fly

Start with the tasks airlines and immigration officers check first. This order prevents last‑minute surprises.

1. Check your passport validity and blank page. If the passport expires soon, renew before booking non‑refundable travel.
2. Complete the online ED card in the three‑day window. Save the QR code as a screenshot and print it.
3. Assemble your “proof” folder. Keep digital and paper copies of tickets, bookings, insurance, and bank statements.
4. Prepare health documents if relevant. Keep yellow fever records ready if they apply.
5. Plan your funds access. ATMs are limited outside Roseau; carry a backup card or cash plan.

Most travelers won’t need other pre‑approval for a short visit. The officer at Douglas‑Charles Airport or the seaport will decide your landing stamp length based on your purpose and documents.

When you need a visa — application stages

If you are not in a visa‑exempt nationality group, or if you plan to work, study, or stay beyond the visa‑free limit, you must apply through a Dominica embassy or consulate, or by mail where no mission exists. The core steps are consistent across visa types, though supporting documents differ.

Typical stages:
1. Application form and identity checks. Some applications require notarized copies.
2. Document review. Missing police certificates or translations cause delays.
3. Fee payment. Fees vary by nationality and visa type; service providers may add charges.
4. Decision and issuance. Approval normally arrives by email before a visa is placed in your passport.

Processing times: 7–21 business days. Applicants are advised to apply 4–6 weeks before travel. For official updates and contact points, check the Dominican government’s immigration site: https://immigration.gov.dm

Remote Worker Visa: 18‑month option for digital nomads

Dominica’s Remote Worker Visa grants up to 18 months and targets people employed abroad or running a remote business. It is a clear legal route for longer stays without entering the local labor market.

Requirements:
– Annual income of $50,000+.
– Proof of remote employment or business activity.
– Police clearance, bank statements, and health insurance.
– Good character documentation, as required by the program.

Fees and processing:
– $800 for a single applicant.
– $1,200 for a family.
– Typical processing: 7–21 days.

Notes:
– Families can be included; couples often apply together.
– The visa supports income earned outside Dominica and does not replace a work permit for local employment.

Choosing the right status for business, study, or work

Dominica’s immigration rules are set by the Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs. A visitor stamp covers tourism and many short business activities (meetings, conferences).

Work:
– If you will be paid by a Dominican employer, you need a work permit before starting.
– Employers usually must show the job fills a local skills gap.
– Permits are typically issued for one year, with renewals possible.

Study:
– Secure an acceptance letter first.
– Prepare proof of tuition and living costs for the full program.
– Keep certified translations for any documents not in English.

Carry the same “proof” mindset onto the plane even when you have visa‑free entry. Immigration officers ask simple questions about where you’re staying and when you’re leaving; consistent answers matter. If you need to extend, apply before your stamp expires and keep receipts—overstays trigger daily fines and future scrutiny.

Practical travel note: Dominica’s eco‑tourism attractions (like Morne Trois Pitons National Park) mean many travelers mix hiking and remote work. Plan rest days—terrain and rain can disrupt road travel to appointments or flights.

Extensions, overstays, and enforcement

Visitors who enter without a visa sometimes decide to stay longer. Dominica allows extensions through an “Extension of Stay” request.

• Extension fee: $200.
• Supporting documents required are similar to those used at entry.
• Many travelers use this to stay up to the overall six‑month limit.

Overstaying is costly and can damage future travel prospects:
– Fines: EC$300 per day.
– Repeat violations can lead to bans.

Officers watch for red flags such as no onward ticket, no clear place to stay, or statements that suggest working on a tourist status. If you need permission to work, plan for a work permit tied to a job offer and an employer’s demonstration of a local skills gap. Student permission requires proof of enrollment and living costs for the course duration.

Longer‑term mobility: residence and citizenship

For those who want more than repeated visits, Dominica offers longer options.

Residence:
– Temporary residence permits can be issued for one year, renewable.
– Potential path to permanent residence after five years, when residence and financial rules are met.

Citizenship by Investment:
– Widely discussed guideposts for 2026 include a minimum $200,000+ donation or qualifying real estate.
– $7,500 due diligence per adult is commonly cited.
– The route is heavily vetted; applicants should use authorized agents and keep records ready for screening.

Key takeaways

A clean online ED card submission and consistent proof at the border usually produce a smooth stamp and a relaxed start in Dominica.

Whether you come for diving at Champagne Reef, hiking to Boiling Lake, or a longer remote work stretch, the best trip starts with paperwork done early and documents kept together.