As of October 18, 2024, Dominica has introduced a digital immigration and customs form allowing travelers to simplify their border crossing.
Dominica has taken another step towards modernizing its entry procedures with the recent introduction of a digital immigration and customs form.
Since October 18, 2024, travelers have been required to complete an Online Embarkation & Disembarkation Card before arriving on the island, an initiative designed to streamline and speed up border controls.
In concrete terms, visitors must complete the form at any time prior to their departure, on the Commonwealth of Dominica government’s official platform, accessible at edcard.dominica.gov.dm. Once submitted, a QR code and confirmation are sent to the traveler, who must present them on arrival, along with his or her passport. It is advisable to save the confirmation and QR code on a mobile device or print it out to present to immigration and customs authorities at the port of entry.
The aim is twofold: to reduce waiting time at customs and to facilitate the management of tourist flows, as Dominica seeks to attract more post-pandemic visitors.
A step towards the digitization of Caribbean entry procedures
“This secure, government-managed website ensures accurate processing of travelers’ information and compliance with Dominica’s Immigration and Customs Regulations. The Government of Dominica does not levy any fees for the completion of the online ED Forms,” explains the Dominican Ministry of Tourism.
Marva Williams, Director of the Discover Dominica Authority, says that “by introducing online immigration forms, we are taking an important step towards modernizing our travel procedures and improving the overall visitor experience. We believe this initiative will simplify entry to Dominica and demonstrate our commitment to providing exceptional service to our visitors.”
With this reform, Dominica joins a movement seen in several countries in the region where paper procedures are gradually being replaced by digital solutions.
Other Caribbean islands, such as the British Virgin Islands and Sint Maarten, have already adopted similar systems, simplifying formalities for tourists and boosting the efficiency of immigration services.
For the local authorities, this transformation represents a step towards a smoother, more modern travel experience, in line with international standards. The government encourages all travelers to use the new online immigration form to ensure a smooth passage through customs.
Visa requirements to enter Dominica
To enter Dominica, visitors must present a valid passport, a return ticket, a local address and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.
Citizens of Commonwealth countries, CARICOM member states and countries such as the USA, Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia can stay in Dominica for up to six months without a visa.
Nationals of France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, China, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the UK and Venezuela are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to three months.
Transit passengers or tourists in possession of a return ticket, who satisfy the immigration officer of their intention not to remain in the state for a period exceeding twenty-one days, as well as cruise ship passengers, also do not require a visa.
