Overview

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We advise Irish citizens in Dominica to exercise a high degree of caution.

Latest travel alert

Extreme Weather in the Caribbean Region

The Atlantic hurricane season generally runs from June to November each year and can also affect the eastern and southern USA with heavy rain, flooding and extremely high winds.

Citizens with plans to be in the affected region during this period should consider the need to travel based on information relating to extreme weather projections. 

Hurricane Maria is currently heading across the Caribbean Sea as a category 5 storm towards Montserrat, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico after causing widespread damage on the island of Dominica.

Winds of up to 160mph (260km/h) and heavy rains were recorded in Dominca late on Monday as the eye of the hurricane passed. A tracking forecast has indicated that the eye of Hurricane Maria will move over the north-eastern Caribbean Sea on Tuesday, and approach the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Tuesday night and Wednesday.

The storm will continue moving toward Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as a strong Category 4 or a Category 5 and is not expected to diminish in strength.

Hurricane Irma passed over the Caribbean on 7 to 10 September causing severe flooding and damage to buildings and infrastructure across the region, including popular tourist areas. Some areas may still be without mains water supply or electricity, so extra care is needed during hours of darkness. Airports have reopened and flights have resumed but there may be delays.

You should continue to follow the advice of the local authorities and your hotel or tour operator.

If you have a holiday booked for a future date you should liaise with your tour operator or contact your hotel to check if there has been any damage/whether the hotel is open and functional. There may be problems with utilities and services for the foreseeable future while the recovery is underway.

There is currently an outbreak of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish Citizens are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

Emergency assistance

Because there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in Dominica, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency situation. However, if there is an emergency, or if you need help and advice, you can contact our Consular Assistance Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000.

Other EU embassies

You can also contact the Embassies or Consulates of other EU countries for emergency consular assistance, advice and support.

Our tips for safe travels:

• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities.
• Add an alert for your destination within the Travelwise App.
• Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
• Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
• Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.