Dominica is open for travelers — but you’ll need to start planning your paperwork well in advance

The small island nation of Dominica opens for travelers on Aug. 7. Here’s what we know so far, and what you should prepare if you decide to visit. 

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What to expect

Before arrival

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How to get there and where to stay

Airlines

Unfortunately, Dominica may be opening for tourism — but routes are few and far between, often with long layovers and extravagant prices, even in economy.

The cheapest flights we found originate out of New York (JFK) and stop in San Juan (SJU) en route to Dominica (DOM) for $492 round trip in economy in September on JetBlue.

American Airlines has flights from Miami via Charlotte for $657 roundtrip in main cabin. Or you could fly from New York-JFK via Miami and San Juan for $556. I didn’t have much luck looking for award space in late summer or fall, and in fact I couldn’t get it to price in miles for any period I searched. Inventory for the resumed flights may still be loading.

Hotels

The Dominica Environmental Health Department (EHD) has implemented stringent safety measures for hotels interested in hosting visiting tourists. Approved hotels receive a certificate of approval and to date, six Dominica hoteliers have reached compliance with the EHD. They are:

• Banana Lama Eco Villas in the Dominica rainforests
• Cabrits Resort Spa Kempinski
• Hotel Des Champs (a five-room hotel)
• Mango Garden Cottages (open upon request)
• Riverside Hotel Picard Dominica
• Rosalie Bay Resort
• Tamarind Tree Hotel Dominica

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The Oceanfront Honeymoon Suite at the Rosalie Bay Resort costs just $225 per night.

Meantime, a standard room at the Cabrits Resort Spa Kempinski begins at $255 for non-Caribbean natives.

Don’t forget: You can use points on a fixed-value credit card to “erase” statement charges for cash-based expenses.

Featured photo by BRUSINI Aurlien/hemis.fr/Getty Images