Travel alerts & warnings
Dominica driving guide.
Driving in Dominica gives you access to rainforest trails, waterfalls and coastal villages beyond the main towns. Expect narrow mountain roads, sharp bends and steep gradients, with rain, potholes and occasional landslides making journeys slower than distances suggest.
- Advisory
- Normal precautions
- Drives on
- Left
- Best season
- February to April…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Dominica is generally a safe destination for travelers.
- Exercise normal precautionin Dominica.
- Dominica regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in Dominica.
- Review our Travel Guidance for Dominica to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Driving there
Your permit in Dominica
- Dominica honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Not party to the 1949 convention; the International Driving Permit is honored.
- Requires presentation to local police and payment of a special registration upon arrival.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Dominica
Road rules and speed limits
Wear seat belts and obey posted speed limits. Dominica’s winding roads often require substantially slower speeds, especially through villages, on wet descents and at blind bends; keep left and approach narrow bridges cautiously.
No road tolls
Dominica has no toll roads. Attraction admission and any parking charges are separate; carry Eastern Caribbean dollars for small local payments.
Fuel before remote drives
Refuel around Roseau or Portsmouth before exploring the interior or quieter coastal roads. Stations are less frequent outside populated areas, and opening hours vary; carry cash rather than relying entirely on card payments.
Rental vehicles and local permits
Arrange Dominica’s temporary visitor driving permit through your rental agency before driving. Your IDP does not replace this permit or your original driving licence. A compact vehicle with good ground clearance is useful; check tyres, brakes and insurance exclusions.
Police checks and documents
Carry your original driving licence, IDP, temporary visitor driving permit, rental agreement and identification. Stop when directed by police and keep these documents accessible for roadside checks.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Dominica
Trafalgar Falls
Roseau Valley · Approximately 20–30 minutes from Roseau.
Twin waterfalls reached by a short rainforest walk from the visitor parking area; viewing conditions depend on rainfall.
Titou Gorge
Laudat, Roseau Valley · Approximately 30–40 minutes from Roseau.
A narrow volcanic gorge with a freshwater swimming route. Check local conditions and avoid entering during heavy rain or high water.
Emerald Pool
Central interior, Morne Trois Pitons National Park · Approximately 45–60 minutes from Roseau.
A forest trail leads to a waterfall and green pool, making this an accessible introduction to Dominica’s rainforest.
Scotts Head
Southwest coast, Saint Mark Parish · Approximately 40–50 minutes from Roseau.
A coastal village and headland with sweeping views over Soufrière Bay and the meeting of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
Cabrits National Park and Fort Shirley
Portsmouth, northwest coast · Approximately 5–10 minutes from central Portsmouth.
Restored fortifications, woodland paths and elevated views across Prince Rupert Bay, with straightforward road access.
Calibishie
Northeast coast, Saint Andrew Parish · Approximately 30–40 minutes from Portsmouth.
A scenic seaside village near beaches and the striking Red Rocks formations; Atlantic surf can make swimming hazardous.
Heading to Dominica?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.