# What Ottawa Travellers Need to Know About Canada’s Latest Dominica Travel Advisory
Planning a tropical getaway to Dominica from Ottawa? Before you pack your bags for this Caribbean gem, Canada’s government just updated its travel advisory on March 18, 2026. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and healthy on the “Nature Island.”
The good news: Dominica remains at **Level 1 — Take Normal Security Precautions**, the lowest risk category for Canadian travellers. This recent update included editorial changes to health information, reminding us that travel preparation goes beyond booking flights and hotels.
## Understanding the Security Landscape
While Dominica is considered relatively safe, Ottawa travellers should stay alert to specific risks. Petty theft—including pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins—happens regularly, particularly around tourist hotspots. More concerning are occasional robberies and violent assaults reported near resorts and tourist facilities.
Timing matters too. Crime rates spike during major events like Carnival (February/March) and the World Creole Music Festival in October. If your Ottawa winter escape coincides with these festivals, extra vigilance is essential. Leave expensive jewelry at home, avoid deserted beaches after sunset, and never carry large cash amounts.
Infrastructure challenges also affect daily life in Dominica. Power outages strike multiple times daily in Roseau and other areas, sometimes lasting hours. Keep your phone charged, carry a flashlight, and maintain emergency supplies—especially important if you’re managing medications requiring refrigeration.
Women travelling solo should be aware that harassment and verbal abuse occur, with sexual assaults also reported. Travel in groups when possible, especially after dark.
## Health Preparation: Your First Line of Defense
While the advisory focuses on security, health preparation is equally crucial for Ottawa travellers heading to Dominica. The tropical climate and different disease profile mean your immune system faces challenges it doesn’t encounter in Eastern Ontario.
Start your pre-travel health consultation at least six weeks before departure. Routine vaccines may need boosting, and depending on your itinerary, you might need protection against hepatitis A, typhoid, or other tropical diseases. A travel health physician can assess your medical history, planned activities (hiking rainforests versus beach resorts), and current health advisories to create a personalized prevention plan.
Don’t overlook practical health measures: prescription medications for travellers’ diarrhea, insect repellent for mosquito-borne illnesses, and a properly stocked medical kit. Water quality varies across the island, so discuss water purification strategies during your consultation.
## Be Prepared, Not Worried
A Level 1 advisory means you can enjoy Dominica’s waterfalls, diving, and volcanic landscapes with sensible precautions. Smart preparation—including comprehensive travel health planning—transforms potential risks into manageable considerations.
Travelling to Dominica? Before you go, speak with one of our ISTM-certified travel health physicians – virtually, 7 days a week. A pre-travel consultation covers vaccines, medications, and destination-specific health risks. Book your virtual consultation at Orleans Travel Clinic Pharmacy.