Dominica customs rules & duty-free allowances
Dominica enforces strict biosecurity: all food, plants, wooden items, and animal products must be declared or face fines up to XCD 5,000. The island also bans single-use plastics and Styrofoam containers. These rules apply to all arriving non-resident adults in 2026.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Single-use plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam containers (ban effective since 2019)
- Firearms and ammunition without a permit from the Commissioner of Police
- Explosives, fireworks, and pyrotechnics
- Pornographic material
- Endangered species and products (CITES-listed items)
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam) – require a prescription and prior approval
- Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate and import permit
- Drones – require a permit from the Dominica Civil Aviation Authority
- Satellite phones and radio transmitters – require a licence from the Ministry of Telecommunications
- Firearms and ammunition – require a police permit and must be declared on arrival
Arriving: red vs green channel
After collecting luggage, proceed to Customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you have goods over the allowance, cash over XCD 27,000, or restricted items, use the red channel. You must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CDF) handed out on the plane or at the airport.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Dominica does not offer a tourist VAT refund scheme.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 30 days are allowed without a prescription. For longer stays or controlled drugs (e.g., opioids, sedatives), carry a doctor's prescription and a letter explaining the condition. Some common Western medications (e.g., codeine-based painkillers) are controlled; check with the Ministry of Health before travel.
Food, plants & animal products
All food, plants, seeds, soil, wooden items, and animal products must be declared. Banned: fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and live plants without a phytosanitary certificate. Failure to declare can result in fines up to XCD 5,000 (approx. USD 1,850).
Rules worth knowing
Plastic Ban
Dominica bans the importation of single-use plastic bags, straws, and Styrofoam containers. Violators face fines up to XCD 5,000 (approx. USD 1,850).
Biosecurity Declaration
All arriving passengers must declare any food, plants, wooden items, or animal products on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to declare can result in on-the-spot fines and confiscation.
Duty-Free Limits Are Per Person
Duty-free allowances (alcohol, tobacco, goods) are per adult traveller, not per family. Infants and children under 18 have no tobacco or alcohol allowance.
Currency Declaration
Cash or monetary instruments over XCD 27,000 (approx. USD 10,000) must be declared. Non-declaration can lead to seizure and penalties up to 50% of the amount.