Whether you’re a Dominican at home or abroad, it’s pretty nice to have options.
Although travel from the island can seem a bit intimidating or even tedious, it’s nice to know that should you wish it, there is a world to see and you have the requirements for entry! So please, allow me to walk you through a list of well known European countries that Dominicans can visit without having to navigate through the tediously discouraging visa application process.
France
First on our list is France, home to Paris the City of Lights!
If a romantic getaway is what you’re searching for then what better place than the City of Love. For a country located between two French islands Dominica is no stranger to French culture or cuisine, so why not get immersed? It should be noted that it’s probably best to visit France during its off season #ParisInNovember because you get to avoid the crowds, the lines and well other tourists for the most part, since this is a very popular destination.
Be forewarned, that the weather is going to be a little bit more on the colder side – much colder than the temperate climate of the Caribbean.
Route:
Dominica → Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe → France: Paris, Lyon, Nice or Bordeaux
From here on out, think of Barbados (BGI) as your entry point to the world when traveling from Dominica.
Greece
They say once you’ve seen one island, you’ve seen them all. Unfortunately, as an island girl myself, this is one opinion I simply cannot agree with.
Although mainland Greece has a lot to offer – temples, ruins and tons of information on Greek mythology – the islands simply scream vacation! From colorfully dotted shorelines to panoramic views Greece is definitely bucket list worthy, even for an islander.
Route:
Dominica → Barbados
Barbados* → Greece: Athens
*Layover in Germany but no transit visa required
Ireland
What better place to have Guinness than here? If you’re looking for a trip that doesn’t miss out on the alcohol, this may be the spot for you.
From Irish stouts to Irish whiskeys there might be something here to tickle anyone’s palette. That is if you can pull yourself away from castles, rolling green hills and some scenic old-world charm.
Route:
Dominica → Barbados
Barbados* → Ireland: Dublin or Cork
*Layover in Germany but no transit visa required
Although Ireland is not a Schengen State it does allow Dominicans to visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
Check visa requirements here.
Italy
Do you like pizza? Bread? Coffee? Wine? Or maybe cheese?
Well from cathedrals to canals and colosseums, Italy clearly has a lot going on. But if food is what excites you then might as well bump this country to the top of your list!
Route:
Dominica → Barbados
Barbados* → Italy: Rome, Milan, Venice or Florence
*Layover in Germany but no transit visa required
Netherlands
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is made up of four countries: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten. Seeing as three thirds of this kingdom is located in the Lesser Antilles maybe it’s time we take a trip to the mainland and see how the Dutch do things.
Route:
Dominica → Barbados
Barbados* → Netherlands: Amsterdam
*Layover in Germany but no transit visa required
Portugal
Football fans might be a little familiar with this country. Or for those of us who aren’t then maybe you’ve at least heard of a very notable Portuguese player? No?
Either way the country has a lot more to offer than sports. Filled with castles, alluring architecture and that classic European charm, this country might be the fairy tale escape you need.
Route:
Dominica → Barbados
Barbados* → Portugal: Lisbon or Porto
*Layover in Germany but no transit visa required
Spain
For football fans this could be another spot of interest.
I mean who wouldn’t want to hop through Barcelona, Ibiza or Madrid if given the chance! But whatever you’re looking for museums, monuments, cuisines or architecture, Spain has probably got something for you.
Route:
Dominica → Barbados
Barbados* → Spain: Madrid or Barcelona
*Layover in Germany but no transit visa required
Sweden
You’ve heard of the Vikings, right?
Well this Scandinavian country is certainly a sight to behold. Plus, why not go see what the Swedes are up to over there.
Route:
Dominica → Barbados
Barbados* → Sweden: Stockholm or Gothenburg
*Layover in Germany but no transit visa required
Switzerland
For me, this was the first European country I ever visited and honestly it deserves a return trip. Quite frankly they had me hooked after I tried the chocolate. Like Swiss chocolate! Need I say more?
Route:
Dominica → Barbados
Barbados* → Switzerland: Zürich or Geneva
*Layover in Germany but no transit visa required
United Kingdom
Given our history, I don’t believe England needs an introduction. But don’t you think having a cup of tea at noon or popping in on the Queen sounds fun? Who knows, maybe you might even connect with a relative or family member who can give you a proper tour of jolly old London.
Route:
Dominica → Barbados
Barbados* → United Kingdom: London
*Layover in Germany but no transit visa required
Although England is not a Schengen State it does allow Dominicans to visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
Feel free to check visa requirements here.
And that is it for our list! Before traveling with your Dominican passport check out a few of our tips and for those of you travelling to Europe specifically you might want to take a look at this information. As briefly mention eight of these countries are Schengen States and so a better understanding of visa requirements can be found here.
Note:
Dominicans are able to visit these countries for vacation and leisure purposes. Longer stays and additional allowances like work authorization will require a visa application. Additionally, these countries reserve the right to deny entry if they so choose.