A Commonwealth of Dominica passport is the official travel document for Dominican citizens. Since 2021, the government of Dominica has issued biometric passports in compliance with security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
This guide provides vital information about Dominican passports, including eligibility criteria, cost, passport types, and how to obtain one through investment.
Key Facts about the Dominican Passport
As a former British colony, the Commonwealth of Dominica is a member of Commonwealth of Nations, as well as several international organizations, including Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OESC).
As a member of CARICOM, a Dominica passport is also a CARICOM passport (Caribbean passport) and shares its common design standards. The passport for Dominica civilians is black, and the front cover features the country’s coat of arms, its official name, and the CARICOM logo.
After a $13 million revamp of its passport system, the Dominica government started issuing biometric passports in July 2021 to improve national security and align with global security standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These are standard passports embedded with an electronic microprocessor chip that contains the holder’s biometric information.
Passport types
The Passport Office prints three types of passports, Standard, diplomatic, and official, which the Dominica government issues to Dominica citizens.
Standard passport: A black passport issued to all civilians who are citizens of Dominica.
Diplomatic passport: A burgundy-colored passport issued to nationals of Dominica with diplomatic status.
Official passport: A green-colored passport issued to government officials of Dominica.
Emergency passport: An emergency passport (emergency travel document) is issued to Dominica nationals who do not have a regular passport but need to travel urgently due to loss, theft, damage, medical emergencies, or family emergencies.
Passport validity
A passport of Dominica is valid for ten years for citizens over 16 and five years for those under 16.
Passport ranking
According to the Global Citizens Solutions’ Global Passport Index, the Dominica passport ranks 9th among Caribbean countries and 78th globally. The index ranks passports based on mobility, investment potential, and quality of life. As of 2024, Dominican passport holders have visa free, visa on arrival access, or eVisa access (including eTAs) to 145 countries and territories, ranking the Dominican passport 73rd in the world concerning travel freedom, according to the Global Citizen Solutions’ Index. Investments in infrastructure, including the new Dominica International Airport, as well as revised business procedures, should see Dominica’s investment ranking increase in the next report.
Benefits of a Dominica Passport
Family members can get a Dominica passport
No residency requirement to maintain a second passport
Visa free and visa on arrival access to over 140 countries
Dual passport permitted
Visa free travel
Dominican passport holders enjoy access to over 140 Dominica visa free countries, including China, Russia, and Schengen Area countries.
Dual citizenship allowed
The Dominica government permits dual nationality, allowing Commonwealth of Dominica citizens to maintain multiple passports.
Lifelong citizenship passed down to future generations
Dominica citizens can pass Dominican citizenship down to future generations, allowing future children and grandchildren to obtain a Dominica Caribbean passport.
US visa opportunity
Dominica passport holders are eligible to apply for a US B-1/B-2 Visa, allowing visa holders to spend up to 180 days in the United States.
Strong passport ranking
The passport of the Commonwealth of Dominica ranks 78th out of 197 passports on the Global Passport Index, solidifying it as a strong passport.
Calculate the cost of citizenship for you and your family, including all associated fees.
How to Qualify for a Dominica Passport
There are several ways to become a citizen of Dominica and obtain a passport:
Citizenship by birth/descent
Individuals will obtain Dominican citizenship by birthright if they were born in Dominica or at least one parent was a Dominica citizen at the time of their birth.
Citizenship by naturalization
An individual with a Dominica visa who has resided in Dominica for at least seven years can be naturalized, providing they meet specific requirements, such as having good character.
Citizenship by marriage
The spouse of a Dominica national qualifies for citizenship after three years of marriage.
Citizenship by investment
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program offers foreign investors the opportunity to obtain a new citizenship in exchange for a minimum investment of $200,000 in the country’s economy. Operating under the Citizenship Act, the citizenship by investment program allows the government to grant citizenship to individuals who qualify under specific criteria and policy guidelines while boosting Dominica’s economic investment.
There are two routes you can take to obtain citizenship:
Contribution to the Dominica Economy Diversification Fund (EDF): The Dominica Economic Diversification Fund is a state fund established to boost Dominica’s economy. A single applicant must make a non-refundable contribution of $200,000 to obtain.
Purchase pre-approved real estate: Real estate investment is a route to becoming a Dominican citizen, and foreign nationals can qualify for citizenship by purchasing Dominica real estate worth at least $200,000.
Besides the qualifying investment, the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), Dominica’s government authority overseeing the program, requires applicants to pay government fees, including due diligence fees, and passport fees.
Dominica Passport Application Process
The Dominica Citizenship by Investment Program has a relatively straightforward application process. The major difference is that applications are handled by an Authorized Agent.
- Choose your investment route.
- Contact an Authorized Agent to submit your application.
- Complete all application forms provided by your agent
- Your Authorized Agent will submit the application to the CIU on your behalf.
- Complete the mandatory citizenship interview.
- The CIU will process and approve your application.
- Make the required investment.
- Receive your Certificate of Registration from the Dominica Commissioner of Oaths.
After application approval and acquiring citizenship by investment, you can complete the following steps to obtain a passport.
- Submit a passport application to the Passport Office in Dominica or an embassy, consulate or high commission abroad.
- Ensure the application is accompanied by two passport photographs (45mm x 38mm with a white background) and an original birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
If you’re starting the Dominica passport process as a first-time passport applicant, you must attend a virtual interview with an immigration offer at the Police Headquarters in Roseau at an embassy, consulate, or high commission. Consular officers are available by appointment.
Processing time
Besides to six to nine months to obtain Dominica citizenship by investment, citizens can expect passport applications to take two weeks to be processed.
Passport renewal
Renewing a Dominica passport is straightforward, requiring citizens to submit their application to the Passport Office in Roseau or through a Dominica Embassy or Consulate abroad, including their current passport, proof of identity, and two passport photos according to Dominica law. Passports are issued in a similar processing time of about two weeks.
All biometric passports meeting ICAO requirements are produced by the Dominica Passport Office in Roseau, so delivery times will vary, depending on where the passport renewal application was submitted.
Take a look at our Dominica Ultimate Guide by local experts
Dominica Passport Document Requirements
You must have Dominica citizenship to apply for a Dominican passport. This section provides a list of documents needed when applying for a new passport. While the list is comprehensive, it is always a good idea to check the government website to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.
To apply for a Dominica passport, you will require the following supporting documents:
- Completed Dominica passport application form
- Passport application fees, to be paid at the Treasury Department (a birth certificate and a marriage certificate – if the female applicant is married – must be presented to the cashier at the Treasury Department before the fees are paid)
- Treasury receipt as proof of application fee payment
- Two recent passport-sized photos (45mm x 38mm). You can find further information about the passport requirements on the Dominica government website
- Original birth certificate
- Copy of birth certificate
- If you collect a passport on behalf of the applicant, you must have a written notarized order (done in the presence of a Notary Public) from the applicant.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged passports must be reported to the Immigration Department in Roseau, the nearest police station, or your nearest Dominica Consulate.
In addition to the above, first-time applicants must have an interview, which can be conducted at the Dominica Consulate offices. The standard processing time for passports is two weeks. However, in the case of an emergency, such as illness, passports can be processed within two to three working days.
Dominica passport cost
When applying for a Dominica passport, the following fees apply:
- EC$75: Children under 16 years of age
- EC$150: Adults (16 years and older)
- EC$500: Lost or stolen passports (in addition to the application fee)
The Dominica passport price to replace lost or stolen passports does not cover the cost of obtaining a police report from the Police Headquarters in Roseau.
Visa Requirements for Dominicans
As of September 2024, Dominican passport holders enjoy visa free or visa on arrival access to 145 countries and territories, ranking Dominica’s passport 74th when analyzing travel freedom, according to the Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index. Travel options include those allowing access without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or with an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
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So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Caribbean citizenship?
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Dominican Passport
How strong is a Dominica passport?
The passport ranking of Dominica is 78th, according to the Global Passport Index. Dominica has a strong passport that allows for global mobility and tax exemptions, such as no tax on capital gains. Dominican passport holders can enjoy visa free travel to over 140 countries. These visa free countries include Schengen countries, China, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, and South Korea.
What is the Dominica citizenship by investment cost?
Citizenship of Dominica can be acquired in exchange for a minimum investment of $200,000 for a single applicant or $250,000 for a main applicant to include three family members (government fund non-refundable contribution). This excludes processing fees, due diligence fees, government fees, passport application costs, and legal fees.
Can my family also apply for a Dominica passport by investment?
As the main applicant, you can include the following family members in your application for Dominica citizenship by investment: Spouse, children under 18, children between 18 and 30 if in education, mentally and physically challenged dependent children, plus fully dependent parents and/or grandparents above 65. Dominica citizenship is lifelong and can be passed down to new generations.
Does Dominica allow dual citizenship?
Yes, you can have Dominica dual citizenship. This means you will not need to renounce your first citizenship when you obtain your second passport in Dominica.
Can I live in Europe with a Dominica passport?
Dominica passport holders have visa free access to European countries in the Schengen Area and can stay for up to 90 days in 180 days. However, if you plan to live in Europe for longer than three months as a Dominica citizen, you need to apply for a residency visa.
Can I go to Canada with a Dominica passport?
Dominican passport holders need a visitor visa to travel to Canada.
Can I travel to USA with Dominica passport?
Dominican passport holders require a visa to travel to the USA. With a tourist visa, they can stay in the USA for up to 180 days.
How long does it take to get a passport in Dominica?
If you’re already a Commonwealth of Dominica national, a Dominica passport application takes around two weeks to process. If you’re applying for Dominica citizenship by investment, you’ll need to add the six to nine months it takes to obtain citizenship.
