5 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

COVID REQUIREMENTS FOR "SAFE IN NATURE" DOMINICA:

 

Here is the official Oct 2021 Covid Requirements Travel Document. 

 

 Oct 15, 2021 Travel Protocols new guidance rv13r5-1.pdf   2.9MB   18 downloads

 

Here is a summary of the steps below:

1. Everyone must test negative via  a PCR test AND get results back within 72 hrs of landing in Dominica.
2. The only reference to 'type' of PCR is 'by swab'. I have asked if the PCR-RT is acceptable. My guess is that it is but I am verifying.
3. Realistically you need to find a test that will return your results back in as close to 24-48 max that you can.
4. Everyone will fill out a form online AT LEAST 24-48 hrs prior to CHECKING IN FOR TRAVEL OF YOUR FIRST FLIGHT.
5. You MUST have your negative test results when you fill out the online form with the Dominican govt. AND you must give them at least 24 preferably more time to process your results and your online form so you have time to get back YOUR EMAIL CONFIRMATION THAT YOU MUST PRINT AND TAKE WITH YOU TO THE AIRPORT FOR YOUR FIRST FLIGHT...along with a copy of your negative test results and other documents.
6. When you fill out the form you will also PAY FOR AN ANTIGEN RAPID TEST which is EC $100 or approx $50 US.
7. If you are vaxed you will need your vaccination cards. If you are unvaxed or can not produce your card then you need a letter from the "SAFE IN NATURE" approved facility to be added to your online application. (I am getting this letter for those who need it)
8. Once at the hotel the vaxed will have no add'l requirements until 2 days prior to traveling home where they will get tested again for returning to the US (Antigen) or Canada (PRC).  The PCR tests for Canadians are being set up well in advance and the doctor will come to the hotel to do the testing for us.
9. The unvaxed will 'quarantine safely in nature' at the hotel until the 5th day where they test again to prove they do not have covid. Those results are not available until 2 days later so if you are leaving after 1 week the test is your test to go home and if you are staying 2 weeks the test is your 'get out of quarantine' test.
10. When you quarantine 'SAFELY IN NATURE" you have full roaming of the hotel property, diving, the group tours and basically everything except for leaving the property until the quarantine timeframe is over. To offset the fact that you will not be able to go into town unescorted for the first 7 days...we will have 2 meals catered into the resort (they will be our group dinners) and we will have take out menu options as well as the inhouse Fort Young food options.

Edited by WreckWench, 08 November 2021 - 06:38 PM.

[Geronimo]

Hi, I have a question........as usual. I put a deposit down which I can get back with a dive shop here to Cozumel staying at the IBEROSTAR hotel in Cozumel. Or do Dominica with you guys?? Is it alive with people n music or is it like sleep waking? Because the hotel I stayed at in the Bahamas was brutal. Could not wait to leave!!

 GERONIMO

[dive_sail_etc]

Hi, I have a question........as usual. I put a deposit down which I can get back with a dive shop here to Cozumel staying at the IBEROSTAR hotel in Cozumel. Or do Dominica with you guys?? Is it alive with people n music or is it like sleep waking? Because the hotel I stayed at in the Bahamas was brutal. Could not wait to leave!!

 GERONIMO

 

Gary as I understand this you are asking whether there is much night life associated with the Dominica trip. The answer would be yes as there are many venues for entertainment in the central city area. Before Hurricane Maria unleashed her wrath on the island in 2017 :-( the hotel / operator SingleDivers.com booked was relaxing and well served, but frankly (and based on my own experience there) was not what you would call a hopping joint.

WITH THAT SAID, the club's new partner operator / hotel is located on the waterfront just a couple of blocks from the city entertainment district, which provides choices for members to enjoy a but of fun night life or (as in my case) relax at the hotel and keep those energy reserves for the next day of diving.

 

Finally I can tell you based on who is signed up already there are several members (both genders) who I would say fall into either category so I am comfortable suggesting you can expect others who would be interested in sampling a bit of the island's unique entertainment and eating venues. I hope this helps with your decision making.

[John57]

The COVID protocols for Dominica, as of July 23,2021, are at

https://cdn.discover...v12c.pdf#page=6

 

I am fully vaccinated so that is the section I checked. The first thing I notice is the requirement to have had a negative PCR test 24-72 hrs prior to arrival, and pay online for an Antigen test - xcd100 ($US37).  Plus, you need a vaccination certificate issued by a recognized agency. 

Looks like there are a number of things we need to do online before traveling.  I can see the need for a checklist and timeline here to remind us of what is needed/when. Plus links to the Antigen payment portal, etc. 
 

Also think about any locations that we are just transiting through and their requirements. And getting tested a couple of days before leaving Dominica to satisfy the entry requirements of transit countries / home when our vacation is over. 

Edited by John57, 12 August 2021 - 09:56 PM.

[John57]

Just a heads-up to any non-USA travellers staging through the USA/ Puerto Rico - a buddy at the dog park was flying to the States but got turned back at Immigration / Security. His COVID vaxes are a mix of Astra-Zenica and Pfizer. The US does not recognize A-Z so he was deemed not fully vaccinated. No entry allowed.
 

I am 2 dose Moderna, so no problem. 

Edited by John57, 11 September 2021 - 11:18 AM.

[WreckWench]

Thank you for the inputs and insights John. The world is still constantly changing and evolving ...ESPECIALLY where covid is concerned so we have been somewhat waiting to see where things fall out a bit closer to the trip.

 

Basically Dominica has options for those vaxed and not vaxed. You have more mobility around the island if vaxed but you will not be a prisoner if not vaxed.

 

I am expecting more info soon so will post it when I get it.