If you are planning your next vacation to Curaçao, we would like to provide you with some important information to consider when entering Curaçao. Although a visa is not required for a stay of up to 180 days with a US passport, there are still some regulations to keep in mind. For example, certain vaccinations are recommended to ensure you can safely start your trip.
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When Do I Need a Visa to Enter Curaçao?
Individuals who have US citizenship and a valid passport typically do not need a visa. You can stay in Curaçao for up to 180 days under these conditions. However, that your passport is no more than ten years old and remains valid for the entire duration of your stay.
If you intend to stay in Curaçao for more than 180 days, even as a US citizen, you will need a tourist visa. This can be applied for either on-site or online. If you plan a longer stay from the start and not just an extension of your trip, we recommend applying for a visa before starting your journey.
If you do not hold US citizenship, you may still require a visa for stays of up to 180 or less days. This requirement applies, for example, to individuals with Cuban or Haitian citizenship.
To ensure your visa is approved on time, we recommend applying at least one month before your planned arrival.
In addition to US, many other nationalities are also exempt from visa requirements and can enter with a valid passport for limited stays. These countries include, for example:
- Belgium,
- Guatemala,
- Australia,
- Bolivia,
- Denmark,
- Estonia,
- Japan,
- Argentina,
- France,
- Iceland,
- Brazil,
- Ecuador,
- Croatia,
- Colombia,
- Jamaica,
- Romania,
- Trinidad & Tobago,
- Sweden
- and many more.
However, residents of certain countries are permitted to spend up to 180 days per year in Curacao, provided that no single visit exceeds 90 days.
Additionally, there is a special provision for people with Chinese or Indian citizenship, or those from the Dominican Republic. If they hold a valid multiple-entry visa for Canada, the United States, or Schengen Area countries, the visa requirement for Curaçao is waived, and they can enter easily.
What Documents Do I Need to Enter Curaçao?
Upon your entry to Curaçao, authorities may require, in addition to your passport, a return or onward flight ticket. Additionally, you might need to present travel documents confirming the purpose of your trip. In practice, however, you are unlikely to need to present these documents.
It has been mandatory since October 1, 2019, for all international visitors to Curaçao to have applied for a Digital Immigration Card (DI-Card). This can conveniently be done online. To ensure that the DI-Card is ready by your travel date, you should complete it at least 7 days before your vacation begins. Additionally, print out the form so you can present it at airport checks. Typically, a passport and the Digital Immigration Card are sufficient for entry.
You may also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your entire stay.
What Type of Health Insurance Is Required for Travel to Curaçao?
For the entire duration of your stay, you must have a valid travel or international health insurance that you have secured before starting your trip. On request, you should also be able to show proof of insurance. The scope of your international health insurance should include hospital treatments as well as outpatient emergency services.
Are There Mandatory Vaccinations for Visiting Curaçao?
Specific vaccinations may be required for entry into Curaçao. For example, individuals coming from a yellow fever risk area must have been vaccinated against yellow fever if they are older than six months.
The vaccination must be recorded in your vaccination passport, and you must be able to present it upon request. If you are medically unable to receive a yellow fever vaccination, you will need a doctor’s certificate as proof.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is generally recommended to be vaccinated against the following diseases before traveling to Curaçao or to check whether vaccinations need to be refreshed:
- Chickenpox
- Influenza
- Pertussis
- Diphtherie
- Tetanus
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Polio
- Shingles
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
What Medicines Should Not Be Missing from My Travel First-aid Kit?
So that you can take care of minor wounds yourself and act quickly in medical emergencies, a well-stocked travel first-aid kit should not be missing on your holiday in Curaçao.
Even if certain medications are not available in the vacation country, with your travel first-aid kit, you can ensure that you can rely on them if necessary. Below we have compiled a clear list for you to refer to when assembling your travel first-aid kit.
➤ Ibuprofen* or Paracetamol*, for treating headaches, toothaches, body aches, and fever.
➤ Pain-numbing lozenges* for treating sore throats (air conditioning in the Caribbean can be tricky).
➤ Nasal spray* for reducing nasal mucosa swelling.
➤ Prospan cough liquid* for treating coughs and loosening mucus.
➤ Imodium akut* for treating diarrhea.
➤ Hand sanitizing gel* and disinfectant wipes*.
➤ Disposable gloves* for hygienic wound treatment.
➤ Digital fever thermometer* for determining body temperature.
➤ Adhesive bandages* for protecting minor wounds.
➤ Cooling Fenistil gel* for relieving the itching from sunburns and insect bites.
➤ Vomex tablets* against nausea and vomiting.
➤ Skin-friendly insect repellent spray* for straightforward application.
➤ Sunscreen* with a high SPF.
