Travelers are required to have a return or onward ticket, documents necessary for next destination and sufficient funds. Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the
United States and
Canada,
Mexico,
Bermuda, and the
Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Americans: United States passport holders must have
a valid passport or a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as an original or certified birth certificate. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
UK nationals: UK passport holders must hold a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Canadians: Canadian nationals must have a valid passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. No visa is required for a stay of up to one month.
Australians: Australian passport holders require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to one month.
South Africans: South Africans require a valid passport, and a visa is necessary prior to arrival in
Curacao.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to one month.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a valid passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to one month.
Health
Curaçao has no tropical diseases like malaria (although mosquitoes can be a problem), and no vaccinations are necessary. Sunburn is common. A high standard of cleanliness means that gastro-intestinal complaints are rare; tap water is distilled from the sea and is safe to drink. There are a number of medical centers on the island and a modern and well-equipped hospital, but medical insurance is recommended.
Safety
Most visits are trouble free, but petty crime is on the increase and although tourist areas are generally safe it is advisable to take sensible precautions like not taking valuables to the beach or wandering alone off the main roads at night. The islands are used to smuggle drugs from
South America to
Europe and
North America and visitors should not leave bags unattended or agree to carry packages for anyone.
