How long can I stay in Curaçao without a visa?
How long can I stay in Curaçao without a visa?
Are you planning a Caribbean getaway and wondering how many days you can spend exploring this Dutch island paradise without visa paperwork?
What you need to know about entry requirements
Most travelers, including US citizens and visitors from the European Union, can stay in Curaçao for up to 90 days without a visa as part of the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom regulations. This generous visa exemption applies to tourism, business visits, and family trips. Since Curaçao is not a Schengen country but rather an autonomous nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, its immigration rules differ from mainland Europe. You’ll need a valid passport with at least six months validity, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds for your stay. Upon arrival, you’ll complete a Digital Immigration Card online before departure, which streamlines the entry process at the airport.
If you’re arriving by cruise ship, the same 90-day rule applies, though your actual stay will match your ship’s itinerary. Travelers from certain countries may face different requirements, and Venezuelan nationals should check specific entry regulations. For stays exceeding 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit or appropriate authorization. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended, as public health facilities require payment. Always verify current entry requirements with the Royal Netherlands Embassy or official tourism channels before booking your trip.
Essential documents and preparation requirements
Before you board your flight to this Caribbean island, you need to ensure all your paperwork and documentation are in order to guarantee a smooth arrival and hassle-free stay.
Completing your digital arrival card
All visitors must fill out the DI Card online before arriving, replacing the former Embarkation and Disembarkation Card system. This streamlined process requires basic personal information, your passport details, and accommodation address. The Curaçao Express Pass feature allows you to complete this documentation up to 48 hours before departure, significantly reducing airport processing time. If you’re arriving from St Maarten or other Dutch Caribbean islands, you’ll still need to complete this requirement. Keep your confirmation email handy, as immigration officers may request it upon arrival at the airport or cruise terminal.
Understanding travel documents accepted
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. While standard passports are universally accepted, those traveling with a refugee travel document should contact the representation of the Netherlands in their country beforehand to confirm eligibility. Citizens from countries requiring a short-stay visa must apply through the appropriate admission authority before booking flights. The immigration regulation framework allows flexibility for various travel document types, but verification prevents arrival complications and ensures your length of stay authorization is properly processed.
Insurance coverage and health documentation
Though not mandatory for all visitors, comprehensive Travel Insurance covering medical insurance expenses is strongly recommended. Local healthcare facilities like St Elisabeth Hospital, Antilles Adventist Hospital, and The Taams Clinic provide excellent care but require payment or proof of coverage. Keep the Emergency After-Hours Telephone number accessible during your stay. If you’re arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic region, you must present proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry as part of public health protocols. Note that HIV/AIDS Restrictions do not apply to tourists, though some long-term permits may require health screenings.
Financial requirements and supporting documents
Immigration officers may request proof of sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses during your stay. Bank statements, credit cards, or hotel confirmations typically satisfy this requirement. If you’re staying with residents of Curaçao, your host may need to provide a Guarantee declaration confirming accommodation and financial support. Business travelers should carry invitation letters from local companies registered with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Those interested in extended stays through the Curaçao Investor Permit Program involving real estate investment should consult with institutions like Maduro & Curiel’s Bank for documentation requirements beyond standard tourist entry.
Helpful resources and where to find answers
The Curaçao Tourist Board maintains a comprehensive FAQ section addressing common visitor questions about entry requirements and visa exemption rules. Download their FAQ TRAVEL GUIDE APP or check the Airside App for real-time updates on regulations. The KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on official tourism websites covers everything from local law considerations to transportation tips. For specific questions about Curaçao Visa Requirements or entry requirements, contact the Royal Netherlands Embassy in your country or reach out through official email communications channels for personalized guidance before finalizing your travel plans.
How long can I stay in Curaçao without a visa? - FAQ
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days if needed?
If you wish to remain longer than the standard 90-day period, you must apply for a residence permit through local immigration authorities before your initial authorization expires. The application process requires submitting form XCG 10 along with supporting documents to the admission authority. Business visitors may need a work permit if planning employment activities. The Curaçao Investor Permit Program offers extended stay options for those investing in local real estate or businesses. Processing times vary, so begin applications well in advance and consult with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for commercial ventures requiring longer presence.
What activities can I book through CuracaoTodo during my visa-free stay?
CuracaoTodo.com offers comprehensive booking options including Snorkeling Tours at renowned sites, the PADI Fish Identification Specialty Course for diving enthusiasts, and full-day excursions to Klein Curaçao aboard catamarans or speedboats. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage districts of Willemstad with guided walking tours, or arrange Luxury car rentals for independent island exploration. The platform’s filtering system helps you discover your favorite places whether seeking family adventures, romantic experiences, or cultural immersion. Simply visit the website, compare providers, and book directly to maximize your 90-day visit with unforgettable Caribbean experiences.
Are there special visa rules for travel between Dutch Caribbean islands?
Travel between Curaçao, St Maarten, and St Eustatius operates under Caribbean parts of the Kingdom regulations governed by Dutch law. While these islands share constitutional ties within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, each maintains separate immigration controls requiring passport presentation and completion of entry documentation upon arrival. The length of stay calculation typically continues across islands rather than resetting, though specific rules depend on your nationality and visa status. Inter-island flights and ferries operate regularly, and the Caribbean Carpet Programme facilitates smoother movement for qualifying travelers. Always carry your passport and travel documents when island-hopping.
What health precautions should travelers take before arrival?
Beyond standard travel preparations, visitors arriving from regions where Yellow Fever is endemic must present valid yellow fever vaccination certificates as mandated by public health regulations. Medical care is excellent at facilities including St Elisabeth Hospital, Antilles Adventist Hospital, and The Taams Clinic, though services require payment or insurance coverage upfront. Comprehensive medical insurance covering emergency treatment and potential medical evacuation is strongly recommended as part of your overall travel expenses budget. Note that HIV/AIDS Restrictions do not apply to short-term tourists. Keep emergency contact numbers accessible and ensure prescriptions are properly documented.
How does the new digital immigration system work?
The Digital Immigration Card or DI Card replaced the traditional paper-based Embarkation and Disembarkation Card system effective January 15, 2021, streamlining arrival procedures for all foreign travelers. Complete this mandatory online form through the official immigration website up to 48 hours before departure using the Curaçao Express Pass feature for expedited processing. The system operates according to current immigration regulation standards recognized by the international maritime organization for both air and sea arrivals. Save your confirmation email for presentation to immigration officers, who verify your visa exemption status and authorize your stay duration upon arrival.
What should US visitors know about their 90-day allowance?
US citizens and US visitors benefit from automatic visa exemption under bilateral agreements, allowing 90 days of tourism or business activities without requiring a tourist visa or short-stay visa application. This generous allowance makes Curaçao ideal for extended vacations, remote work arrangements, and thorough island exploration. Unlike Schengen area regulations that count cumulative days across multiple countries, your Curaçao stay is calculated independently since the island is not part of the Schengen country group. Immigration officials may verify your travel document validity, return ticket, and accommodation details upon entry to confirm eligibility for the full 90-day period.
Where can I find official guidance about entry regulations?
The Curaçao Tourist Board maintains comprehensive resources including a detailed FAQ section addressing visa questions and entry requirements for various nationalities. Download the FAQ TRAVEL GUIDE APP for mobile access to current regulations, or consult the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on official tourism websites. For complex situations involving work permits or extended stays, contact the Royal Netherlands Embassy or representation of the Netherlands in your home country through official email communications channels. The Airside App provides real-time updates on immigration regulation changes and processing requirements. Always verify information through official government sources before finalizing travel requirements and booking arrangements.
What financial documentation might immigration officers request?
Upon arrival, officials may verify you have sufficient funds to cover anticipated travel expenses including accommodation, meals, activities, and return transportation during your authorized stay. Bank statements, credit cards with available limits, or hotel confirmation receipts typically satisfy this requirement under local law provisions. If staying with residents of Curaçao, your host may need to complete a Guarantee declaration using form XCG 525 confirming they will provide accommodation and financial support if necessary. This Declaration Van Rechtswege process ensures visitors won’t become public charges and have adequate resources throughout their visit.
Are there specific rules for Venezuelan travelers?
Venezuelan nationals face distinct entry requirements and should verify current visa policies with the Royal Netherlands Embassy or representation of the Netherlands serving Venezuela before booking travel. Regulations may require advance visa applications, additional documentation, or specific authorization from immigration authorities. The admission authority evaluates applications based on purpose of visit, financial means, and intended length of stay. Processing times can vary significantly, so begin preparations well ahead of planned departure dates. Once approved, Venezuelan visitors must comply with all standard entry procedures including the DI Card completion and presentation of valid travel document with sufficient validity.
How can I contact local authorities if questions arise during my stay?
For immigration inquiries after arrival, contact the local admission authority offices in Willemstad during business hours, or reach the Emergency After-Hours Telephone line for urgent situations. The Curaçao Tourist Board website features a comprehensive contact us section with department-specific email communications addresses for various assistance needs. Financial institutions like Maduro & Curiel’s Bank can help with banking questions, while the Chamber of Commerce and Industry assists business visitors. CuracaoTodo.com’s platform also provides support for activity bookings and local recommendations. Keep important contact numbers saved in your phone and know your accommodation address for any emergency assistance requirements.
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