Curaçao
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Latest updates: The Health tab was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Curaçao - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Curaçao. Exercise normal security precautions.
Travel Health Notice - Zika virus
The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued a Travel Health Notice for the Global Update: Zika virus infection recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to Curaçao. See Health for more information.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
Petty crime occurs. Maintain vigilance as there have been reported cases of violent assault. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid unpopulated areas or unpatrolled beaches after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe.
Road travel
Major roads are in good condition, but road signs are rare. Wandering animals are a hazard. Driving is on the right side of the road, and turning right on red lights is prohibited.
Public transportation
All taxi drivers carry a badge and labels inside their taxi to identify themselves. Taxis have meters with fixed rates for each journey. There are taxi stands at the airport, in Punda and Otrobanda, and outside major hotels.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Dutch authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Royal Netherlands Embassy or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Passport
Canadians must present a passport to visit to visit Curaçao, which must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.
Permanent residents of Canada must travel with their Permanent Resident Card and a valid passport from their country of origin.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required (for stays of 30 days or less)
Business visa: Not required
Work permit: Required
Student visa: Required
Canadians can stay in Curaçao without a visa for a maximum of 30 days. Furthermore, Canadians can stay in the Caribbean Netherlands (Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten) for 30 days per island for a maximum of 90 days per year.
You may be asked to submit an onward or return ticket.
Visitors planning to work in Curaçao must obtain a work permit, which is usually obtained by their future employer.
Airport tax
An airport tax may be payable upon departure.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
- Zika virus infection: Global Update - November 25, 2016 00:00 EST
- Chikungunya: Global Update - August 26, 2016 00:00 EDT
- Measles: Global Update - July 28, 2016 00:00 EDT
- Dengue in the Americas - June 16, 2016 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
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Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in the Caribbean, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Caribbean. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among pediatric travellers, travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives or travelling for a long period of time. Travellers at high risk visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care provider about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in the Caribbean, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus and Zika virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Chikungunya
There is currently an outbreak of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a viral disease spread through the bite of an infected mosquito that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. Protect yourself from mosquito bites, particularly around sunrise and sunset. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.
Dengue fever
- Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- The risk of dengue is higher during the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Zika Virus
Locally acquired mosquito-associated Zika virus is currently being reported in this country. Zika virus infection is primarily spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause fever, rash, and joint pain. It can also be transmitted through blood, semen and from an infected pregnant woman to her developing baby. Most people do not develop symptoms and recover fully without severe complications. There is scientific consensus that Zika virus infection is a cause of both microcephaly and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Other neurological disorders have also been associated with Zika virus infection. Protect yourself from mosquito bites in daylight and evening hours. There is no vaccine for Zika virus infection.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in the Caribbean, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.
Medical services and facilities
Medical care is generally good. Medical centres offer several classes of service. Patients are accommodated according to the level of their insurance coverage.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Laws
Always carry identification documents with you as police are entitled to request them at any time.
The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited, unless fitted with a hands-free device, and is punishable by a fine.
An International Driving Permit is recommended, although foreign driver’s licences are recognized.
It is strictly prohibited to export pieces of coral or seashells.
You are allowed to purchase a maximum of $600 worth of duty-free merchandise based on the retail value.
If you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments in Curaçao, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in Curaçao before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizens may be subject to national obligations such as taxes. Those affected should inquire at an embassy or consulate of the Netherlands regarding their status. Dual citizenship may also limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Rentals
Purchase insurance when renting motorboats, jet skis and vehicles. Ensure that you obtain detailed information, in writing, regarding personal liability.
Money
The currency is the Netherlands Antilles guilder (ANG). U.S. dollars, traveller’s cheques in U.S. dollars, and credit cards are widely accepted. You may convert foreign currency at all major banks and numerous exchange facilities. Automated banking machines (ABMs) are available throughout the country.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Hurricane Season
The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
Dial 917 for emergency assistance.
Consular assistance
There is no resident Canadian government office in Curaçao. You can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela.
Caracas - Embassy of Canada
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.