Do You Need a Visa for Curaçao?
Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and its visa policy reflects that relationship. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days if you hold a passport from:
Citizens of other countries generally do need a visa — check the official Curaçao government site or the nearest Dutch embassy/consulate for current requirements specific to your nationality. Even if you're visa-exempt, everyone must complete the digital ED Card before arrival (see below).
Digital ED Card
Every traveler must complete the digital Embarkation/Disembarkation Card before arrival — free, takes about 5 minutes, and required within 48 hours of departure. You'll need passport details, flight info, and your accommodation address; you'll get a QR code by email to show at immigration. Complete it through the official government site directly, not a third-party service that charges a fee. Full pre-flight checklist and timing guidance: see the complete first-timer guide →.
Passport Validity
Curaçao only requires your passport to be valid through the duration of your stay — not the 6-months-beyond rule common elsewhere. That said, having 6+ months of validity is still a smart habit for international travel generally, since some airlines apply their own stricter check-in requirements regardless of the destination's actual rule.
Proof of Onward Travel
Immigration may ask to see proof you plan to leave — a return ticket, an onward flight, or a cruise departure ticket all work. It isn't always checked, but if you're on a one-way ticket, be ready to explain your plans or show proof of sufficient funds.
Customs: What You Can Bring In
Duty-Free Allowance
Declare or Avoid
Drones are allowed but must be registered with the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority — check current regulations before packing one.
Health & Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required for entry unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, in which case a certificate may be requested.
Money & Currency
Curaçao introduced a new currency, the Caribbean Guilder, on March 31, 2025 — it replaced the previous Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) at a 1:1 rate, and the old ANG stopped being accepted for cash payments as of June 30, 2025. If you see older references to "ANG" or "NAf" elsewhere, that's the currency this one replaced; the fixed exchange rate to USD stayed the same throughout the transition.
US dollars are widely accepted everywhere on the island — many restaurants, shops, and tour operators price in USD directly, though change is often given in Caribbean Guilders. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops; smaller local establishments and markets may be cash-only.
ATMs are available at the airport and throughout Willemstad and tourist areas, dispensing both Cg and USD — check with your bank about international withdrawal fees before you go. Tipping isn't as strongly expected as in the US; many restaurants already include a 10–15% service charge, and where they don't, 10–15% is appropriate for good service.
Language
Papiamentu (the local creole language) and Dutch are official, but English is spoken widely and confidently throughout the tourism industry — hotels, restaurants, and attractions. You'll have no trouble communicating. A few Papiamentu words go a long way with locals, even if not strictly necessary:
| Papiamentu | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bon dia | Good morning |
| Bon tardi | Good afternoon |
| Bon nochi | Good evening/night |
| Danki | Thank you |
| Por fabor | Please |
| Con ta bai? | How are you? |
| Tur bon | All good |
Electrical Outlets
127V/60Hz, Type A/B outlets — identical to the US and Canada, so no adapter needed from there. European travelers with 220–240V devices should check voltage ratings; most modern laptop and phone chargers are dual-voltage and just need a plug adapter for the outlet shape.
Staying Connected
An eSIM set up before you fly is the easiest option, working the moment you land. Full comparison of eSIM, physical SIM, and roaming options, plus real network coverage details: see the complete connectivity guide →.
Safety & Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
The Caribbean Guilder (XCG), introduced March 31, 2025, replacing the previous Netherlands Antillean Guilder. Same fixed rate to USD (~1.79), just a new currency name and design. US dollars are also widely accepted everywhere.
Most visitors from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and many Caribbean and Latin American countries don't need one for stays up to 90 days. Everyone still needs the digital ED Card, completed within 48 hours of departure.
911 for police and fire. Ambulance is a separate number: 912. Both are worth saving in your phone before you need them.
None are required for entry unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Routine vaccinations should be current, and Hepatitis A/B are commonly recommended for travelers generally.