Curaçao Entry Requirements: Passport, Visa & ED Card Explained

The ED Card: Required for All Visitors

Every visitor to Curaçao must complete an ED Card (Electronic Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) before travel. This is not optional — you cannot board your flight without it.

What Is the ED Card?

The ED Card is a digital form that collects basic information about your trip. It replaced the paper immigration forms that were previously distributed on flights.

How to Complete the ED Card

• When: Within 48 hours before departure
• Where: Online at the official Curaçao ED Card website
• Cost: Free
• Time required: Approximately 5–10 minutes

Information You’ll Need

• Passport details
• Flight information (airline, flight number)
• Accommodation address in Curaçao
• Return or onward ticket details
• Basic personal information

After Submission

• You’ll receive a confirmation email with a QR code
• Save this confirmation — you’ll need to show it at immigration on arrival
• Keep it accessible on your phone or print a copy

Important: Complete the ED Card before going to the airport. Airlines may deny boarding if you haven’t completed it.

If you’re flying to Curaçao for the first time, our first-time flyer guide walks through the entire journey from booking to arrival.

Passport Requirements

General Rule

All visitors must present a valid passport upon arrival in Curaçao.

Passport Validity

• Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay
• Some sources recommend 6 months validity beyond your departure date — check with your airline or embassy for specific requirements
• Passport cards are not accepted for air travel (only for land/sea border crossings in some regions)

Blank Pages

• Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for entry stamps
• Some countries require two blank pages — verify with your airline

Visa Requirements by Nationality

No Visa Required (Short Stays)

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days):

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• All European Union countries
• Schengen Area countries
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea
• Israel
• Most Caribbean nations

Visa Required

Citizens of some countries require a visa before traveling to Curaçao. This includes nationals from:

• China (PRC)
• India
• Russia
• South Africa
• Many African and Asian countries

If you need a visa: Apply at a Dutch embassy or consulate well in advance of your trip. Processing times vary. Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so Dutch visa policies apply.

How to Check Your Visa Requirement

• Visit the official Dutch government website for visa information
• Contact the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate
• Check with your airline — they can confirm visa requirements for your nationality

Proof of Onward Travel

Immigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave Curaçao. This typically means:

• A return ticket to your home country, or
• An onward ticket to another destination

Have your return flight confirmation accessible (digital or printed).

Proof of Accommodation

Immigration may ask where you’ll be staying. Have ready:

• Hotel reservation confirmation, or
• Rental property booking details, or
• Address of friends/family you’re staying with

Length of Stay

Standard Tourist Stay

• Most visitors receive a 30-day stay upon arrival
• This can be extended to a maximum of 90 days (applied for at the immigration office in Curaçao)
• Extensions are subject to approval and may require a fee

Overstaying

• Do not overstay your permitted duration
• Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future travel restrictions
• If you need more time, apply for an extension before your permitted stay expires

Traveling with Children

Children’s Passports

• All children, regardless of age, must have their own passport
• Children cannot be included on a parent’s passport

Children Traveling with One Parent or Non-Parents

• If a child is traveling with only one parent, or with adults who are not their parents, immigration may request a letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s)
• This is to prevent child abduction
• The letter should be notarized and include contact information for the non-traveling parent(s)
• Check with your airline or embassy for specific requirements

Customs & Restricted Items

What You Can Bring

• Personal effects and clothing
• One liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes (for travelers 18+)
• Reasonable amounts of gifts

What You Cannot Bring

• Illegal drugs (strict penalties)
• Fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and soil (agricultural restrictions)
• Meat products from certain countries
• Weapons and explosives (without proper permits)

Declaring Items

• Declare any items over the duty-free allowance
• Declare cash over $10,000 USD (or equivalent)
• False declarations can result in fines and confiscation

Health Requirements

Vaccinations

• No specific vaccinations are required for entry to Curaçao
• Routine vaccinations should be up to date
• Consider hepatitis A and B vaccinations if not already received
• Check with your doctor or travel clinic 4–6 weeks before travel

Health Insurance

• Health insurance is not required for entry, but strongly recommended
• Medical care in Curaçao is good but can be expensive for visitors
• Check whether your health insurance covers international travel
• Consider travel medical insurance for peace of mind

Arrival Process: What to Expect

Step-by-Step

1. Deplane and walk to the terminal (or take a shuttle from a remote stand)
2. Immigration: Present your passport, ED Card confirmation, return ticket, and accommodation details
3. Baggage claim: Wait for your bags (typically 20–40 minutes)
4. Customs: Walk through customs; declare items as required
5. Arrivals hall: Access ground transportation

Processing Time

• Immigration typically takes 15–45 minutes
• During peak arrival times (multiple flights landing simultaneously), lines can be longer
• Have all documents ready to speed up the process

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US citizens need a visa for Curaçao?

No. US citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days). However, you must complete an ED Card before travel and present a valid passport.

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Curaçao?

No. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days). You must complete an ED Card and present a valid passport.

Do EU citizens need a visa for Curaçao?

No. EU citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 30 days (extendable to 90 days). Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but it is not part of the EU or Schengen Area. You must complete an ED Card and present a valid passport.

What happens if I forget to complete the ED Card?

You may be denied boarding by your airline. Complete the ED Card within 48 hours before departure — it takes only a few minutes and is free.

Can I extend my stay in Curaçao?

Yes. Most visitors receive a 30-day stay, which can be extended to a maximum of 90 days. Apply for an extension at the immigration office in Curaçao before your permitted stay expires. Extensions are subject to approval and may require a fee.

Do I need travel insurance for Curaçao?

Travel insurance is not required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical care can be expensive for visitors. Check whether your health insurance covers international travel, or purchase travel medical insurance.

Can I bring my prescription medications to Curaçao?

Yes, but bring medications in their original containers with prescriptions. Carry a doctor’s note explaining the medication if possible. Some medications that are legal in your home country may be restricted in Curaçao — check with the Dutch embassy if unsure.