Curaçao

Use Normal Level of Caution

Curaçao is an island located in the Caribbean Sea about 55 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela with a population of about 146,000 people. Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The government is a parliamentary democracy under the constitutional monarchy. The chief of state is the King of the Netherlands represented by a governour, and the head of government is a prime minister.

In the 1600s, the Dutch colonized Curaçao and neighbouring Bonaire. Dutch Caribbean possessions, then called the Dutch West Indies, were reorganized in 1954 into the Netherlands Antilles. In 2010, the island became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Dutch government is responsible for foreign policy and defence and oversight of financial affairs.

Tourism and the financial services sector are the mainstays of the Curaçao economy. The country is also an oil-refining center. Travellers enjoy visiting Willemstad, the capital, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, as well as the beautiful sandy beaches.

Currency	ANG: Netherlands Antillean guilders
Language	Dutch; Papiamentu; English
Capital	Willemstad
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	June 29, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Curaçao (29 June Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Curaçao. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a low risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Curaçao through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Curaçao.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Curaçao, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Chikungunya Fever Chikungunya fever may occur in this country.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Yellow Fever There is no risk for yellow fever in this country. This country requires all persons greater than 6 months of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country in bats.
Zika Fever There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Curaçao.

Hepatitis A Vaccine Although there is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Although there is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine Vaccination against yellow fever is not recommended. This country requires all persons greater than 6 months of age to have proof of the yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country where yellow fever occurs.
Rabies Vaccine Those travellers who may have contact with bats are at higher risk and should consider the vaccination against rabies.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Curaçao.

None required.

Safety and Security in Curaçao

Emergency Numbers

911

912

+(5999) 735 0044 Tourism Police

913 Coast Guard

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. With respect to your personal safety, be cautious, and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Do not take valuables to the beach. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.

Violent crime against foreigners is not common, however, thefts and assaults have been reported in isolated areas. Some beach areas that charge an access fee provide security or surveillance.

Exercise caution when driving as road signage and lighting may be rare. Animals wandering onto the roadways may also pose a threat.

It is illegal to export shells or coral from Curaçao.

Hurricane season is from May-November. Hurricanes may cause severe flooding, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to travel plans.

LGBTI travellers should note that same-sex sexual activity is legal in Curaçao and, as a sovereign state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao recognizes same-sex marriages performed in the Netherlands.

Get A Free Account!

Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

Plan A Trip

Updated: June 29, 2021