Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

AA- Regulated state with a low frequency of crime risk against foreigners. The terrorism risk is low. The workplace HSE risk is low.

 

 

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue.

 

Crime

 

Most visits to Curaçao are trouble-free. However, petty theft and street crime is a concern. There is violent crime among members of the illegal drugs world, but this rarely affects tourists. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take normal precautions. Avoid remote areas at night. Don’t take valuables to the beach. Make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch.

 

The islands of the Dutch Caribbean continue to be used to smuggle illegal drugs from South America to Europe and North America. You should have a heightened sense of awareness of this problem and never leave bags unattended. Under no circumstances should you discuss or agree to carry a package for anyone. Some airports have installed body scanners and it is possible you may be required to have a scan. Dutch authorities generally screen all baggage and passengers from the Dutch Caribbean. 

 

Local travel

 

When taking a taxi, always check that it is a registered one and negotiate the price before taking the ride. Most taxis do not have meters.

 

Road travel

 

Traffic drives on the right-hand side. Main road conditions are relatively good, but roads can become slippery when wet.

 

Political situation

 

Curaçao is now an autonomous country within Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with Aruba and St. Maarten. It has a separate government, and currently shares a central bank with St. Maarten. The island lies within 50 miles of Venezuela.

 

Health

 

Contact your doctor around 8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. 

 

The European Health Insurance Card EHIC is not valid in Curaçao. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Money

The local currency is the Antillean guilder (ANG). It has been fixed to the US Dollar at approximately 1.80 NAf to 1USD for over 35 years.

 

The US Dollar is also accepted. Local currency and US Dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated throughout the island. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.

 

Local laws and customs

 

By Dutch law, you must always carry your ID. You should carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

 

Local laws are similar to Dutch law.

 

Language

 

Dutch, Papiamento, Spanish and English are spoken in Curaçao with Dutch being the official language. In Curaçao the Creole language, Papiamento (a mixture of Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, English and French), is widely spoken.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Curaçao.

 

Tourists who apply for an extension beyond the 90days must have travel insurance for the duration of their extended stay.

 

Hurricanes

 

The hurricane season in the Dutch Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the Meteorological department of Curaçao (servicing all Islands within the Dutch Kingdom) and the National Hurricane Centre. See our Tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.

 

Most hurricanes pass well to the north of Curaçao, which has no record of a recent major hurricane; there are occasional tropical storms.

 

Consular Assistance

 

British Citizen

 

All consular assistance is provided from the UK embassy in Amsterdam. There is no representation in Curaçao.

 

American Citizen

 

U.S. Consulate General 

Consular Section/American Citizen Services

J.B. Gorsiraweg 1

Curaçao

 

Tel: +(599-9) 461-3066 (no visa information)

Fax: +(599-9) 461-6489 (no visa information)

Email: ACSCuracao@state.gov (no visa information)

 

After hours emergencies for U.S. Citizens: +(599-9) 510-6870 (no visa information)

 

Mailing address:

 

U.S. Consulate General

P.O. Box 158

Curaçao

 

Canadian Citizen

 

Address Maduro and Curiels Bank, N.V., Plaza JoJo Correa 2-4 PO Box 305 Willemstad 

Telephone: (+599-9) 4661115

Fax: (+599-9) 661122

Email: minelly.petronella@mcb-bank.com

 

Scandinavian Citizen

      

Norwegian Consulate in Willemstad, Curaçao

c/o Maduro & Curiel’s Bank N.V.

Plaza Jojo Correa 2-4

Willemstad

Curaçao

 Telephone(+599) 9 466 1117

 Telefax(+599) 9 466 1122

 E-mailchicu.capriles@mcb-bank.com

 Office Hours08.00 - 17.00

 Head of Mission Mr Lionel Capriles II, Consul

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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