Entry and travel
Is Curaçao part of the Netherlands? Curaçao is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with its own government. It is not part of the EU or the Schengen area.
Do I need a passport? Yes. Dutch citizens need a valid Dutch passport for the whole stay; the Dutch ID card is not accepted. Belgians and other visitors also travel on a passport and should check the visa rules for their nationality.
What is the DI card? The Digital Immigration Card is a free online form that all non-resident visitors complete before arrival on dicardcuracao.com, from 7 days before departure. Beware of paid look-alike sites. Details in getting to Curaçao.
How long is the flight? From Amsterdam about 9 hours 45 minutes nonstop with KLM, TUI or Corendon. The return is usually about an hour shorter.
What is the time difference? Curaçao is on UTC−4 all year: 6 hours behind the Netherlands in summer, 5 hours in winter.
Money and practicalities
Which currency is used? The Caribbean guilder (XCG, Cg), introduced on 31 March 2025 and pegged to the US dollar. US dollars are widely accepted; euros generally are not. Cards work in most places.
Which plugs and voltage? 127 V, 50 Hz, with US-style type A and B sockets. Bring an adapter.
Which languages are spoken? Papiamentu, Dutch, English and, widely, Spanish. You can get by in Dutch or English almost everywhere.
Can I drink the tap water? Yes. It is desalinated and safe.
Does my phone work? Yes, but EU roaming does not apply. See our eSIM guide.
More in travel essentials.
Weather and when to go
When is the best time to visit? Any time: it is warm all year. February to August is driest; October to December is the short rainy season, with brief showers and lower prices. See best time to visit.
Are there hurricanes? Rarely. Curaçao lies outside the main hurricane belt.
Getting around and beaches
Do I need a car? Not essential, but highly recommended if you want to explore the west-coast beaches. Traffic drives on the right and Dutch, Belgian and English-language licences are accepted. Read getting around.
Are taxis metered? No. Licensed taxis (TX plates) use fixed zone fares; agree the price before you set off.
Are beaches free? Most public beaches are free. Some managed beaches charge an entrance fee that may include facilities.
Where can I swim safely? On the sheltered south and west coasts. The north coast has big waves and strong currents and is not for swimming.
Safety and health
Is Curaçao safe? Generally yes, with normal precautions. The main issue is petty theft from cars and beaches. Read Is Curaçao safe?
What is the emergency number? 911 for police and emergencies, 912 for an ambulance.
Is my EHIC valid? No, Curaçao is outside the EU. Arrange good travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport to visit Curaçao?
Yes. Dutch citizens need a valid Dutch passport; the Dutch ID card is not accepted. Other nationalities travel on a passport and should check visa rules.
What is the Curaçao DI card?
The Digital Immigration Card is a free online form every non-resident visitor completes on dicardcuracao.com, from 7 days before departure.
How long is the flight from Amsterdam?
About 9 hours 45 minutes nonstop with KLM, TUI or Corendon, and about an hour less on the way back.
What currency does Curaçao use?
The Caribbean guilder (XCG), introduced in March 2025 and pegged to the US dollar. Dollars are widely accepted; euros generally are not.
Do I need to rent a car?
It is not essential, but the best beaches are in the west and buses are infrequent, so most visitors rent a car for at least part of their stay.
When is the best time to visit?
February to August is driest. October to December brings short showers but also lower prices. It is warm all year.
Is Curaçao safe?
Generally yes, with normal precautions. Don't leave valuables in cars or on the beach, and only swim at sheltered beaches.
Does my phone work in Curaçao?
Yes, but Curaçao is outside EU roaming, so costs can be high. A travel eSIM or local SIM is usually cheaper.
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