
Simple Entry for US Citizens
US citizens enjoy straightforward entry requirements for Curaçao, making this Caribbean paradise easily accessible for vacation travel. No visa is required for tourist visits, but specific documentation and validity requirements must be met for smooth entry and departure.
Once you've arrived with proper documentation, DushiGo helps you make the most of your Caribbean vacation with world-class marine adventures and island excursions that showcase Curaçao's natural beauty.
Visa Requirements Summary
No Visa Required
**US citizens do NOT need a visa** for tourist visits to Curaçao up to 90 days. This applies to all types of US passports including regular, diplomatic, and official passports.
Permitted Activities
- Tourism and vacation travel
- Visiting friends and family
- Business meetings and conferences (short-term)
- Transit through Curaçao to other destinations
- Medical treatment (with proper documentation)
Activities Requiring Special Permission
- Employment or work activities
- Long-term residency
- Studying or educational programs
- Journalism or media work
- Religious or missionary work
Passport Requirements
Validity Requirements
- **Passport must be valid for at least 6 months** beyond your planned departure date
- **At least one blank page** required for entry stamp
- **Machine-readable passport** required (all US passports issued after 2006)
- **Damaged passports** may be refused - ensure good condition
- **Emergency passports** accepted but may require additional processing time
Passport Book vs. Passport Card
- **Passport Book**: Required for air travel to Curaçao
- **Passport Card**: NOT accepted for air travel to Curaçao
- **Enhanced Driver's License**: NOT accepted for international air travel
- **Real ID**: NOT sufficient for international travel
- **Birth Certificate**: NOT accepted for international air travel
Passport Renewal Recommendations
- Renew passport if validity less than 12 months remaining
- Allow 6-8 weeks for routine passport renewal
- Expedited renewal available for additional fees (2-3 weeks)
- Emergency passport services available in urgent situations
- Check passport validity before booking travel
Additional Entry Requirements
Return/Onward Ticket
- **Proof of return or onward travel required** for entry
- Paper or electronic tickets accepted
- Open-ended tickets must show confirmed return date
- Multi-city itineraries should show complete travel plans
- Travel insurance documentation recommended
Proof of Accommodation
- Hotel confirmations, vacation rental bookings, or invitation letters
- Address where you'll be staying in Curaçao
- Contact information for accommodation provider
- Cruise ship documentation if arriving by sea
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
Financial Requirements
- No specific minimum amount required
- Must demonstrate ability to support yourself during visit
- Credit cards, cash, bank statements accepted as proof
- Travelers checks accepted but less common
- Travel insurance covering medical expenses recommended
Entry Process
Upon Arrival
- Present valid US passport to immigration officer
- Provide return ticket and accommodation information if requested
- Answer questions about purpose and duration of visit
- Receive entry stamp valid for up to 90 days
- Proceed to customs declaration if required
Typical Questions Asked
- "What is the purpose of your visit?" (Answer: Tourism/vacation)
- "How long will you be staying?" (Provide specific dates)
- "Where will you be staying?" (Hotel name and address)
- "Have you been to Curaçao before?" (Honest answer)
- "Do you have return transportation arranged?" (Show return ticket)
Processing Times
- **Normal processing**: 5-15 minutes per passenger
- **Peak season delays**: Up to 30-45 minutes during busy periods
- **Additional screening**: Possible for random checks or concerns
- **Fast track**: Available for business class passengers at some times
- **Rush periods**: Mornings and early afternoon when flights arrive
Customs Regulations
Duty-Free Allowances
- **Alcohol**: 1 liter of spirits or 2 liters of wine
- **Tobacco**: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco
- **Perfume**: Reasonable quantity for personal use
- **Gifts**: Up to $200 USD value per person
- **Personal effects**: Clothing, jewelry, electronics for personal use
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Firearms and ammunition (special permits required)
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products
- Endangered species products
- Counterfeit goods and pirated materials
- Large amounts of cash (must be declared if over $10,000 USD)
Declaration Requirements
- Complete customs declaration form on aircraft
- Declare items exceeding duty-free allowances
- Report currency amounts over $10,000 USD
- Declare any goods for commercial purposes
- Report prescription medications in large quantities
Health and Vaccination Requirements
Vaccination Requirements
- **No mandatory vaccinations** required for US citizens
- **Yellow fever vaccination required** if arriving from infected areas
- **COVID-19 requirements**: Check current health protocols
- **Routine vaccinations recommended**: MMR, DPT, flu, hepatitis A/B
- **Consult travel doctor**: 4-6 weeks before departure
Health Recommendations
- Travel insurance with medical coverage strongly recommended
- Bring adequate prescription medications in original containers
- Sun protection essential due to intense Caribbean UV levels
- Stay hydrated in tropical climate
- Be aware of dengue fever risk during rainy season
Extension and Overstay Information
Extending Your Stay
- **90-day maximum** for tourist visits without extension
- **Extensions possible** through immigration office in Willemstad
- **Application required** before current authorization expires
- **Documentation needed**: Return ticket, proof of funds, accommodation
- **Fees apply** for extension processing
Overstay Penalties
- Fines imposed for overstaying authorized period
- Potential detention and deportation for serious violations
- Future entry restrictions possible for repeat offenders
- Legal complications for significant overstays
- Contact US Consulate if facing legal issues
Travel Documentation Checklist
Essential Documents
- ✓ Valid US passport (6+ months validity)
- ✓ Return or onward ticket
- ✓ Accommodation confirmation
- ✓ Travel insurance policy
- ✓ Credit cards and cash
Recommended Documents
- ✓ Copies of passport stored separately
- ✓ Emergency contact information
- ✓ Medical prescription documentation
- ✓ Travel itinerary and confirmations
- ✓ Travel insurance emergency contacts
Digital Backup Strategy
- Store document photos in cloud storage
- Email copies to yourself
- Share itinerary with trusted contacts
- Keep emergency information easily accessible
- Download relevant travel apps before departure
Emergency and Consular Information
US Consular Services
- **US Consulate General Curaçao**: J.B. Gorsiraweg 1, Willemstad
- **Emergency Contact**: +599-9-461-3066
- **Services**: Passport replacement, emergency assistance, legal help
- **Hours**: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- **After Hours**: Emergency services available
Emergency Contacts
- **Police**: 911 or 114
- **Fire/Medical**: 911 or 112
- **Coast Guard**: 913
- **Tourist Police**: Available in major tourist areas
- **US Embassy**: 24/7 emergency assistance for US citizens
Start Your Curaçao Adventure
With simple entry requirements and proper documentation, US citizens can easily access Curaçao's incredible Caribbean experiences. Once you arrive, DushiGo provides access to the island's premier marine adventures that make Curaçao a world-class destination.
Browse all available marine experiences and start planning your Caribbean adventure. From world-class snorkeling to uninhabited island excursions, Curaçao offers unforgettable experiences for US travelers seeking Caribbean paradise.
Ready to Book Your Curaçao Services?
From boat tours to snorkeling adventures, DushiGo connects you with trusted local marine service providers in Curaçao.