Before you go to Caribbean Netherlands: what to know
Must know
- Bonaire visitor tax: normally USD 75 for non-residents aged 13+; reduced rates and exemptions apply.
- Check separate entry and transit requirements for each island.
Entry and visas
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba handle immigration separately. British visitors can stay visa-free for up to 3 months per island under UK guidance. Carry your passport between islands. Bonaire charges a visitor entry tax; confirm separate island forms and any transit-country requirements.
Passport validity: UK guidance: 6 months beyond arrival. Bonaire tourism guidance says valid for the stay; confirm nationality-specific rules.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, tourismtax.bonairegov.com ↗, bonaireisland.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- All three islands use US dollars. Cards are widely accepted on Bonaire; on Saba and Sint Eustatius acceptance is mainly at larger businesses. Carry cash.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, tourismtax.bonairegov.com ↗, bonaireisland.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Rules and bans
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Carry identification, such as a passport copy.
- Do not take shells, coral or beach sand from Bonaire.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, tourismtax.bonairegov.com ↗, bonaireisland.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Ask before entering a place of worship; respect services and local customs.
Clothing: Choose clothing appropriate to the venue and activity.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, tourismtax.bonairegov.com ↗, bonaireisland.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Climate
Atlantic hurricane season runs June-November; follow local forecasts and evacuation instructions.
Month by month
- January: Jan: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- February: Feb: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- March: Mar: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- April: Apr: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- May: May: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- June: Jun: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- July: Jul: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- August: Aug: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- September: Sep: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- October: Oct: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- November: Nov: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- December: Dec: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
Best season: December-May avoids the official hurricane season; check local rainfall and forecasts.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
What to pack
- Travel documents and insurance details
- Medicines in original packaging
- A backup payment method
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Carrying packages for strangers
Practical
Plugs: Ask your accommodation about sockets and voltage before packing an adapter.
Water: Use sealed drinking water if the local supply is uncertain.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Arrange cover for medical care, evacuation and planned activities.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, tourismtax.bonairegov.com ↗, bonaireisland.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.