Before you go to Curaçao: what to know
Must know
- Complete the mandatory DI card within 7 days before departure and save approval for airline check-in. The local portal gives this window; UK advice still says 48 hours.
- The currency is the Caribbean guilder (XCG), introduced in 2025; old Antillean guilders are no longer circulating legal tender.
Entry and visas
Bring a valid passport, return/onward ticket, funds evidence and DI-card approval. British tourists are visa-exempt, with UK guidance describing 90 days per calendar year; US visitors have a different allowance. Check the local admission rules rather than assuming European Netherlands rules apply. Local DI-card guidance permits completion within 7 days before departure.
Online arrival forms and permits
- Digital Immigration Card ↗ required
Within 7 days before departure; approval needed at check-in · Foreign visitors, including children; residents exempt
Passport validity: Valid for the duration of the stay.
At the border you may be asked for
- Show DI-card approval, electronically or printed.
Customs
- Do not bring firearms, ammunition or spent shell casings without authorisation.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, dicardcuracao.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.
Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- The Caribbean guilder is pegged at USD 1 = Cg 1.79.
- US dollars are widely accepted.
- Old Antillean guilders can be exchanged at the central bank under its published rules.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: centralbank.cw ↗, cbs.cw ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Unauthorised firearms and ammunition
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Carry a copy of your passport photo page.
- Use registered taxis with TX number plates and agree the fare in advance.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Catholicism is the largest religion in the 2023 census; Pentecostal, Protestant and non-religious communities are also recorded.
Clothing: Choose clothing suitable for the venue; bring a light layer for air-conditioned spaces.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: cbs.cw ↗
Climate
Most hurricanes pass well north of Curacao, but tropical storms and indirect effects remain possible in June-November.
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 supply safety is uncertain.
Traffic: drives on the right
Emergency: 911 police/fire; 912 ambulance; 913 coastguard
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: curacaofilmoffice.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.