Last Updated: April 15, 2024
This report focuses mainly on Curaçao, the location of the U.S. Consulate serving the Dutch Caribbean, but mentions conditions on the other islands, comprising Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.
Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should exercise normal precautions in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and Saba. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime Environment
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten as being MEDIUM-threat locations, and Saba and Sint Eustatius as LOW-threat locations for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisories for the Dutch Caribbean.
The crime emergency line in Aruba is 100. In Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten, it is 911. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
The Dutch Caribbean is a major transshipment point for illicit trafficking from Colombia and Panama. The majority of this crime is unlikely to affect OSAC members operating in the region.
Street crime such as petty theft, vehicle break-ins, and pickpocketing is always a risk. However, overall crime rates in the Dutch Caribbean are relatively low.
Crime: Areas of Concern
There are no off-limits areas for U.S. government personnel.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisories for the Dutch Caribbean. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Kidnappings for ransom or political/ideological reasons are unheard of within the Dutch Caribbean.
Drug Crime
The islands continue to serve as a major transit point for cocaine and marijuana from Colombia and Venezuela. Drugs entering Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, and offshore areas are generally destined for Europe (especially the Netherlands) via concealment methods in containers at the Port of Curacao or on commercial airlines. U.S.-bound drugs generally pass through Sint Maarten and are then transported by vessel to either the U.S. Virgin Islands or British Virgin Islands and ultimately transported to Puerto Rico for further distribution to the mainland U.S. Traffickers transport the drugs via private and commercial aircraft, shipping containers, and aboard fishing boats and speed boats. Occasionally, drug mules are utilized to transport smaller amounts of drugs on commercial airlines via swallowing or concealment methods in luggage.
Enforcement policy concerning drug possession in the Dutch Caribbean differs significantly from the Netherlands. Authorities rigorously enforce laws against possession of controlled substances. Although drug smuggling remains a serious issue, intensive cooperation with U.S., Dutch, and other international law enforcement authorities results in significant interdictions and eventual disruptions of drug-trafficking organization operations.
Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.
Terrorism Environment
The U.S. Department of State assesses the entire Dutch Caribbean as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisories for the Dutch Caribbean.
Terrorism: General Threat
There are no known terrorist or extremist groups indigenous to the Dutch Caribbean. There are also no indications external groups operate in the Dutch Caribbean. However, that is not the case with neighboring countries: Hizb’allah is suspected to have a presence in Venezuela, and as a percentage of their population, and Trinidad & Tobago sent more extremists per capita to Syria to fight on behalf of ISIS than any other country. Elements associated with dissident groups of the former of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) may sometimes engage in illegal drug related activities within the Dutch Caribbean.
All travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. These could take place in public areas, and terrorist groups throughout the world periodically target aircraft, buses, boats and tourist facilities.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment
The U.S. Department of State assesses the entire Dutch Caribbean as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Elections/Political Stability
Elections throughout the Dutch Caribbean are generally free, fair, and transparent, and transfers of power are historically peaceful. The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the tourism industry on every island and resulted in mass unemployment. The Netherlands is providing financial assistance to the three semi-autonomous countries of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, but aid is dependent on implementation of austerity measures, which are a contentious political issue. During the March 2020 election in Curaçao, two parties running on anti-Dutch platforms won landslide victories.
Protest & Demonstration Activity
Historically, the Dutch Caribbean has witnessed few incidents of politically motivated violence. One exception occurred in June 2020 in Curaçao, when anti-austerity protesters vandalized Fort Amsterdam and attacked police.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies
The three semi-autonomous countries have their own police forces, referred to as the Korps Politie Curaçao, Aruba, or Sint Maarten (KPC, KPA, or KPSM). The remaining three islands of Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius, which are municipalities of the Netherlands, are policed by the Korps Politie Caribisch Nederland (KPCN). These forces are augmented by the Koninklijke Marechaussee (KMAR), a branch of the Royal Netherlands Armed Forces similar to a gendarmerie, which conducts criminal investigations involving the borders of the Dutch Caribbean and also performs para-military operations such as riot response.
The Dutch Special Police Forces Unit (Recherche Samenwerkings Team, RST) is a special investigations unit from the Netherlands that supports the KPC with anti-drug, money laundering, human smuggling, and other high-profile cases throughout the Dutch Caribbean. The semi-autonomous countries also each have their own internal security service; the Veiligheidsdienst Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten (VDA, VDC, VDSM).
Police Response
The police forces on all the islands are professionally trained and equipped but suffer from staffing shortages. Although responses to significant or life-threatening incidents is prompt, requests for assistance in dealing with low-level crimes may be delayed due to a shortage of patrol units.
Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information
The emergency line in Aruba is 100; elsewhere in the Dutch Caribbean, it is 911. Victims of any type of crime should call emergency services to report the crime to the police or visit a police station. Each station is responsible for handling the crimes that occur within its district. Do not rely on hotel/restaurant/tour staff to make the report. Police support is generally adequate for victims of violent crime, but the police have at times been less helpful in cases of burglary or theft.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Driving regulations are similar to those in the U.S. Vehicles drive on the right side. Local law requires drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, and motorcyclists to wear helmets. Right turns at a red light are illegal. The use of cellular telephones while driving is illegal, unless used with a hands-free device. Authorities will fine drivers caught talking on a cellular telephone while driving.
Several complex intersections route through roundabouts. Vehicles in a roundabout have the right of way, unless otherwise marked. Curaçao’s main roads generally have adequate lighting, but road lighting on the other islands can be less so. Serious traffic jams are rare. Markings/signals may be confusing; nonexistent, hidden, or poorly maintained street signs are a major hazard. Traffic signs prohibiting actions have a red circle around them, but not the red slash one would see in the U.S.
For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transportation is limited. There are two bus terminals in Curaçao, one in Punda near the post office at the Waaigat, and another in Otrobanda near the overpass. Minibuses in Bonaire and Curaçao (bearing the word “BUS” on their license plates) are inexpensive and run nonstop throughout the day with no fixed schedule. Each minibus has a specific route displayed in its front windshield. Limited government-run buses (Konvooi) operate on fixed routes, generally running on the hour throughout the day. There is no public transportation in Saba or St. Eustatius.
Taxis are well-regulated and mechanically safe but are expensive and not always well marked. Unmarked taxis will generally have a plastic sign on the roof or a license plate that begins with “BUS” followed by numbers. Patrons should negotiate a price for trip in advance if the taxi does not have a serviceable meter. Ride-sharing applications are not allowed in the Dutch Caribbean.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.
Aviation Concerns
In 2012, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded Curaçao’s air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2, based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Current air service is unaffected, but local airlines may not establish any new routes to the U.S. until Curaçao returns to Category 1. Sint Maarten is similarly assessed as not compliant with ICAO aviation safety standards. The FAA has assessed the Civil Aviation Authority in Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius as compliant with ICAO aviation safety standards.
Maritime Security
Yacht owners wishing to anchor in littoral waters or marinas should educate themselves on required registration procedures and permits prior to visiting the Dutch Caribbean. Mariners planning travel to Curaçao must have completed a Customs Form 1300, Vessel Entrance or Clearance Statement declaring their intention to travel to Curaçao prior to their departure from the U.S. port. Curaçao will deny entry to mariners failing to fill out and submit this form. Boaters should contact the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard at 913 for any maritime emergency.
Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns
Overall, the people and institutions within the Dutch Caribbean are accommodating and respectful towards LGBTI+, disabled, and ethnic-minority travelers.
Safety Concerns for Women Travelers
There are no known threats directed specifically towards females within the Dutch Caribbean. As a general preventive measure, female travelers should safeguard their drinks at clubs and bars to prevent introduction of psychoactive or incapacitating drugs.
Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.
Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers
Same-sex marriage is legal in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, but not Curaçao. However, as part of the Netherlands, Curaçao must recognize same-sex marriages conducted elsewhere as legally valid. There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI+ events in Curaçao. Many see Curaçao as one of the most accepting Caribbean locations for LBGTI+ travelers, although local LGBTI+ individuals state discrimination still exists. There was one recorded U.S. entry with a nonbinary X gender passport in 2023, where the authorities called U.S. Consular services to ensure it was a legitimate travel document, but otherwise posed no issue for entry.
Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.
Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities
Throughout the Dutch Caribbean, a wide-ranging law prohibiting discrimination applies to persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities in employment, education, health care, transportation, and the provision of other government services. Some public buildings and public transport are not easily accessible to persons with physical disabilities. Sidewalks and crossings in many areas are not wheelchair accessible, and many buildings lack ramps. Human rights observers noted that in Curaçao, persons with disabilities had to rely on improvised measures to access buildings and parking areas.
Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.
Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity
Racial, religious, or ethnic discrimination is relatively rare through the Dutch Caribbean. The main exception are the sizeable populations of refugees and displaced persons from Venezuela in Aruba and Curaçao. Discrimination against these Spanish-speaking populations exists; they rely heavily on Non-Government Organizations (NGO) for medical and other assistance.
Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.
Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Occasionally, individual government or civil-society leaders criticize U.S. government policies or the presence of the U.S. armed forces’ Cooperative Security Location in Curaçao, but such criticism is limited to rhetoric and generally does not adversely affect U.S. citizens or their interests.
Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency
There are no significant issues of arbitrary detention or official harassment that would impact OSAC members operating in the Dutch Caribbean.
Communication Issues
There is little regulation of the local or international press, which are generally free to report without restriction.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are well-regulated as a business entity, but there are no restrictions on what users can access via the internet. There are no known issues traveling with a satellite phone.
People within the Dutch Caribbean enjoy uninhibited freedom of speech.
Health Concerns
Emergency Health Services
The medical emergency line in Curaçao and Sint Maarten is 912; elsewhere in the Dutch Caribbean, it is 911. Emergency response may be quick or may take hours. Ambulance services are under-staffed and under-equipped, especially in the western part of Curaçao. It may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. In the event of an injury, basic emergency medical treatment is widely available.
Curaçao’s medical system emphasizes the use of “house doctors” (huisarts), outpatient primary care physicians who may not have completed postgraduate training such as a residency program. The recent opening of the Curaçao Medical Center attracted new medical professionals to the country and greatly enhanced the country’s medical capabilities. Some surgical specialties (e.g., neurosurgery and cardiac surgery) are not available on the island. Some facilities do not offer the health and service standards typically expected in the U.S.
Zika, chikungunya, and dengue fever are present in various parts of the Dutch Caribbean. Zika and Dengue outbreaks are most common during the rainy season in Curacao. Dengue in rare cases, have caused deaths in Curacao. All three diseases spread through the bite of the same mosquito species. There are no vaccines to prevent infection by these viruses. The most effective protective measures are those that prevent mosquito bites.
Critical injuries often require medical evacuation (medevac), which can cost $15-25,000.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to all travel.
The CDC recommends that travelers have the following up-to-date vaccinations at least four weeks before traveling: measles/mumps/rubella (MMR); diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT); polio; hepatitis A and B; typhoid; and rabies (only for travelers whose activities that will bring them into direct contact with bats). The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
Pharmacies (Botikas) stock most prescription and OTC medicines and variety of medical supplies. Most of the pharmaceutics that require prescriptions in the United States also require them in the Dutch Caribbean.
Travelers are allowed to bring a reasonable amount of prescription drugs into an aircraft cabin.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Tap water in most of the Dutch Caribbean produced through desalination resulting in clean water that does not require further purification to be consumed. The small islands of Saba and Sint Eustatius rely on collected rainwater for much of their drinking water, which should be purified before consumption.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Environmental Hazards
Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius are located within an active tropical storm zone; Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao do not. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Previous storms have caused major damage, leaving the islands without utilities for long periods of time. Travelers in the islands during this season should pay particular attention to weather forecasts and evacuate immediately upon understanding that a storm will make a direct hit.
Cybersecurity Concerns
There are no cybersecurity concerns specific to the Dutch Caribbean.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
There are no specific counterintelligence threats in the Dutch Caribbean.
Other Security Concerns
Landmines
This country has no known issues with landmines.
Import/Export Restrictions
The importation of firearms, ammunition, and training weapons which appear to be firearms into Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten requires prior approval and coordination with each country’s Ministry of Justice and customs service.
A country-specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Photography
There are no concerns with photography in general, but there could be restrictions on or around military and consular installations.
Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.
ID Requirements
Carry a government-issued photographic identification such as a driver’s license, as well as a copy of your passport.
Critical Infrastructure Concerns
The primary source of industrial risk in Curaçao is the Isla Refinery (RDK), which has been out of operation since 2018. RDK is currently seeking a new operator to restart operations. When it was operating in 2018 and earlier, there were reports of significant environmental damage to the surrounding area because of neglect and a lack of strict environmental controls. The release of noxious fumes and potentially hazardous particles caused schools downwind to close on a regular basis.
Curaçao has state-of-the-art information and communication technology connectivity with the rest of the world, including a Tier IV datacenter. With several direct satellite and submarine optic fiber cables, Curaçao has one of the best Internet speeds and reliability rates in the Western Hemisphere.
OSAC Country Chapters
There are no OSAC chapters in the Dutch Caribbean. Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Consulate: J.B. Gorsiraweg 1, Willemstad, Curaçao. Tel: +599-9-461-3066. Hours: 0800-1700 Monday – Friday.
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