Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
About Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
| Currency | U.S. Dollar (USD) |
| Language | Dutch (official) English, Spanish and Papiamentu also spoken |
| Capital | Bonaire - Kralendijk; Sint Eustatius - Oranjestad; Saba - The Bottom |
Formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, the Caribbean Netherlands is made up of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, which have been considered special municipalities of the Netherlands since October 2010. The Netherlands remains responsible for public administration. Bonaire is situated close to the Venezuelan coast, and Sint Eustatius and Saba are south of Sint Maarten and northwest of Saint Kitts and Nevis. Their governments consist of an Island Governor with an island council, and a central government, the National Office for the Caribbean Netherlands, which provides services on behalf of the Government of the Netherlands. The islands are not part of the European Union, but rather are considered to be overseas countries and territories. Overall, the population of the Caribbean Netherlands is about 25,000 (2016 est.)
Bonaire, with a population of about 19,000 people, is known for its unspoiled beauty. The island’s economy is based mainly on tourism. The well-preserved coral reefs provide for excellent diving and snorkeling.
On Sint Eustatius, travellers will find hiking trails in the Quill National Park which wind around the dormant Quill Volcano and along the coast. The island is also known for its rainforest and also for diving around as many as 200 shipwrecks and coral reefs. The population on Sint Eustatius is about 3600.
Saba, another unspoiled island, has a population of only about 1900 people. Tourism is the most important sector of the economy. This island is known for hiking, diving and snorkeling, and travellers can also enjoy its quaint villages. Some historical sites date back to the 17th century.
Recommended Vaccinations For Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Yellow Fever Vaccine
There is no risk of Yellow fever on these Islands. However, these islands require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. **Bonaire:** proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required from travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. **Saba:** There are no certificate requirements. **Sint Eustatius:** A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required from travellers aged 6 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Recommended Medications For Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
There are no recommendations for Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius) at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
For Most Travellers
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever may occur in this country.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba through contaminated food or water.
Chikungunya Fever
**There is a risk of Chikungunya fever on these islands.**
For Some Travellers
Rabies
Rabies may be present in bats but has not been reported in domestic or wild animals Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.
Yellow Fever
There is no risk of Yellow fever on these Islands. However, these islands require a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. **Bonaire:** proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required from travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. **Saba:** There are no certificate requirements. **Sint Eustatius:** A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required from travellers aged 6 months or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Zika Fever
Zika virus can occur in this country.
Safety & Security in Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)
Personal Safety
There is general hospitality towards tourists in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, and the crime rate is low. Nevertheless, take the necessary precautions to stay safe and to avoid petty crime and theft. Always be alert to your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never leave your drinks out of your sight.
The hurricane season usually runs from June to November.
Use only registered taxis and negotiate the fare before taking the taxi. By law, you are required to carry identification. Always have a copy of your passport with you.
Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba observe the same laws as the Netherlands, and same-sex marriage is legal. The islands are conservative but welcome GLBT travellers.
