Curaçao

Recommended Vaccinations For Curaçao

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Although there is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Although there is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Those travellers who may have contact with bats are at higher risk and should consider the vaccination against rabies.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Vaccination against yellow fever is not recommended. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries/territories at risk for yellow fever transmission, and travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country 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 or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Curaçao

There are no recommendations for Curaçao at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Curaçao

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Curaçao.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever may occur in this country.

Hepatitis A

There is a low risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Curaçao through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

For Some Travellers

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country in bats.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Curaçao, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in Curaçao . However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers over 9 months of age arriving from countries/territories at risk for yellow fever transmission, and travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Safety & Security in Curaçao

Personal Safety

Curacao maintains a Level 1 travel advisory from the United States and similar low risk ratings from Canada and the UK. Petty crime represents the most common threat to visitors. Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas, particularly during Carnival season from January to March. In 2023, 68 tourists reported robberies, with popular areas like Bapor Kibra, Bullenbaai, Pietermaai, and Bredestraat Otrobanda seeing most incidents. Beach theft happens when visitors leave belongings unattended while snorkeling or swimming. Car break-ins target rental vehicles at beaches and unsecured parking lots, though authorities have increased security guards at beach parking areas. Scams targeting tourists are relatively uncommon but include currency exchange fraud with US dollar transactions and individuals offering unsolicited help at ATMs. The island serves as a transit point for drug smuggling from South America, but tourists rarely encounter this organized criminal activity. Main tourist areas benefit from consistent police presence, including a dedicated tourist protection unit.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime occurs but remains relatively rare and typically affects local residents rather than tourists. Violent incidents including armed robberies, home invasions, and sexual assaults are reported in low numbers. Most violent crime connects to the drug trade and organized criminal networks that tourists do not encounter. The island experiences fluctuating homicide rates that predominantly involve locals in specific residential areas away from tourist zones. When violent incidents do affect visitors, they typically happen in isolated areas, remote beaches, and informal parking lots used by divers, particularly after dark. Some tourists have reported isolated incidents of robbery in unpopulated areas at night. The government has not reported systematic targeting of tourists for violent crime. Beach areas and nature sites see occasional thefts and assaults. Tourist zones maintain regular patrol coverage and benefit from security investments by the government, which prioritizes the tourism sector.

Political Unrest

Curacao experiences periodic political tensions related to its status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The most significant recent unrest occurred in June 2020 when protests over Dutch-imposed austerity measures and salary cuts turned violent in Willemstad. Demonstrators stormed Fort Amsterdam government headquarters, stores were looted in Otrobanda, and police used tear gas to disperse crowds. A curfew was imposed and dozens were arrested. The protests reflected anger over budget cuts required for Dutch financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 1969 uprising remains historically significant, when labor strikes turned into widespread riots that destroyed parts of central Willemstad. Today, Curacao maintains a stable political environment as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Elections proceed democratically with a multi-party system. Political demonstrations occur occasionally, particularly regarding economic policy and relations with the Netherlands, but rarely affect tourist areas. Visitors should monitor local news for any announced protests or demonstrations and avoid areas where crowds gather.

Areas To Avoid

Several neighborhoods in Willemstad should be avoided, particularly at night. These include Koredor, parts of Otrobanda, Scharloo, Fleur de Marie, Seru Fortuna, Marchena, Seru di Kandela, Souax, Koraalspecht, Seru Loraweg, Dein, Kanga, Stone Rich, Koraal Specht (base of the No Limit Soldiers gang), and Marie Pampoen. These areas have higher poverty rates and elevated crime levels including gang activity. Punda, the downtown area, requires caution at night despite being generally safe during daytime hours. The Mambo Beach parking lot has experienced theft incidents. Remote beaches throughout the western part of the island see car break-ins, so secure vehicles and remove all valuables. Unpatrolled beaches pose risks after dark. Isolated areas and poorly lit streets throughout the island should be avoided at night. Nature areas and remote parking spots near dive sites have reported thefts and occasional assaults. Tourist areas including Pietermaai, Jan Thiel, and central Willemstad during daylight hours remain relatively safe. The eastern tip of the island is reportedly privately protected and should be avoided.