Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius)

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

The Caribbean Netherlands maintains low crime rates across all three islands. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba benefit from small populations that create strong social control and professional police forces. Crime on Bonaire showed a declining trend in 2023 despite growing tourism numbers. Most incidents that do occur are non-violent and financially motivated, including pickpocketing, thefts from unattended bags, and car break-ins. Rental vehicle theft happens occasionally, and insurance coverage may not fully protect against these losses. Petty theft represents the primary concern for visitors, particularly at beaches and tourist areas. You should avoid leaving bags unattended and secure valuables in hotel rooms and rental properties. Drug smuggling routes from South America pass through these islands, making Dutch authorities screen all baggage and passengers thoroughly. Never agree to carry packages for others. The islands require you to carry identification at all times, such as a passport copy. Violent crime remains extremely rare. Murder rates stay stable and minimal, with Bonaire recording only single incidents in 2020 and 2024, and none in 2021 and 2022. Physical assaults do occur, with 206 cases reported in Bonaire in 2023, including 69 domestic violence incidents. Sexual offenses showed an upward trend in 2023 with 28 cases reported. Residents feel safe across all three islands, with 94 percent of St. Eustatius and Saba inhabitants reporting they never feel unsafe, and nearly 90 percent of Bonaire residents saying the same. Isolated areas and beaches warrant caution after dark. Emergency services respond quickly when called via 911.

Extreme Violence

Extreme violence remains exceptionally rare across the Caribbean Netherlands. The three islands maintain some of the lowest violent crime rates in the Caribbean region. Recent data shows murder rates stay minimal and stable, with isolated single incidents occurring years apart rather than regularly. Bonaire recorded one murder in 2020, none in 2021 and 2022, then one in 2024. St. Eustatius and Saba experience similarly low levels. Terrorism has no recent history on any of the islands, though authorities acknowledge attacks cannot be ruled out entirely. The small population sizes create natural social control mechanisms that discourage violent behavior. Police forces maintain professional standards and respond effectively to incidents. Firearm crime showed an alarming increase in the second half of 2024 according to regional police analysis, with young suspects playing significant roles. However, this trend appears concentrated in specific circumstances rather than representing widespread public safety threats to tourists or general visitors. Gang activity and organized violent crime remain minimal. The islands’ geographic isolation and small communities make it difficult for criminal networks to establish strong footholds, though drug trafficking routes do pass through the region. Violent confrontations between rival groups essentially do not occur. Armed robbery incidents are extremely uncommon. The 2023 Bonaire statistics recorded only six cases of theft involving violence, with just two involving weapon threats. This represents a very low rate given the growing resident population and increasing tourist numbers.

Political Unrest

Political unrest and protests essentially do not occur in the Caribbean Netherlands. The three islands maintain stable governance structures as special municipalities of the Netherlands. Local island councils handle municipal affairs while the Dutch government manages broader policy areas including policing, immigration, and infrastructure. Political demonstrations, strikes, and civil disorder are not features of the local landscape. The islands do not experience the kind of political volatility seen in other Caribbean territories. Governance issues occasionally arise related to the relationship between island administrations and the Dutch government. A 2024 report highlighted concerns about integrity in governmental administration, noting that improper use of authority probably happens frequently, though this typically does not result in criminal offenses like fraud and corruption. These administrative challenges do not translate into street protests or public unrest. The islands participated in the 2012 Dutch general election for the first time as special municipalities, establishing their democratic participation within the Dutch system. This integration creates political stability through established institutional frameworks. Regional concerns focus on practical matters like cost of living, infrastructure development, and social services rather than ideological conflicts or regime change movements. Occasional public dissatisfaction may arise over specific policy decisions, but these discussions occur through formal channels rather than disruptive public actions. The political environment remains predictable and orderly, with no recent history of coups, regime changes, or authoritarian governance. Visitors face no risks from political violence, protest movements, or civil instability.

Areas To Avoid

No areas across the Caribbean Netherlands are too dangerous for visitors to access. The islands lack high-crime neighborhoods or zones requiring avoidance. Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba all maintain safe environments throughout their territories. You can travel freely across all three islands without encountering dangerous districts. Crime statistics and resident surveys confirm that neighborhoods across the islands maintain safe conditions. On St. Eustatius and Saba, 87 and 88 percent of residents respectively believe there is no crime in their own neighborhoods. Bonaire shows slightly more awareness of crime presence, with 46 percent believing there is no crime in their area and 42 percent perceiving little crime. Isolated areas including beaches warrant caution after dark due to reduced visibility and fewer people present rather than because of inherent danger. This applies across all islands rather than to specific locations. The recommendation reflects general safety practices rather than known crime hotspots. Marine areas require attention for different reasons. Coastal waters can be dangerous due to currents and conditions rather than human threats. Follow local authority instructions regarding which beaches are safe for swimming. Some dive sites and marine locations may have specific hazards related to ocean conditions. Border areas are not a concern as the islands are surrounded by water. No land borders exist requiring vigilance. The islands’ small sizes mean most areas remain within easy reach of authorities and populated zones. Rural and less developed areas pose no special security risks beyond the normal precautions applicable anywhere.