Curaçao
About Curaçao
| Currency | Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG) |
| Language | Dutch; Papiamentu; English |
| Capital | Willemstad |
Curaçao is an island located in the Caribbean Sea about 55 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela with a population of about 146,000 people. Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The government is a parliamentary democracy under the constitutional monarchy. The chief of state is the King of the Netherlands represented by a governour, and the head of government is a prime minister.
In the 1600s, the Dutch colonized Curaçao and neighbouring Bonaire. Dutch Caribbean possessions, then called the Dutch West Indies, were reorganized in 1954 into the Netherlands Antilles. In 2010, the island became an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Dutch government is responsible for foreign policy and defence and oversight of financial affairs.
Tourism and the financial services sector are the mainstays of the Curaçao economy. The country is also an oil-refining center. Travellers enjoy visiting Willemstad, the capital, which is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, as well as the beautiful sandy beaches.
Recommended Vaccinations For Curaçao
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Although there is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Although there is a low risk of exposure to hepatitis A 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
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.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country in bats.
Safety & Security in Curaçao
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in any crowded area or tourist destination. With respect to your personal safety, be cautious, and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Do not take valuables to the beach. 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.
Violent crime against foreigners is not common, however, thefts and assaults have been reported in isolated areas. Some beach areas that charge an access fee provide security or surveillance.
Exercise caution when driving as road signage and lighting may be rare. Animals wandering onto the roadways may also pose a threat.
It is illegal to export shells or coral from Curaçao.
Hurricane season is from May-November. Hurricanes may cause severe flooding, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to travel plans.
LGBTI travellers should note that same-sex sexual activity is legal in Curaçao and, as a sovereign state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Curaçao recognizes same-sex marriages performed in the Netherlands.
