CURACAO Travel Guide

☀️🌴 The best time to visit Curaçao is January through September, when the weather is sunny, dry, and outside the main hurricane belt 🌞🌊. Curaçao sits below the typical hurricane path, making it one of the most reliable year-round Caribbean destinations. October–December can bring occasional showers, but sunshine is still abundant. Perfect for beach days, snorkeling, diving, and cruise stops! 🐠🏝️✨

Before arriving in Curaçao, travelers must complete the Digital Immigration Card (DI Card) online prior to arrival. You’ll enter passport, flight, and accommodation details and receive confirmation to present upon arrival 📱✅. Declare alcohol, tobacco, cash, or restricted items for smooth entry.

🚗🌴 Getting around Curaçao is easy with rental cars 🚙 (highly recommended), taxis 🚕, and guided tours 🚌. Driving is on the right, and distances are manageable. Visitors can use their home country driver’s license for short stays.

🗣️🇨🇼 The official languages are Dutch and Papiamentu, but English and Spanish are widely spoken — especially in hotels, restaurants, tours, and cruise areas ✨. Travelers rarely experience language barriers.

✈️🌴 Curaçao is served by Curaçao International Airport (CUR), located near Willemstad 🌍. Many visitors also arrive by cruise ship 🚢.

🎒🚫 Avoid packing camouflage clothing (restricted for civilians), weapons, illegal substances, and restricted agricultural items 🌱. 🚁📸 Drones may require permission, and large amounts of cash should be declared.

🛂✈️ Visitors to Curaçao must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond their travel dates 📅 and at least one blank page for entry stamps 🖊️.

🌍🇺🇸🇨🇦🇬🇧 Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and many other countries do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) ✅. However, 📄🎟️ proof of onward or return travel and sufficient funds for your stay may be required upon arrival to ensure smooth entry.

💉✈️ For U.S. travelers, no vaccines are required for entry ✅. Stay up to date on routine vaccines. Hepatitis A and B are often recommended. Yellow fever is not required when arriving from the United States.

💍🌴 Getting married in Curaçao is popular for destination weddings. Legal weddings require advance documentation and processing time ⏳📄. Marriage license and administrative fees generally range from $300–$500 USD, depending on services used.

Many couples choose symbolic ceremonies arranged through resorts or planners for simplicity 💐✨.

🚫👕 Camouflage clothing is prohibited for civilians. 🌿🚫 Marijuana is illegal. 🚷🏖 Public nudity is not permitted on public beaches.
🔫⛔ Firearms and self-defense items are prohibited. 🚁📸 Drones may require permits.
🍹🔞 Legal drinking age is 18.

📱🌴 Cell service is reliable across Curaçao 📶. Major U.S. carriers work with roaming enabled 🇺🇸. To save money, travelers can purchase a local SIM card or use a travel eSIM 📲🌍.

🌴🌊 Curaçao is a fantastic base for marine adventures. While there are no regular public ferries to nearby islands, private charters and diving excursions explore Klein Curaçao — a small uninhabited island known for pristine beaches and snorkeling 🐠🏝️✨.

💵🌴 Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Many restaurants include a 10% service charge. Extra tipping (5–10%) is welcome for excellent service 🍽️.
Tour guides and boat crews: 10–20%.
Hotel porters: $1–2 USD per bag.
Housekeeping: $2–5 USD per day.

USD and local currency are widely accepted.

🎉 Curaçao Carnival — February–March
🎶 Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival — August
🎆 King’s Day (Dutch celebration) — April
🌊 Curaçao Pride — October
🎄 Christmas & New Year Celebrations — December

Curaçao operates on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. For East Coast U.S. travelers, time difference is minimal part of the year.

Hurricane season runs June–November, but Curaçao sits outside the primary hurricane belt and is rarely directly impacted 🌀. December–September is typically sunny and ideal for travel 🌞🌊.

Curaçao offers incredible marine life 🐠🐢. Snorkelers and divers often spot sea turtles, tropical fish, eagle rays, dolphins, and vibrant coral reefs. On land, expect iguanas, tropical birds, and colorful butterflies 🌿🦎🦋.

Curaçao blends Caribbean and Dutch influences 🍤🥘. Try keshi yena (stuffed cheese), fresh seafood, goat stew, plantains, and funchi (cornmeal side).
Desserts feature coconut and island spices 🥥🍰. Pair with Blue Curaçao liqueur or fresh fruit drinks 🍹.

Curaçao uses Type A, B, and F outlets with 127V / 50 Hz electricity 🔌⚡. U.S. travelers usually do not need adapters, but European travelers may. Always check device voltage (100–240V).

Curaçao has modern facilities including Curaçao Medical Center in Willemstad 🏥🚑. Pharmacies are widely available. Bring prescriptions and consider travel insurance for peace of mind.