Curaçao

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers  

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.  

• Dial 911 for police and fire department.  
• Dial 912 for ambulance. 
• Dial 913 for the Coast Guard. 
• Dial 918 for services for minors to young adults 25 years of age. 
• Dial 9247 or +5999-465-089 for roadside assistance. 

Crime  

Curaçao has a moderate crime rate. Criminals often look for easy opportunities to steal from tourists 

Theft and pickpocketing 

• Crimes of opportunity are common. Do not leave valuables unsecured or unattended in vehicles or on beaches. 
• Car break-ins are increasing.  
• Don’t leave valuables in your car where people can see them.  
• Don’t leave valuables unattended in hotel rooms or rental homes.  
• Avoid parking lots without attendants or security gates. These places have more break-ins.  
• Keep a copy of your U.S. passport in a secure location in case the original is lost or stolen. 

Violent crime 

• Violent crimes like rape and armed robbery don’t happen often, but they can occur.   
• Stay aware of your surroundings when visiting remote areas of the island. Some thefts and assaults have been reported near nature areas, remote beaches, and small or informal parking areas used by divers. 

Safety for families and nightlife  

• If you are traveling with children, be aware that the legal drinking age of 18 is not always enforced. Extra parental supervision may be appropriate.  
• Take standard precautions when visiting nightclubs and bars.  
• Travel in pairs or groups.  
• If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly. To avoid spiked drinks, do not leave your drink unattended or accept open containers from strangers. 

General safety tips 

• Stay in well-traveled tourist areas. 
• Use trusted tour operators and transportation. 
• Secure valuables and avoid showing signs of wealth. 
• Be cautious about unsolicited offers or overly friendly strangers. 
• Report suspicious activity to local police or the U.S. consulate. 

Police responsiveness 

Police in Curaçao are highly responsive to crimes against tourists and to other emergencies.  

• Response times in more rural areas may be longer.  
• The Politur is Curaçao’s police force dedicated to tourists. It offers 24/7 support and visible patrols in popular tourist zones. 

Scams  

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.  

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Finance and romance or relationship scams occur in Curaçao. Most scams in Curaçao are tourist targeted scams.  

Common tourist scams 

• Overcharging taxis and bar bills  
• Fake vehicle and vacation rentals  
• Distraction theft, unsolicited “tour guides” 
• Jet ski and water sports overcharging 
• ATM skimming and currency exchange scams 
• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel  
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad  
• Romance and online dating  
• Money transfers  
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Free trip or luggage  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers  

Romance and relationship scams 

Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a “romantic” relationship or claim local authorities want money.

How these scams work in tourist settings:  

• Local individuals target tourists at bars, beaches, or tourist areas. 
• Stranger builds trust over several days before making financial requests. 
• These scams may involve accomplices who back up their stories. 

Victims of crime  

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 911.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.  
• Help you find medical care.   
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.   
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.  

Sexual assault and domestic violence  

Dial 918 for the sexual assault helpline. 

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Consulate General Curaçao and local law enforcement for assistance. Local helplines are available.  
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Consulate General Curaçao and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad  

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:  

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.   
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.  
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S.  citizens. 

Drones  

Drones are legal in Curaçao, but you need two approvals.  

• First the Regulatory Authority of Curaçao (RAC) must approve your drone’s import before your arrival.  
• Second the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority(CCAA) must approve your flight operations. Unregistered drones risk being delayed or confiscated by customs. 
• If you intend to use a drone for commercial, professional, or paid services, you must obtain advanced approval from the CCAA, which may include providing proof of liability insurance.  

Tourism safety  

The tourism industry is not well regulated:  

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.  
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.  
• Staff may not be trained or certified.  
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.  
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.  
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.  

Adventure travel  

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties  

U.S. citizens must follow local laws.  If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.   

• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.  
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.  
• Before you start a business or a profession in Curaçao seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.   

Arrest notification  

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.   

Local law is based on Dutch law. It allows for the detention of people during an investigation with the approval of a judge. People imprisoned in Curaçao do not have the option of posting bond for their release. 

Counterfeit and pirated goods  

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.  

• They may be illegal according to local laws.   
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.   
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.   

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice   

Faith-based travelers  

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:   

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad  
• International Religious Freedom Reports  

Gay and lesbian travelers  

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Curaçao.   
• Consulate General Curaçao has not received any recent reports of harassment or violence against gay and lesbian travelers. 
• Same sex relationships are legal in Curaçao. The age of consent is 16 years. Same sex marriage has been legal in Curaçao since July 2024. All same sex couples have equal rights throughout the constituent countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs  

The law in Curaçao prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is not enforced. 

If you need legal advice or assistance related to discrimination in Willemstad, Curaçao, you can contact the Human Rights Commission, the Equal Treatment Ordinance Office.

• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information and communication, access to services and ease of movement or access.  
• Accessibility is more common in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure in the main tourist areas .  
• Accessibility is limited in the rugged or rural areas of the island. 
• Accessibility improvements are not always consistent with international standards. 
• Social acceptance of people with disabilities in public is common. 

Review our information on Accessibility Needs.  

Students  

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers   

• Review our information for Women Travelers.  
• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

Human rights  

Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.  

Health

Health resources  

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Curaçao Traveler Information
• CDC Medical Tourism information  
• World Health Organization  
• Medicine and Health  
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers  

• Dial 911 for police and fire department   
• Dial 912 for Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services 
• Dial 913 for the Coast Guard 

Ambulance services  

Ambulance services are widely available.  

Medical payments and insurance  

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.  

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.  
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.  
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.  
• Medical care is not free in Curaçao. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.  
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Curaçao.  
• Credit card payment is not always available.  
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.  
• Private and public hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.   
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.  
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.  
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.  

Vaccinations  

Yellow fever: Required for entry if arriving from a country where yellow fever is common. 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

• CDC Travelers’ Health  
• World Health Organization Travel Advice  

Healthcare facilities  

Health facilities are available in Curaçao. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.  

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.  
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission.  
• Be aware that hotels and resorts have medical doctors on call and may have exclusive agreements with these medical providers. This may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.  
• Many medical staff speak English.  
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.  
• Psychological and psychiatric services are available. 
• Hospital-based care is available at public and private institutions. 

Medical tourism and elective surgery  

Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don’t follow the same rules. Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.  

• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Curaçao.  
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.   
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Curaçao.

Prescription medications  

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 

• For medications containing controlled substances, it is strongly advised you travel with a note from your doctor. 
• It is illegal to bring Cannabis and THC based medicines.  

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration  

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy  

• If you are considering traveling to Curaçao to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.  
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Curaçao with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Curaçao courts.  
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Curaçao via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status.  
• People who don’t follow local law risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety  

• Tap water is generally safe to drink and use in cooking.  
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  

Air quality  

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.  

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Curaçao. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.  
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.  
• Review our Medicine and Health page for general health information 

Transportation

Road conditions and safety  

The island uses international road signs. Familiarize yourself with them before driving. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour rather than miles per hour. 

• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Abroad.
• Visit the website of the Curaçao Tourism Authority for more information about transportation. 

Road dangers 

• Watch out for scooters, motorcycles, and other 2-wheeled vehicles. Drivers of these vehicles may not follow traffic rules.  
• Stay cautious at intersections and roundabouts. These are common throughout the island. 
• In less developed areas, watch out for iguanas, donkeys, and other animals that may cross the road unexpectedly. Some rural roads are narrow and winding, requiring extra attention. 

Driving at night 

• Night driving requires additional caution. Most roads are not as well-lit as roads in the United States.  
• Familiarize yourself with the route and road conditions before driving after dark.  
• Some areas may have potholes or uneven pavements that are difficult to see at night. 

Traffic laws   

You can drive in Curaçao with a valid U.S. driver’s license. 

• Right turns at red lights are prohibited unless otherwise indicated. U-turns are often restricted, particularly in urban areas. 
• Traffic signs prohibiting actions have a red circle around them. They do not have the red slash you expect to see in the United States. 
• Local law requires drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. Motorcyclists must wear helmets. 
• Children must ride in the back seat. Children under specific ages must be in appropriate child safety seats. Check current local requirements for age and weight restrictions.

If you are involved in an accident:  

• Don’t move your car unless it poses a safety hazard.  
• Dial 911 to inform the police.  
• Call the rental car company and the insurance company immediately.  

Taxis and ride-shares  

Taxis do not have meters and work at a fixed rate. Taxis are safe and well regulated.  

• Official taxis are indicated by “TX” on the license plate. Determine the price in advance. Rates are based on destination.  
• Licensed taxis are available and generally safe. 
• Traditional ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft have had limited or no presence in Curaçao. 

Public and commercial transportation  

Public buses do not cover the whole island and are not always reliable for tourists. 

• Buses run hourly between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. 
• Car rentals are commonly recommended for visitors. 
• Visit the website of Curaçao’s national tourist office. 

Aviation safety oversight  

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Curaçao for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program

Maritime travel  

Mariners and passengers planning to travel to Curaçao should check the following:   

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons  

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Curaçao has a warm, dry, and windy climate year-round.  

Rainy season and storms 

Curaçao sits south of the main Atlantic hurricane belt, so direct hits are rare. However, Curaçao can experience indirect effects from tropical systems from June through November.  

• The peak effect from storms is from August through October. The island may see stronger winds, rougher seas, and occasional heavy rainfall, even when a storm’s center is far away. 
• Curaçao experiences a short rainy season from October through January. There can be intense showers and occasional thunderstorms.  
• Heavy rainfall can cause street flooding and create dangerous driving conditions. These events are brief.  

Wind and sea conditions 

• Trade winds blow from the east almost all year and are strongest from January through August.  
• These winds keep temperatures pleasant and reduce humidity. They can also generate choppy seas, strong currents, and elevated surf on windward coasts. 
• If you’re swimming, diving, or boating, pay attention to sea conditions and wind strength.  

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources  

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.  

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.  
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.  
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S.  taxes or registering for military selective service.  
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.  

Embassies and consulates