Curaçao: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Curaçao introduced a new currency in 2025: the Caribbean guilder (XCG) replaced the old Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) while keeping the same value, so anyone who has visited the island before may notice different bills and coins, although the cost of living didn't change because of the currency's new name. The capital, Willemstad, is a World Heritage Site for its brightly colored Dutch colonial architecture in the Punda and Otrobanda districts.
Most visitors can enter visa-free for tourism, although, as in Aruba, Curaçao's immigration policy is its own within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and doesn't depend on European Union rules. The island is also outside the main Caribbean hurricane path, making it a relatively stable destination year-round.
Below, the entry requirements, health, transportation, and the best time to travel to Curaçao.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Curaçao has its own visa policy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, separate from the European territory's; most nationalities can enter visa-free for short tourist stays, but the exact requirement depends on each traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: The Curaçao Medical Center, in Willemstad, offers good-quality care for most emergencies, although the most complex cases are sometimes referred off the island; travel insurance avoids the cost of hospitalization or a potential transfer.
Visa and entry requirements
Entering Curaçao for tourism doesn't require a visa for a large number of nationalities for short stays, although the requirement varies by passport and is independent of European Union policy, since Curaçao manages its own immigration within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- Valid passport and proof of accommodation or a return flight.
- Confirm the exact visa requirement for your nationality before booking.
- Complete the Digital Immigration Card required before arrival.
Health, hospitals, and medical insurance
The Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) in Willemstad is the island's referral hospital and handles most emergencies well; the most complex cases sometimes require transfer off the island. Diving is a very popular activity in Curaçao, so it's worth making sure your insurance specifically covers diving-related accidents.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Curaçao; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you quote the plan.
Transportation and currency
Since 2025 the official currency has been the Caribbean guilder (XCG), which replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder while keeping the same value; the US dollar is also widely accepted in tourist areas. Transportation is by public bus, taxis with zone-based fares, or rental cars, recommended for exploring beaches away from Willemstad such as Cas Abao or Playa Kenepa.
When to travel
Curaçao has a warm, dry climate almost year-round, with very little rain and low hurricane risk due to its location in the southern Caribbean. January to April is high season with more tourists and higher prices; the rest of the year offers similar weather with more affordable rates.
Travel checklist for Curaçao
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Curaçao.
- Check the visa requirement for Curaçao based on your passport: Curaçao has its own visa policy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, separate from the European territory's; most nationalities can enter visa-free for short tourist stays, but the exact requirement depends on each traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: The Curaçao Medical Center, in Willemstad, offers good-quality care for most emergencies, although the most complex cases are sometimes referred off the island; travel insurance avoids the cost of hospitalization or a potential transfer.
- Save Curaçao's emergency number: 911, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Caribbean Guilder (XCG), which replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder in 2025
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Curaçao?
Most nationalities don't need one for short tourist stays, but the exact requirement depends on the passport and on Curaçao's own policy, which differs from Europe's.
What is the Caribbean guilder?
It's Curaçao's new official currency since 2025 (code XCG), which replaced the Netherlands Antillean guilder while keeping the same value.
What is the emergency number in Curaçao?
911, for police, ambulance, and fire department.
What currency should I use in Curaçao?
The Caribbean guilder (XCG); the US dollar is also widely accepted in tourist commerce.
Is medical insurance necessary to travel to Curaçao?
It's not mandatory to enter, but it's highly recommended, especially if you plan to dive, due to the cost of a possible hospitalization or transfer.
