Curaçao Travel with UK BRP

Curaçao Visa Policy for UK BRP Holders

Dutch Caribbean paradise with colorful architecture and pristine beaches

Curaçao, as part of the Dutch Caribbean territories, offers visa-free entry to UK BRP holders for up to 30 days. This colorful island paradise is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage capital Willemstad, pristine beaches, world-class diving, and unique blend of Caribbean and Dutch cultures.

Under Dutch Caribbean immigration policies, foreign nationals holding valid residence permits from the United Kingdom, European Union, United States, or Canada can enter Curaçao without requiring a separate visa. This makes Curaçao easily accessible to UK residents of all nationalities.

UNESCO World Heritage

Willemstad's historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture and unique pastel-painted buildings lining the harbor.

ANG/USD

Currency

AST

Time Zone

911

Emergency

160K

Population

Entry Process

Simple arrival procedures at Curaçao Hato International Airport

1

Before Arrival

Ensure valid passport (6 months minimum validity), valid UK BRP/digital status, return ticket, and accommodation booking confirmation.

2

Immigration Form

Complete the Digital Immigration Card (ED-Card) online before arrival or fill out paper form on the plane. Required for all visitors.

3

Border Control

Present passport, UK BRP/digital status, completed ED-Card, and return ticket. Officer will stamp passport with 30-day entry permission.

4

Customs & Exit

Collect luggage and proceed through customs. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel for declarable items. Exit to arrivals area.

Health Requirements

No specific vaccinations required for travel from the UK. COVID-19 requirements may apply - check current health protocols before departure.

Required Documents

Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
UK BRP card or printed digital status confirmation
Return or onward ticket (mandatory requirement)
Accommodation confirmation (hotel booking or address)
Sufficient funds (approximately $50-75 per day)
Completed ED-Card (digital immigration form)

Using Digital Immigration Status

How to enter Curaçao with UK digital status

Curaçao immigration authorities accept UK digital immigration status as equivalent to physical BRP cards. As part of the Dutch territories, Curaçao stays updated with UK immigration policy changes and digital transitions.

At Curaçao Immigration

Present digital status documentation alongside passport
Explain that UK has transitioned to digital immigration status
Show proof of validity and UK residence rights
Officers may verify status online if needed

Smooth Process

Most travelers with UK digital status report no issues entering Curaçao. Immigration officers are well-trained and familiar with various international residence permit formats.

What You Can Do in Curaçao

Allowed and prohibited activities during your 30-day stay

Allowed Activities

Tourism, beach activities, diving/snorkeling, business meetings, remote work for non-Curaçao employers, cultural events, photography, boat trips, casino visits

Prohibited Activities

Employment by Curaçao companies, receiving income from local sources, establishing a business, political activities, exceeding 30 days without proper visa

Top Experiences in Curaçao

Willemstad Historic Area

Explore UNESCO World Heritage colorful Dutch colonial architecture, floating bridges, and waterfront districts of Punda and Otrobanda.

World-Class Diving

Discover pristine coral reefs, underwater walls, and shipwrecks. Shore diving and boat trips available with excellent visibility year-round.

Beautiful Beaches

Relax at famous beaches like Mambo Beach, Cas Abao, and Playa Kenepa with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.

Blue Curaçao Experience

Visit the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery, taste the famous blue liqueur, and learn about the island's signature drink production.

Practical Travel Information

Everything you need to know for your Curaçao trip

Money and Banking

Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but USD widely accepted
Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 1.80 ANG (fixed rate)
ATMs: Widely available, dispense both ANG and USD
Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted
Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants, $1-2 per bag for porters

Transportation

Car rental: Best option for exploring, rates from $35-60/day
Public buses: Affordable but limited routes, $1-2 per ride
Taxis: Available but expensive, agree on fare beforehand
Walking/cycling: Willemstad is walkable, bike rentals available
Driving: Right side of road, valid UK license accepted

Accommodation

Luxury resorts: $200-500+ per night (all-inclusive options)
Mid-range hotels: $80-200 per night in Willemstad
Budget hotels/guesthouses: $40-80 per night
Vacation rentals: $60-300 per night, great for families
Boutique hotels: $120-300 per night in historic areas

Food and Dining

Local cuisine: Mix of Caribbean, Dutch, and Latin influences
Street food: $3-8 for local snacks and quick meals
Mid-range restaurants: $15-30 per person for dinner
Fine dining: $40-80 per person in upscale restaurants
Groceries: Similar to US prices, imported goods more expensive

Communication and Internet

Languages: Dutch (official), Papiamento, English, Spanish
Mobile networks: Digicel, Flow, UTS (good coverage)
SIM cards: Available at airport and shops from $15-30
Wi-Fi: Free at most hotels, restaurants, and cafes
Internet speeds: Generally good in populated areas

Weather and Best Time

Climate: Tropical with year-round warmth (77-86°F/25-30°C)
Dry season: December-April (peak tourist season)
Wet season: May-November (brief showers, less crowded)
Hurricane season: June-November (Curaçao rarely affected)
Trade winds: Constant cooling breezes year-round

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Curaçao travel

No routine vaccinations are required for travel from the UK to Curaçao. However, ensure your routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, flu) are up to date. Yellow fever vaccination is only required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic area, which doesn't include the UK.

Extensions of the 30-day tourist stay are possible but must be applied for before your current permission expires. Visit the Immigration Service office in Willemstad with your passport, proof of funds, and reason for extension. Fees apply and approval is not guaranteed.

Yes, tap water in Curaçao is safe to drink. The island has modern water treatment facilities and the water quality meets international standards. However, some visitors prefer bottled water due to taste preferences or sensitive stomachs.

Renting a car is the most convenient option for exploring the island, especially to reach beautiful beaches and attractions. Public buses serve main routes but are infrequent. Taxis are available but expensive. Many hotels offer shuttle services to popular attractions.

While the official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), US dollars are widely accepted throughout the island. British pounds are not commonly accepted, so it's best to exchange for USD before traveling or use ATMs locally to get ANG or USD.

Curaçao is located outside the main hurricane belt and is rarely affected by hurricanes. The island sits too far south to experience direct hits from major storms. The trade winds provide constant cooling breezes, making it a reliable year-round destination.

Don't miss Willemstad's colorful historic center (UNESCO site), the floating Queen Emma Bridge, Hato Caves, Shete Boka National Park, beautiful beaches like Cas Abao and Playa Kenepa, the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery, and world-class diving sites along the coast.

Ready to Experience Curaçao?

Curaçao's 30-day visa-free policy makes this colorful Dutch Caribbean paradise easily accessible to UK residents seeking culture, beaches, and world-class diving.

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Key Information