Is Curaçao Safe? A Practical Safety Guide for Travelers

"A recent tourism data report that over 90% of visitors felt completely secure during their stay on Curacao".

Curaçao is a favorite destination for many travelers, thanks to its beaches, culture, and laid-back vibe. But before you book your flight, you might wonder: Is Curaçao safe? Curaçao is considered one of the safer Caribbean islands. Most visits go smoothly. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft can happen, especially in busy tourist areas or if you leave valuables unattended. Here’s a clear look at what you need to know to feel secure and confident during your visit.

To stay safe:

Lock rental cars and don't leave bags visible.
Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash.
Stay aware in nightlife zones, especially late.
Avoid isolated areas after dark.

Locals are generally friendly and helpful. Ask for directions or advice—people are happy to assist.

Must know before packing your swimsuit and sunscreen for the Curaçao trip!

Curaçao ranks among the safest destinations in the region, with significantly lower crime rates than many neighboring islands. However, smart travelers always prepare. Whether you're planning to explore hidden beaches, wander through vibrant Willemstad, or dive into crystal-clear waters, this comprehensive safety guide will ensure your Curaçao adventure remains nothing but pleasant memories and stunning photos!

Essential Safety Preparations Before Your Trip

Documentation Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. U.S. citizens don't need a visa for stays under 90 days, but you'll need a return ticket. Keep digital and physical copies of all important documents.
Health Preparations: While no specific vaccinations are required for entry, staying current on routine vaccines is recommended. Consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines as food-borne illnesses can occur anywhere.
Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers Caribbean destinations. Ensure it includes medical evacuation, as serious medical issues might require transport to Miami or other major medical centers.
Embassy Registration: Register your trip with your country's embassy or consulate through their traveler programs, such as the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This ensures you'll receive alerts and assistance during emergencies.
Digital Preparation: Download essential apps before departure, including maps that work offline, translation apps for Papiamentu/Dutch, and the "Safe Curaçao" app if available. Store emergency contacts in an easily accessible location on your phone.
Financial Safety: Notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel dates to prevent service interruptions. Bring multiple payment methods and keep them separate. The local currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but since March 31, 2025, the Caribbean guilder has been introduced in the monetary union. The Netherlands Antillean guilder and the Caribbean guilder are of equal value. The Caribbean guilder is legally pegged to the U.S. dollar at a fixed exchange rate of US$1 = 1.79. The U.S. dollars are widely accepted on Curacao

Navigating Curaçao Safely: Transportation Tips

Getting around Curaçao safely requires understanding local transportation options and customs:

Vehicle Rental Safety: If renting a car, choose local trusted operators for affordable rates. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly and document any existing damage before accepting. Consider additional insurance coverage as roads can be challenging.
Driving Guidelines: Drive on the right side of the road. Be prepared for narrow streets in Willemstad and potentially unpaved roads in rural areas. Watch for unmarked hazards and drive defensively. Avoid driving at night when possible, particularly in remote areas.
Public Transportation: Public buses (known as "Konvoi") connect major points on the island but run on limited schedules. While generally safe, they're not always reliable for tourists on a schedule. The main bus station is in Punda, Willemstad.
Taxi Services: Use officially registered taxis, identifiable by "TX" on their license plates. Negotiate and confirm fares before starting your journey, as taxis aren't metered. Many hotels have partnerships with reliable taxi services.
Walking Safety: Exercise caution when walking, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas in Willemstad. Sidewalks may be absent or in poor condition in some areas. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas after dark.
Water Transportation: For travel between beaches or to Klein Curaçao, only use established boat services with proper safety equipment. Check weather conditions before water crossings.

Beach and Water Safety in Curaçao

Curaçao's beaches and waters are stunning but require specific safety awareness:

Beach Flag System: Familiarize yourself with the beach flag warning system. Red flags indicate dangerous conditions prohibiting swimming, yellow flags suggest caution and green flags signal safe conditions. Some beaches may not have this system, so check local conditions.
Current Awareness: Curaçao's southern beaches generally have calmer waters, while northern beaches often experience stronger currents and rougher conditions. Grote Knip and Klein Knip beaches have occasional strong undertows. Never swim against a current – swim parallel to shore to escape.
Sun Protection: The Caribbean sun is significantly stronger than in northern climates. Apply reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+) every two hours, wear UV-blocking sunglasses, and wear hats and cover-ups. The sun is strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Marine Life Safety: Wear water shoes to protect against sea urchins and sharp coral. Know how to identify fire coral, which causes painful skin reactions. If stung by jellyfish, rinse with vinegar (not freshwater) and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe.
Snorkeling and Diving: Never snorkel or dive alone. Use a buddy system and inform someone of your plans. Only dive with certified operations that maintain their equipment properly. Respect marine life by maintaining distance and never touching coral.
Remote Beach Precautions: When visiting secluded beaches like Playa Jeremi or Playa Lagun, bring sufficient water, tell someone your plans, and be aware that emergency services may take longer to reach these locations.

Crime Prevention Strategies for Tourists

While Curaçao experiences less crime than many Caribbean destinations, prudent precautions are advisable:

Accommodation Security: Choose accommodations with proper security measures like 24-hour front desks, security personnel, surveillance cameras, and in-room safes. Always use all available locks and never open your door without verifying who's there.
Personal Belongings: Use hotel safes for valuables when available. At beaches, never leave belongings unattended. Consider waterproof pouches for essential items while swimming. Maintain minimal valuables in the daypack when exploring.
Financial Safety: Use ATMs located inside banks or hotels, shielding your PIN entry. Carry limited cash and split it between different pockets/bags. Be cautious with credit card transactions and check statements regularly for unauthorized charges.
Common Scams: Be wary of unusually friendly strangers offering unauthorized tours or deals too good to be true. Official tour guides carry identification. Watch for distraction techniques where one person creates a diversion while another steals belongings.
Nightlife Precautions: Stick to well-established venues in tourist areas like Mambo Beach Boulevard or Pietermaai District when enjoying nightlife. Never leave drinks unattended, use trusted transportation to return to accommodations, and travel in groups when possible.
Security Response: If confronted in a robbery situation, don't resist – possessions are replaceable. Report incidents promptly to the police and your country's embassy. Document all stolen items for insurance claims.

Health and Medical Safety Information

Understanding Curaçao's healthcare system can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems:

Medical Facilities: The main hospital, Curaçao Medical Center in Willemstad (Otrabanda side), provides good care for serious conditions. If you have an accident on your holiday or have an urgent medical question you can contact the General Practitioner (GP) with any medical complaint or question. They are available via WhatsApp every working day from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00 . And on Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00 . You can also visit the practice in Pietermaai during consultation hours. You can call or send a WhatsApp message at +5999 6751233.
Common Health Issues: Watch for dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunburn, which are the most frequent tourist health problems. Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, headache, nausea, and extreme thirst. Move to shade, hydrate, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Food and Water: Tap water in Curaçao is safe to drink as it comes from a desalination plant. For food safety, choose busy restaurants with high turnover. Street food can be safe but observe hygiene practices before purchasing. Avoid raw seafood if you have a sensitive stomach.
Medication Access: Bring sufficient prescription medications in original containers with pharmacy labels. Pack basic over-the-counter remedies as specific brands may not be available. Pharmacies are called "Botika" locally, with several locations in Willemstad offering extended hours.
Emergency Medical Procedures: For medical emergencies, dial 912 (ambulance). Many resorts have on-call doctors who can make hotel visits for a fee. If hospitalized, contact your embassy and insurance provider immediately for assistance.

Natural Hazard Awareness and Preparation

Curaçao's natural environment presents specific considerations for visitors:

Hurricane Season: The official hurricane season runs June through November, though Curaçao lies outside the typical hurricane belt and rarely experiences direct hits. September is the most active month. Monitor weather forecasts through the Meteorological Department of Curaçao website.
Climate Considerations: Average temperatures range from 78°F to 88°F (26°C to 31°C) year-round. Heat exhaustion risk is significant, especially for those unaccustomed to tropical climates. Stay hydrated and limit strenuous activities during peak heat.
Geological Hazards: Curaçao sits near the Caribbean tectonic plate boundary, making earthquakes possible though infrequent. Tsunami risk is low but not zero. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes from coastal areas.
Wildlife Awareness: While Curaçao has relatively few dangerous animals, be cautious of scorpions, centipedes, and occasionally the manchineel tree, whose sap causes severe skin reactions. Don't touch or disturb wildlife.
Outdoor Exploration: When hiking in Christoffel National Park or other natural areas, carry sufficient water, wear appropriate footwear, and stay on marked trails. The peak of Christoffel Mountain should be attempted only in early morning to avoid heat exposure.

Emergency Services and Crisis Response

Knowing how to access emergency services quickly can be critical:

Emergency Numbers: Memorize these essential emergency contacts:
— Police: 911 or 917
— Ambulance: 912
— Fire Department: 911
— Coast Guard: 913
— Tourist Police: +599 9 465-9100

Tourist Police: Curaçao has a dedicated Tourist Police unit focused on visitor safety. The unit's main office is in Punda, Willemstad, with sub-units locations in major tourist areas. The police can assist in multiple languages and help file police reports.
Embassy Services: Know your embassy's location and emergency contact numbers.
Embassy's locations:
— United States of America: Address J.B. Gorsiraweg 1, +599 9 461-3066, E-mail: Rosanx@state.gov / Remiewj@state.go
— Germany : Address Karel Frielinkweg 7 A, Phone: +5999 7372973, E-mail: willemstad@hk-diplo.de
— Netherlands: Address: Scharlooweg 55, Phone: +599 9 434 3200, E-mail: vnwinfo@minbzk.nl
— Belgium: Address: Kaya Andeifi, Bramendiweg kavel 9, Phone: +5999 7893122 / +5999 5601224, E-mail: consubelcuracao@gmail.com
— Canada : Address: Plaza Jojo Correa 2-4, Phone: +5999 4661116, E-mail: curacao@international.gc.ca
— Brazil: Address Caracasbaaiweg 370, Lagunisol 20, Phone: +5999 6722484, E-mail: consulbrasilcuracao@gmail.com
— China: Address Schottegatweg oost 32, Phone: +5999 7385446 / +5999 7388446, E-mail: cgc.curacao@gmail.com
— Colombia : Address Hanchi Snoa 25, Phone: +5999 4614663, Email: cwillemstad@cancilleria.gov.co
— Dominican Republic: Address Kaya Papa Godett 45, Phone: +5999 4659777 / +5999 6901715, E-mail: consudomcurazao@mirex.gob.do
— France: Address Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd 24, Phone: +5999 4617177 / +5999 5602115, E-mail: consulfrance@otiscuracao.com
— Surinam: Address Kaya Jacob Posner 11, Phone: +5999 4650099 / +5999 5120099 / E-mail: Cons.willemstad@gov.sr
— Venezuela: Address Scharlooweg 9, Phone: +5999 4614140 / +5999 4613179, E-mail: consuladovenecur@gmail.com
Location Description: Learn to identify your location using landmarks. Street addresses can be confusing, especially in rural areas. Download offline maps and know the name of your accommodation and the nearest major landmark.
Reporting Procedures: If you need to report a crime, visit the nearest police station with your passport and any evidence. Request a copy of the police report for insurance purposes. Your embassy can often provide translation services for official matters.
Language Considerations: While many emergency services personnel speak English, knowing basic phrases in Papiamentu or Dutch can be helpful. Consider having a translation app or phrasebook accessible offline.

Local Laws and Customs

Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Laws reflect Dutch systems.

Drug use is illegal, even marijuana.
Topless sunbathing is allowed at some private beaches but not public ones.
Always carry ID.

Tipping is common (5-10%).
Greet people with "bon dia" (good morning) or
"bon tardi" (good afternoon)—it goes a long way.

So, is Curaçao safe? Yes—for most travelers, it’s a calm, easygoing place where you can explore freely with a few smart precautions.

Whether you're visiting solo, with your family, or as a digital nomad, knowing the basics helps you feel at ease.