According to the current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication, Curaçao has been assessed as Level 1: exercise normal precautions.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
U.S. Consulate General Curaçao does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The ACS Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Curaçao as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Please review OSAC’s Dutch Caribbean-specific webpage for proprietary analytic reports, Consular Messages, and contact information.
Crime Threats
As a major Caribbean tourist destination, the principal crimes of concern are petty theft and street crime, but Curaçao also saw an increasing number of incidents of violent crime (homicide, armed robbery, home invasions, rape, sexual assault). Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. While this is a personal decision, statistics show that victims who resist are more likely to be injured or killed.
Although it appears that gangs are becoming more common, with a corresponding increase in gang violence, homicides have remained fairly steady, 22 in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Official 2016 statistics for other crimes are unavailable, but crimes with firearms increased from 30 recorded incidents in 2013 to 33 in 2014. Rapes and sexual assaults are infrequent but do occur. Home invasions have also become more common in the last two years.
Official statistics are commonly thought to understate the amount of crime on the island. For example, the government says that violent crimes against life have declined between 2012 and 2014 by 50%, while private law enforcement officials estimate that it has increased, especially with the rising youth unemployment (estimated at over 35%).
The Consulate recommends that visitors exercise caution at night in Koredor, Punda, Otrobanda, the Mambo Beach parking lot, and the neighborhoods of Scharloo, Fleur de Marie, Seru Fortuna, Marchena, Seru di Kandela, Souax, Koraalspecht, Seru Loraweg, Dein, Kanga, and most beach areas. Seek the advice of local authorities.
The legal drinking age (18) is not rigorously enforced, so extra supervision of minors may be appropriate. Travelers or residents who wish to patronize bars or nightclubs are recommended to travel in pairs or groups to minimize their risk of victimization. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report “Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.”
Do not withdraw large amounts of cash from banks or ATMs. If you need to withdraw a large sum of money, consider cashing a check or conducting an electronic transfer instead. Use caution with U.S. credit cards while traveling, as they do not offer the same levels of protection as many international credit cards (requiring a PIN for transactions). If using a credit card, ensure that the credit card stays in your sight and monitor the billing activity on that card for several months.
Transportation-Safety Situation
For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, “Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.”
Road Safety and Road Conditions
Driving regulations are similar to those in the U.S. Vehicles are driven on the right side. Local law also requires drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists to wear helmets. Right turns at a red light are not allowed. The use of cellular telephones is prohibited while driving, unless used with a hands-free device. Persons caught talking on a cellular telephone while driving will be fined.
Several complex intersections are routed through roundabouts. Vehicles in a roundabout have the right-of-way, unless otherwise marked. Curaçao’s main roads are generally well-illuminated. Serious traffic jams are rare. Markings/signals may be confusing. One major hazard is nonexistent, hidden, or poorly maintained street signs.
During and after a rainstorm, roads frequently become extremely slippery. Night driving is reasonably safe, as long as drivers are familiar with their route and the condition of the roads. When driving at night, use well-traveled, well-illuminated streets. Plan your route before you leave. The speed limits are: 40 km/hr in urban areas and 60 km/hr outside urban areas, unless otherwise indicated. Driving while intoxicated should result in a fine or loss of driver’s license, but this rule is not consistently enforced. Outside the urban areas, drivers should also be on the lookout for herds of animals (especially goats) that may cross the road in unexpected areas. For more information on self-driving, please review OSAC’s Report “Driving Overseas: Best Practices.”
Drivers should be on the lookout for aggressive drivers driving at high speeds, as they frequently cause serious or fatal accidents. Traffic accidents are a regular occurrence. If an accident occurs, drivers should not move vehicles and should immediately contact ForenSys (a private company with official responsibilities for non-injury accidents, formerly known as “Curaçao Road Services”) at: 199 or (599-9) 747-1333. In the event of an injury, emergency medical services can be reached by dialing 912.
Vehicles left unattended have been targeted by car thieves, either for joy riding or to be stripped down for parts. In many cases, rental vehicles may not be fully covered by local insurance in the case of theft or damage. Users of all rental vehicles should ensure that they carry sufficient insurance.
Public Transportation Conditions
Minibuses are inexpensive and run nonstop throughout the day with no fixed schedule. Each minibus has a specific route, which is displayed in its front windshield. Limited government-run buses operate on fixed routes, generally running on the hour throughout the day.
Taxis are well-regulated and generally safe but are fairly expensive. As they do not operate with meters, passengers should verify the price before entering. All taxi drivers carry badges, and all taxis should be clearly identified. Taxi stands are available at the airport, in Punda and Otrabanda, and outside most major hotels.
Aviation/Airport Conditions
In January 2012, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration downgraded Curaçao’s air safety rating from Category 1 to Category 2, based on standards set by the International Aviation Safety Assessment. Current air service is unaffected, but local airlines are not permitted to establish any new routes to the U.S. until Curaçao returns to Category 1.
In January 2017, the U.S. Consulate instituted a temporary ban on using Insel Air by Consulate employees due to safety concerns caused by non-payment of money owed the airline by Venezuela. The ban is to be in place until the airline shows that it is safe to fly again.
Other Travel Conditions
Yacht owners wishing to anchor in littoral waters or marinas should educate themselves on required registration procedures and permits prior to visiting the Dutch Caribbean.
Terrorism Threat
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Curaçao as being a LOW-threat location for terrorist activity directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns
Members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are believed to sometimes enter the Dutch Caribbean to engage in illegal activities related to the drug trade. However, the Consulate is unaware of any terrorist attacks being planned or executed in the Dutch Caribbean.
All travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. These could take place in public areas, and terrorists have targeted sites frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers. Travelers should review the U.S. Department of State’s Worldwide Caution. Curaçao has procedures in place in case of terrorist attacks in the handbook of the Terrorist Incident Response Plan.
Anti-American/Anti-Western Sentiment
Occasionally, individual government or civil-society leaders criticize U.S. government policies or the presence of the U.S. armed forces’ forward operating location in Curaçao, but such criticism is limited to rhetoric and generally does not enjoy widespread public support.
Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Curaçao as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Elections are generally considered free and fair.
Civil Unrest
No episodes of political violence have taken place in more than 40 years. Civil disruptions (protests, demonstrations) rarely occur but are generally peaceful.
Post-specific Concerns
Environmental Hazards
The hurricane season in the Dutch Caribbean normally runs June-November. The northern islands (St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius) are within the active hurricane zone and are hit by a major hurricane every six years on average. Most hurricanes pass well to the north of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, and the islands have no recent record of major hurricane damage; although Hurricane Matthew did brush the islands in 2016, causing some localized flooding. The significant rainfall hurricanes bring can cause serious flooding in low-lying areas.
Travelers should monitor local and international weather updates from the Meteorological Department of Curaçao, which serves all islands within the Dutch Caribbean, and the World Meteorological Organization. The U.S. National Hurricane Center also provides hurricane forecasts and a wealth of weather-related resources. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that persons living in areas prone to hurricanes make preparations outlined in the hurricane and tropical storm preparation section.
Critical Infrastructure
The primary source of industrial risk is the Refineria di Korsou (RDK, the Isla Refinery). The refinery, operated by the Venezuelan national petroleum company, is in the Sint Anna Bay at the eastern edge of Willemstad’s large natural harbor. RDK processes heavy crude oil from Venezuela. In recent years, there have been reports of significant environmental damage to the surrounding area because of neglect and a lack of strict environmental controls. The release of noxious fumes and potentially hazardous particles causes schools downwind to close on a regular basis.
Economic Concerns
Counterfeit and pirated goods are readily-available. The police occasionally confiscate counterfeit products (cigarettes, clothing) that are sold in stores. The illegal downloading, copying, and selling of movies is also widespread. Although widely available, purchasing counterfeit or pirated goods is against local (and U.S.) law. Expatriates could find themselves arrested and prosecuted by local law enforcement.
Drug-related Crimes
The islands continue to serve as a major transit point for cocaine, heroin, and marijuana from Colombia and Venezuela. Drugs entering Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, and offshore areas are generally destined for Europe (especially the Netherlands) and the U.S. Drugs passing through Dutch St. Maarten are generally headed to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drugs are transported via aircraft, drug mules, and aboard fishing boats. Traffickers also use high-speed go-fast boats.
Although drug smuggling remains a serious issue, intensive cooperation with U.S., Dutch, and international law enforcement authorities has resulted in significant interdictions and disruptions of narcotic smuggling in the region. In recent years, law enforcement has seen an uptick in confiscations of marijuana but a decline in cocaine seizures.
Kidnapping Threat
In 2013, one crime-related kidnapping was reported. The victim was taken to a remote part of the island, relieved of his car and personal possessions, and left behind. There was also one failed kidnapping attempt related to a domestic violence incident.
Police Response
Police support is generally adequate for victims of violent crime, but the police have been known to be less helpful in cases of burglary or theft.
How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment
The Consulate is unaware of any confirmed cases of police corruption, bribery, or harassment. If detained by police, it is advised that U.S. citizens notify the Consulate by email, by telephone at (599-9) 461-3066, or after business hours at (599-9) 510-6870. U.S. citizens may also wish to contact a member of their family and an attorney. During an initial interview, the police may defer a request to make contact with family, but local law provides for both consular notification and an attorney upon request.
Crime Victim Assistance
An American citizen who is a victim of a crime should make a report to police and report it to the U.S. Consulate. Do not rely on hotel/restaurant/tour staff to make the report.
The contact for emergency services (police and fire) is 911. Victims of any type of crime should call emergency services to report the crime to the police or visit one a police station. Each station is responsible for handling the crimes that occur within their districts.
Boaters should contact the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard by calling 913 if an emergency occurs while in littoral waters.
Police/Security Agencies
The Curaçao Police Force (Korps Politie Curaçao, KPC) manages general law enforcement and narcotics, weapons, homicide, and robbery investigations.
The Control and Security Division (formerly the Servisio di Kontrol i Seguridad, SKS) no longer exists, and its officers have been merged into the KPC.
The Curaçao Security Service (Veiligheidsdienst Curaçao, VDC) gathers and analyzes security intelligence. They work in close cooperation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands with the Dutch civilian intelligence service (AIVD) and military intelligence service (MIVD), as well as with U.S. and other foreign agencies.
The Dutch Special Police Forces Unit (Recherche Samenwerkings Team, RST) is a special investigations unit from the Netherlands that supports the KPC with anti-drug, money laundering, human smuggling, and other high profile cases.
The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard pursues drug traffickers and assists with accidents and emergencies at sea, with the support of the Dutch Royal Navy.
The Dutch Royal Military Police (Koninklijke Marechaussee, KMAR) performs immigration investigations at the airport and harbor, investigates crimes by and against the Dutch military, and provides occasional support to the KPC.
Medical Emergencies
Access to quality medical care is limited on Curaçao, and facilities do not offer the health and service standards typically expected in the U.S. Boticas are drug stores that provide both prescription and emergency medicine.
Emergency medical services can be reached by dialing 912, and response may be quick or may take hours. Ambulance services are under-staffed and under-equipped, especially in the western part of the island.
Ambulance: 912
Police/Fire department: 911
Coast Guard: 913
Contact Information for Available Medical Services
For medical assistance, please refer to the Consulate’s Medical Assistance page.
Available Air Ambulance Services
There are air ambulance services based in Aruba, and U.S. services can be contacted to provide service to those requiring it in Curaçao.
Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance
The CDC recommends that travelers ensure they have the following up-to-date vaccinations at least four weeks before traveling: measles/mumps/rubella (MMR); diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT); polio; hepatitis A and B; typhoid; and rabies (only for travelers whose activities that will bring them into direct contact with bats.
The following diseases are also prevalent: Zika virus, chikungunya, and dengue fever. Zika outbreaks have been reported on Curaçao. All three diseases are transmitted through the bite of the same mosquito species. There are no vaccines to prevent infection by these viruses. The most effective protective measures are those that prevent mosquito bites.
The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Curaçao.
OSAC Country Council Information
There is no Country Council in Curaçao. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Western Hemisphere team with any questions.
U.S. Consulate Location and Contact Information
Consulate Address and Hours of Operation
U.S. Consulate General
J.B. Gorsiraweg 1
Willemstad, Curaçao
Hours of operation: 0800-1700
Consulate Contact Numbers
Switchboard: (599-9) 461-3066
Website: https://cw.usconsulate.gov/
Consular coverage for multi-post countries
The U.S. Consulate General Curaçao covers:
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Aruba
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Bonaire
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Curaçao
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Saba
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St. Eustatius
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St. Maarten
Additional Resources
Curaçao Country Information Sheet
