Country's codes
International phone code for Curaçao: +599
3 letters: CUW
2 letters (internet domain): .CW
Digital country code : 535
Standard EAN-13 (country barcode): n/a
Olympic country code: AHO
Exploring Curaçao: A Caribbean Gem of Color, Culture, and Calm
Travel Tips for Tourists
• Getting There:
Curaçao is easily accessible by air, with direct flights from major cities in North America, Europe, and South America. Most travelers do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days, but all visitors must complete a Digital Immigration Card online before arrival. A valid passport, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds are required. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is strongly recommended.
• Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Curaçao is from December to mid-April, when the weather is sunny, dry, and ideal for beach activities and festivals like Carnival. For budget-conscious travelers, the May to October period offers lower prices and fewer crowds, with only occasional short rain showers. Curaçao lies outside the hurricane belt, making it a year-round destination.
• Top Attractions:
- Willemstad: The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its pastel-colored Dutch colonial buildings and the iconic Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge.
- Handelskade: A vibrant waterfront promenade perfect for dining and photography.
- Cas Abao Beach: A favorite for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles.
- Christoffel National Park: Ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting, including orchids and hummingbirds.
- Playa PortoMari: Offers snorkeling, hiking trails, and a beachside restaurant.
- Kleine Knip: A serene, less crowded beach popular with locals.
• Healthy Travel Advice:
Routine vaccinations should be up to date, and travelers are advised to consider Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Measles vaccines. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and Zika are present, so insect repellent and protective clothing are essential. Tap water is generally safe, but bottled water is widely available. Avoid swimming in freshwater streams and always use sun protection. Be cautious with food hygiene and avoid undercooked meats.
A Glimpse into Curaçao’s History
Curaçao’s earliest inhabitants were the Caquetío people, part of the Arawak group from present-day Venezuela. They lived in small coastal villages and practiced fishing, farming, and trade. The Spanish arrived in 1499, enslaving most of the indigenous population and introducing European livestock and crops.
In 1634, the Dutch West India Company took control, establishing Curaçao as a key hub for trade and the transatlantic slave trade. The island’s deep natural harbor made it a strategic port. Over time, Curaçao became home to a diverse population, including Sephardic Jews who contributed significantly to its cultural and economic development. The capital, Willemstad, grew around Fort Amsterdam, and the island flourished as a free port.
Current Political Landscape
Curaçao is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with its own parliament and prime minister. The Dutch monarch remains the ceremonial head of state, represented locally by a governor.
In the 2025 general elections, the Movement for the Future of Curaçao (MFK), led by Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, won an absolute majority in parliament—a historic first. The political system is a parliamentary democracy, and the government continues to navigate economic recovery, social development, and regional cooperation.
While Curaçao enjoys political stability, challenges such as economic diversification, youth employment, and public health remain priorities. The island maintains strong ties with the Netherlands and other Caribbean nations.
Useful country information
Total area: 444 km² (171 sq. mi.)
Population (2021): 152,369
Capital city :
Willemstad is the capital city of Curaçao. The city has a population of 0.15 million people (2021).
Willemstad: Capital City Profile
Apply for tourist visa
Important Numbers:
In case of emergency, please contact:
-
AMBULANCE : 912
FIRE: 911
POLICE: 911
What is the currency in use in the city of Willemstad? Netherlands Antillean guilder, Dutch guilder
Matthew T Rader, via Wikimedia Commons
Background:
Curaçao is an island in the Caribbean Sea, among the group known as the ABC Islands alongside Aruba and Bonaire. These 3 islands are located near Venezuela, and is considered to be outside the Caribbean's so-called "hurricane zone"; vacations to the island are rarely disrupted by tropical storms. Curaçao is a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Source of Information:
