Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bonaire
Bonaire is the island in the Caribbean Sea that is part of the ABC islands which also includes Aruba and Curacao.
Bonaire has been inhabited and controlled by many different countries in the past from Spain, Denmark or England. It is currently a special municipality under the Netherlands.
Dutch is the official language of Bonaire as it still remains part of the Netherlands. But, it is not the most widely spoken language on the island. The majority of the island speaks Papiamentu, a Creole language.
The capital of Bonaire is Kralendijk, which is the only main city on the island. It encompasses nearly the entirety of the island’s population.
Do I Need Vaccines for Bonaire?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bonaire. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bonaire: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bonaire |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bonaire |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Bonaire?
A visa is not required for stays under 90 days within a 180 day period. Proof of a return ticket and sufficient funds may be required.
Bonaire Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bonaire? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Bonaire and Government of Canada
What Is the Climate Like in Bonaire?
Bonaire has a tropical climate with hot temperatures all year round. Temperatures don’t change much staying between 20 and 30.
The hotter months run from May-October with the weather being sunny and dry. During the hotter months, the trade winds may help lessen the effect of the heat. It rains in small amounts, the rainy season considered between October and December.
How Safe Is Bonaire?
Drug trafficking does occur on the island of Bonaire, but crime is low in relation to tourists.
Although crime is low, theft (such as valuables and car theft) can happen. Always keep your belongings with you. Do not keep valuables in your hotel rooms during the day. If you plan on renting a car on Bonaire, make sure you have fully-covered car insurance as some rental places don’t insure their vehicles.
Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
Scuba Diving in Bonaire
Bonaire is a popular destination for people looking to scuba dive; from experienced divers to beginners. Even their license plate says “Diver’s Paradise”.
If you are a beginner scuba diver, you are able to buy or rent all the equipment you may need on the island. Bonaire is a good place to start scuba diving. They are best known for their shore dives, which are more shallow and easily accessible. Bonaire is also known for their reefs as well as their shipwrecks.
If you are diving, do not wear gloves and do NOT touch the reefs. If you are caught doing either of these things, you will be removed from the water by dive operators.
The most popular dive site in Bonaire is Hilma Hooker, a sunken freighter that sank in 1984. This shipwreck is both accessible from boat and from the shore.
What Should I Take To Bonaire?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Bonaire:
- Hats and sunscreen to protect against the consistent sun.
- Shoes for hiking, if you plan to hike.
- Health insurance documents in case of medical care needs.
- If you are planning to scuba dive and are particular about your gear, bring your own gear with you.
Canadian Embassy in Bonaire
If travellers face issues or have concerns while travelling throughout the country, contact or visit the Canadian Embassy.
There is no Canadian embassy in Bonaire, but it is served by the embassy in Colombia.
Canadian Embassy in Colombia
Cra. 7, No. 114-33, Piso 14,
Bogotá, D.C. Colombia
Telephone: (57-601) 657-9800
Email: bgotaconsular@international.gc.ca
If you have any questions about travelling to Bonaire or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Bonaire
“Very sweet and kindhearted staff. A former nurse, she comes off as very intelligent and caring about her patients and their well being. I greatly appreciate the concern for my well-being and the information she prepared me with for Bonaire. Great inter-personal skills and genuinely kind.”
“Great location, clean and was given information and explained the vaccines for Bonaire. Very nice and knowledgeable person.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Bonaire?
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Bonaire?
What Is the Climate Like in Bonaire?
How Safe Is Bonaire?
Scuba Diving in Bonaire
What Should I Take To Bonaire?
Canadian Embassy in Bonaire
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CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
