Travel Vaccines and Advice for Curacao
A tropical island located north of the equator, Curacao is known for its crystal-clear waters and gorgeous beaches.
Willemstad, the capital city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique architecture and historic buildings. With plenty of ocean attractions and land adventures, plus a vibrant nightlife, Curacao is a perfect island getaway.
Do I Need Vaccines for Curacao?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Curacao. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Curacao: 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:
- 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 seperately. 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 Curacao |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Curacao |
||
| 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 seperately. 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. |
Dengue and Zika are two mosquito-borne infections found in Curacao. Repellent and netting is key to avoid the viruses. Women should take extra precautions as Zika can cause birth defects in children.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Curacao
“Had a great experience – knowledgeable and friendly nurse, explained everything for Curacao thoroughly and was very personable.”
“Very knowledgeable and thorough review of the vaccinations required for my trip to Curacao. Made recommendations, outlined risks of opting out of certain vaccines, but were not overly pushy. A good experience.”
Do I Need a Visa for Curacao?
With a valid passport, no visa is needed for business or tourism stays under 30 days. All passports must be valid for at least 3 months past the expected time of stay.
Curacao Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Curacao? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Curacao and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Travellers may need proof of onward travel within six months of arrival to enter Curacao.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Curacao?
Curacao is a tropical island, located close to the equator. Its weather is usually warm, dry, and sunny year-round, with little seasonal change.
Curacao’s average temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius. The warmest month of the year is generally September, where temperatures can reach 38 degrees. Even in January, the coldest month, it may reach 32 degrees.
The rainy season lasts from October to February. But, rains are still rare with annual totals under 50 centimeters. Brief nighttime rainfall is common and usually clears by morning.
How Safe is Curacao?
Curacao is safer travellers, but petty crime is common. Beware of leaving valuables unattended, even in locked cars or in hotel rooms. Petty theft is common on some beaches and in beach parking lots. Be careful with your belongings and keep an eye on your surroundings.
Some violent crime does occur on Curacao, though it is uncommon. Gangs and drug trafficking are present on the island, and visitors should avoid isolated areas.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Curacao
While beaches are a big attraction in Curacao, the islands coral reefs are a must-see. By snorkeling or scuba diving, you can experience the underwater world of these reefs and tropical fish.
Curacao has over 40 dive areas, each with its own unique attractions. Certified dive operators that can help you arrange your dive.
For those who would prefer to enjoy the sea life from dry ground, the Sea Aquarium in Curacao offers an excellent alternative. All the animals live in a special lagoons that mimics their natural environments. It even allows the animals to be in contact with the ocean by pumping in fresh seawater.
What Should I Pack for Curacao?
Before your trip, make sure you have everything you’ll need in Curacao.
- Sunscreen – In such a sunny, tropical destination, the sun can be stronger than you might expect. Stock up on sunscreen to prevent painful sunburns.
- Bug Repellent – Mosquitoes and other insects can carry dangerous diseases. Make every effort to prevent bites by using plenty of bug spray.
- Light, Loose Clothing – Curacao can get hot, especially in the summer, and it rarely gets cold. Bring plenty of airy, summer clothing to keep yourself as cool as possible.
- Snorkel Gear – If you have your own, consider bringing it. This will save money and can help make sure you have exactly what you need.
U.S. Consulate in Curacao
Curacao does not have a Canadian government office. Any consular assistance or other inquiries can be handled by the Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela.
Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela
Avenida Francisco de Miranda con Avenida Altamira Sur,
Altamira, Caracas 1060,
Venezuela
Tel.: +58 212 600 3099
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Curacao?
Do I Need a Visa for Curacao?
What is the Climate Like in Curacao?
How Safe is Curacao?
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Curacao
What Should I Pack for Curacao?
Canadian Embassy in Curacao
