Kashlee KucheranLast Updated
Curaçao is now allowing tourists from 3 U.S. states to visit, starting on November 1, 2020, including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Since Curaçao reopened for tourism on June 12, 2020, they have been closed off completely to any and all tourists coming from the United States.
Now, with more favourable case levels in the three states that represent a good portion of their American-based tourist arrivals, Curaçao is opening their doors a little wider.
Declining active cases in New York. Credit: Worldometers
“After consulting with the scientific community and an esteemed panel of doctors both in The Netherlands and on the island, we made the decision to slowly reopen Curaçao's tourism industry to the US,” says Paul Pennicook, CEO of the Curaçao Tourist Board. “A multitude of factors were taken into account including current cases, airlift and impact on the local economy, among others.”
Starting in November, residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will be permitted to visit Curaçao for the purposes of tourism or leisure travel.
This is providing the traveler complies with all bio-security measures, which includes (you’ve guessed it!) PCR testing.
What about the rest of the U.S.?
“We will continue to closely monitor developments throughout the rest of the US,” adds Pennicook. “As we’ve enjoyed double digit growth from the US market over the last couple of years and the US accounts for a significant portion of Curaçao’s tourism arrivals, we look forward to the opening of other gateway cities as soon as conditions allow so that Americans can continue to experience this extraordinary destination.”
Entry Requirements into Curaçao for Tri-State Area Tourists
If you live in the tri-state area and you want to travel to Curaçao, here are the steps you need to take once your itinerary is set.
1- Digital Immigration Card
All international travelers are required to fill out the Digital Immigration Card (DI card) online as soon as you have all your travel information. The Digital Immigration card is a mandatory card for all foreign travelers to clear immigration in Curaçao.
2- PCR Test
All tri-state area residents will take a Covid-19 PCR test prior to travel. The PCR test needs to be taken at maximum 72 hours prior to departure at an accredited laboratory. Proof of the negative results should be upload into the Passenger Locator Form (see below) and be printed out and carried on person as well.
Please note: PCR tests based on Gargle samples will not be accepted.
3- Passenger Locator Form
All passengers from a Medium Risk Area (which the tri-state area is classified as) are required to complete the online Passenger Locator Card (PLC) within 48 hours prior traveling. This is also the place you will upload your negative PCR test results.
4- Proof of residency
Since Curaçao is only reopening for tri-state area residents, you will need to bring proof (like a drivers licence) that you reside in one of the three states.
Flights from New York to Curaçao
Direct flights from New York will restart into Curaçao on November 7th, 2020
United is the first airline to resume, with a 5-hour flight leaving from Newark directly into Curacao, every Saturday on a weekly schedule.
JetBlue will restart in December, on Wednesday’s and Friday’s, leaving from JFK.
What other nations can visit Curaçao?
Curaçao has been open to several select low and medium risk countries since June. Most fellow Caribbean nations are considered low-risk, while countries like Canada and the UK are medium risk, the same classification as the tri-state area.
You can see the full list of countries permitted to travel to Curaçao here
Read More: See all nations in the Caribbean that are allowing American tourists this winter and which companies are offering travel health insurance that covers Covid
Sources: Government of Curacao
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories