Caribbean Netherlands
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Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Casino
J.A. Abraham Blvd 40Kralendijk
All Inclusive Plaza Beach Resort Bonaire
J.A. Abraham Boulevard 80Kralendijk
Buddy Dive
85 Kaya Gob. N. DebrotKralendijk
Eden Beach Resort
Bulevard Gobernador Nicolaas Debrot 73Kralendijk
Bamboo Bali Bonaire
Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot 86Kralendijk
Sonrisa Rooms & Apartments
Kaya Finlandia 1 & 3, KralendijkKralendijk
Sorobon Beach Resort
Sorobon 10Bonaire
Sand Dollar Condominium Resort
P.O. Box 262, Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot 79Kralendijk
Caribbean Netherlands refers to three Caribbean islands that are overseas municipalities of the European country of the Netherlands:
- Bonaire, famous for its dive spots.
- Sint Eustatius, famous for its tranquility
- Saba, known for its unique ecosystem
Exercise normal security precautions
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.
Crime
Petty crime can occur. Avoid unpopulated areas or unpatrolled beaches after dark. Check with local authorities to find out which beaches are patrolled. Vehicle theft occurs frequently.
Ensure that personal belongings, passports and travel documents are secure at all times.
Road safety
Major roads are in good condition, but road signs are rare. Wandering animals are a hazard.
Public transportation
Public transportation is reliable. As taxis do not have meters, it is recommended that you agree on a fare prior to departure.
Consult our Transportation Safety page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.
Health
- Chikungunya in the Caribbean and South America - February 24, 2014 19:39
- Dengue Fever: Global Update - February 5, 2014 15:35
- Measles: Global Update - January 28, 2014 19:56
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
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Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in the Caribbean, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Caribbean. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in the Caribbean, certain insects carry and spread diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Dengue fever
- Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue bite during the daytime. They breed in standing water and are often found in urban areas.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for dengue fever.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in some areas in the Caribbean, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
Practise safe sex while travelling, and don’t share needles, razors, or other objects which could transmit infection.
Remember that HIV can also be spread through the use of unsterile medical equipment during medical and dental procedures, tattooing, body piercing or acupuncture. Diseases can also be spread though blood transfusions and organ transplantation if the blood or organs are not screened for HIV or other blood-borne pathogens.
Medical services and facilities
Medical services and facilities
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
You are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and Detention page for more information.
Canada and the Netherlands are signatories to the European Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in the Netherlands to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Dutch authorities.
Dual citizenship
Canadian citizens who have dual citizenship may be subject to Dutch obligations such as taxes. To determine your status, contact the Royal Netherlands Embassy or one of its consulates.
Illegal activities
Gun control is enforced, and penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.
It is strictly prohibited to export pieces of coral or seashells.
Driving laws
An International Driving Permit is recommended, but Canadian driving licences are accepted.
Traffic drives on the right. Turning right on red lights is prohibited.
You should purchase insurance when renting vehicles, motorboats or jet skis. Ensure that you obtain detailed information, in writing, regarding personal liability.
Money
The currency of Bonaire is the U.S. dollar (USD).
Credit cards and U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are widely accepted.
Investments
If you are interested in purchasing property or making other investments, seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Caribbean before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.
Climate
The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.