Curacao: Amendments to certain COVID-19-related restrictions to go into force on Oct. 19 /update 31

Event

Authorities in Curacao have issued orders amending a number of the island country's restrictions as part of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective Oct. 19, only fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to attend activities considered to be high risk, such as parties, outdoor sporting events, and other outdoor events with more than 100 people. Additionally, the current nightly curfew will be shortened one hour and will run between 01:00-04:30; only people working in essential services are allowed to be outside of their residences during curfew hours. Businesses must close at least one hour before the start of the curfew. Individuals are still required to wear protective facemasks in indoor public settings and while riding public transportation.

Travel restrictions remain mostly unchanged, but updates to the government's risk levels for various countries and territories based on recent COVID-19 activity will go into effect on Oct. 18. All travelers entering Curacao must have medical insurance that covers their trip. All arrivals must also complete the digital immigration card and the Passenger Locator Card (PLC) prior to departing for the island; travelers must carry printed or digital proof of having completed the PLC.

Additional requirements for individuals aged 12 years or older depend on the designation of the location from which they are traveling. These designations are:

• Very Low Risk: No additional requirements. Effective Oct. 18, locations under this risk rating will be China, Ecuador, Hong Kong, India, Montserrat, Morocco, New Zealand, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Taiwan, and United Arab Emirates.

• Low Risk: There are no additional requirements for fully vaccinated residents. Unvaccinated residents and all visitors must show proof of a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure for Curacao or an antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure; these travelers must also take an antigen test three days after arrival. Effective Oct. 18, low-risk locations include Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Spain.

• High Risk: All travelers must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure, or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to departure. All travelers, except for fully vaccinated residents, must take an antigen test three days after arrival. High-risk locations include Aruba, Bahamas, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, and the U.S.

• Very High Risk: All travelers must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure, and must take an antigen test three days after arrival. Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bonaire, Israel, Turkey, and the U.K., are among the countries and territories considered very high risk, effective Oct. 18.

For a full list of countries by COVID-19 risk designation, click here.

Individuals under the age of 12 who do not show symptoms are not required to be tested. All passengers arriving in private vessels are subject to the same restrictions as those arriving from a high-risk location. All travelers may also undergo additional health screenings. Officials could place travelers with COVID-19 symptoms in mandatory quarantine.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of Curacao
Government COVID-19 Information
Government Travel Restrictions
Digital Immigration Card and PLC