Curacao: Authorities ban travel from certain African countries, modify other domestic COVID-19 restrictions, as of Dec. 6 /update 33

Event

As of Dec. 6, authorities in Curacao have issued orders to ban entry for nonresident foreign nationals who have been in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, in the 14 days prior to their intended arrival in Curacao. Residents of Curacao are allowed to return to the island but are advised to take a COVID-19 test prior to arrival.

Domestic Measures

The nightly has been reduced and currently runs only between 03:00-04:30. 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.

Additionally, only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to attend activities considered to be high-risk, such as parties, outdoor sporting matches, and other outdoor events with more than 100 people.

International Travel Restrictions

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.

Individuals with proof of being fully vaccinated in Aruba, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, Saba, or the European Union can follow the measures that are in place for fully vaccinated residents. The requirements vary depending on the designation of the location from which individuals are traveling:

• Very Low Risk: No additional requirements. Locations under this risk rating are British Virgin Islands, China, Ecuador, Hong Kong, India, Montserrat, Morocco, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Sint Eustatius, Taiwan, and United Arab Emirates.

• Low Risk: No additional requirements for fully vaccinated residents (or visitors from the aforementioned countries). Unvaccinated residents and most 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. Most countries and territories in the world are considered low-risk locations including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

• 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 (or visitors from the aforementioned countries), must take an antigen test three days after arrival. High-risk locations include France, Germany, Norway, Suriname, Switzerland, and the US.

• 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, Barbados, Bonaire, Denmark, Netherlands, the UK, and Venezuela are among the countries and territories considered very high risk.

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