United States Visa RequirementsFor Curaçao passport holders
Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Residents holding a Dutch passport can travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an ESTA authorization. Residents with only an Aruban or Netherlands Antilles travel document who do not hold full Dutch citizenship require a B1/B2 visa.
Curaçao passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
If you hold a Dutch passport, you can apply for ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov instead of a B1/B2 visa. If you hold only a Netherlands Antilles or Aruban travel document without full Dutch citizenship, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa. The nearest US Embassy for visa applications is in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, or Bogota, Colombia. Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background, taken within last 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled at the US Embassy or consulate
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns showing ability to fund trip
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment proof
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended dates and purpose of travel to the US
Current Travel Situation
Curaçao to United States: What You Need to Know
Aruba is a Caribbean island and autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located just off the coast of Venezuela. The Netherlands is a full member of the US Visa Waiver Program, so Aruban residents who hold Dutch citizenship and a Dutch passport can travel to the US without a visa using ESTA. However, residents who hold only a document from the Netherlands Antilles or do not have full Dutch citizenship are required to apply for a B1/B2 visa. Aruba's economy is heavily tourism-dependent, and many residents have legitimate reasons for travel to the US. The US dollar is widely used in Aruba.
How to Get There
American Airlines and United fly direct from Aruba (AUA, Queen Beatrix International Airport) to Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Charlotte (CLT), and other US cities. JetBlue and Delta also serve AUA with US routes. Flight time to Miami is approximately 2.5 hours.
Money & Banking
The US dollar is already the de facto currency in Aruba alongside the Aruban florin. In the US, tipping is standard: 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 for hotel porters. Credit cards are universally accepted. Budget $150 to $200 per day for major US cities.
Practical Tips
Check your passport type first. If you have a Dutch (Netherlands) passport, visit esta.cbp.dhs.gov to apply for ESTA instead. If you need a B1/B2 visa, check current interview wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Bring documentation of your ties to Aruba: employment, property, business, and family. Aruba's tourism-based economy means employment proof is especially important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Curacao residents need a visa to visit the United States?
It depends on your passport. Curacao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Dutch (Netherlands) passport holders with full citizenship can use ESTA to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. Those holding only a Netherlands Antilles document without full Dutch citizenship need a B1/B2 visa.
How do I apply for ESTA if I have a Dutch passport and live in Curacao?
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov with your Dutch passport. The ESTA costs $21 and allows up to 90-day visits to the US. It is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, allowing multiple trips without reapplying each time.
Where do Curacao residents without a Dutch passport apply for a US visa?
The nearest US Embassy is in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. You can also apply at the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. Complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview.
What airlines fly from Curacao to the United States?
American Airlines flies direct from Curacao (CUR, Hato International Airport) to Miami (MIA). United and JetBlue also connect CUR to US hubs. Flight time to Miami is approximately 3 hours. Connections via San Juan, Puerto Rico are also common.
How long can Curacao residents stay in the US?
With ESTA (Dutch passport), up to 90 days per visit. With a B1/B2 visa, CBP sets the authorized stay at entry, typically up to 6 months.
What currency does Curacao use?
Curacao uses the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG). The US uses dollars. In the US, tipping is standard: 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 for hotel porters. Credit cards are universally accepted.