Curaçao is the latest territory to introduce temporary visa restrictions as health concerns over Ebola continue to evolve.
In a statement published on June 7, 2026, the government of Curaçao said Justice Minister Shalten Hato had decided to temporarily suspend the issuance of Caribbean visas to applicants from countries identified as high-risk areas by the relevant national and international authorities.
The measure applies in particular to applications from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Angola and South Sudan. The list may be adjusted depending on changes in the epidemiological situation or new recommendations issued by international health organizations.
A preventive measure, with no confirmed cases in Curaçao
Authorities stressed that no Ebola cases have been confirmed in Curaçao at this stage. The government described the decision as a precautionary measure aimed at protecting public health and reducing the risk of the virus being introduced to the territory.
Justice Minister Shalten Hato said the decision was based on prevention: “This is a preventive measure. At this time, there are no cases of Ebola in Curaçao, but the government believes it is necessary to act in a timely and responsible manner to protect public health.”
The minister added that “the safety and health of our population come first.”
The temporary suspension was adopted under the Rijksvisumwet, the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ visa law, which allows a visa application to be refused when a public health risk has been identified.
Which Caribbean visas are affected
The measure applies to Caribbean visas, known locally as Visa Karibense, issued for short stays in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This means the visa is not specific to Curaçao alone. Depending on a traveler’s nationality and length of stay, it may be required for travel to Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, Saba or St. Eustatius.
For short stays, the Caribbean visa generally allows travel within these territories for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. It may also allow travelers to move between the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, but it is not valid for the European part of the Netherlands or for the Schengen Area.
It should therefore not be confused with a Schengen visa, a Dutch national visa for the European Netherlands, or a local residence permit, which is generally required for stays of more than 90 days in these territories.
In practice, applicants from the countries covered by the measure may see the issuance of their Caribbean visa suspended for as long as the restriction remains in effect. The statement does not specify an end date at this stage.
Caribbean visa applications are processed through Dutch diplomatic missions responsible for visa handling for the Caribbean region of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
A list of countries that may change
Before the decision was adopted, coordination took place with Curaçao’s Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature. Authorities also said they remain in close contact with international partners and health agencies to monitor the outbreak.
According to the government, the restrictions may be adjusted, eased or lifted once the epidemiological situation allows. Authorities have not ruled out additional measures if an updated risk assessment finds them necessary.
The announcement comes amid heightened vigilance over Ebola. In recent days, several governments have tightened entry, visa or health-screening measures for travelers arriving from countries in Central and East Africa that are affected or considered at risk.
Travelers concerned by the measure are therefore advised to check the applicable requirements before applying for a Caribbean visa or traveling to Curaçao and the other Caribbean territories of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Digital Immigration Card remains mandatory for all foreign visitors
Separately from the temporary visa measure, Curaçao reminds travelers that all international visitors must complete the Digital Immigration Card, also known as the DI Card, within the seven days before their trip.
This requirement applies to all foreign travelers seeking to pass through immigration in Curaçao. The form must be completed online before departure through the official portal.
The Digital Immigration Card does not replace a visa when one is required. Travelers subject to a visa requirement must therefore both check their eligibility for a Caribbean visa and complete their Digital Immigration Card before arriving in Curaçao.
