Bonaire/St Eustatius/Saba
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Warnings and insurance
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:听
- 蝉别别听general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- 蝉别别听general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about听safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
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Entry requirements
This information is for people travelling on a full 鈥楤ritish citizen鈥� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government鈥檚 understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba set and enforce entry rules. If you鈥檙e not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must have an 鈥榚xpiry date鈥� at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
You must bring your passport when travelling from one island to another. Each island handles immigration separately.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You can stay in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba for up to 3 months per island without a visa.
For more information about visas and other entry requirements, contact the or check .
Vaccine requirements
You must have a certificate to prove you鈥檝e had a yellow fever vaccination if you鈥檙e coming from a听.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba
Although there鈥檚 no recent history of terrorism in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Protecting your belongings
Petty theft and street crime happen. Take precautions such as:
- avoiding isolated areas, including beaches, after dark
- keeping valuables secure and out of sight
- being aware of bag snatchers
Drug smuggling
Drug smugglers use Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba to smuggle illegal drugs from South America to Europe and North America. Never leave bags unattended and do not discuss or agree to carry a package for anyone.
Dutch authorities generally screen all baggage and passengers from Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba.
Laws and cultural differences
Local laws are similar to Dutch laws.
Personal ID
You must always carry a form of ID with you, such as a copy of your passport.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you鈥檙e planning on driving in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Bonaire, St Eustatius or Saba. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit as well.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age.
Taxis
Check that a taxi is registered and negotiate the price before taking the ride. Most taxis do not have meters.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Hurricanes
The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November.
Most hurricanes pass well to the north of Bonaire, which has no record of a recent major hurricane. There are occasional tropical storms.
St Eustatius and Saba, and many other islands in the northern and eastern Caribbean, have experienced severe hurricanes. Monitor local and international weather updates from:
- (covering all islands in the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Follow the advice of the local authorities.
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 or 913 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you鈥檙e referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the
See .
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read .
Healthcare in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba
Saba and St Eustatius only have an extensive GP practice. More complicated or emergency care cases may need emergency evacuation to the hospital on St Maarten.
Bonaire healthcare facilities are good and of an equivalent standard to those found in European Netherlands.
Health insurance cards
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not valid in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .
Getting help
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba
Ambulance: 911 or 913
Fire: 911 or 912
Police: 911
Coastguard: 913
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- getting help if you鈥檙e a victim of crime
- what to do if you鈥檙e in hospital
- if you鈥檙e affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack
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Help abroad鈥�
See听听including in an emergency.听
Help in the UK听听
You can call鈥�FCDO鈥痠n London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.鈥�
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)鈥�
Get travel advice updates鈥�
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