{"slug":"bonaire-st-eustatius-saba","title":"Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba travel advice","updated_at":"2025-12-10T13:10:48+00:00","reviewed_at":"2025-12-10T13:10:48Z","change_description":"New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bonaire-st-eustatius-saba","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/contact/embassies-consulates-general/united-kingdom/embassy-london\">Netherlands Embassy in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.</p>\n\n<p>You must bring your passport when travelling from one island to another. Each island handles immigration separately.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual Citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You can stay in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba for up to 3 months per island without a visa.</p>\n\n<p>For more information about visas and other entry requirements, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/contact/embassies-consulates-general/united-kingdom/embassy-london\">Netherlands Embassy</a> or check <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/caribbean-visa/visa-needed-caribbean\">Netherlands Worldwide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission\">country listed as a transmission risk</a>.</p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/44/caribbean-islands-netherlands#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Caribbean Islands (Netherlands) guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-bonaire-st-eustatius-and-saba\">Terrorism in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba</h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, attacks cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-your-belongings\">Protecting your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Petty theft and street crime happen. Take precautions such as:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>avoiding isolated areas, including beaches, after dark</li>\n  <li>keeping valuables secure and out of sight</li>\n  <li>being aware of bag snatchers</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"drug-smuggling\">Drug smuggling</h3>\n\n<p>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.</p>\n\n<p>Dutch authorities generally screen all baggage and passengers from Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<p>Local laws are similar to Dutch laws.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"personal-id\">Personal ID</h3>\n\n<p>You must always carry a form of ID with you, such as a copy of your passport.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you’re planning on driving in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, see information on <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">driving abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence\">update it to a photocard licence</a> or get the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">correct version of the international driving permit</a> as well.</p>\n\n<p>Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis\">Taxis</h3>\n\n<p>Check that a taxi is registered and negotiate the price before taking the ride. Most taxis do not have meters.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters</h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hurricanes\">Hurricanes</h3>\n\n<p>The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November.</p>\n\n<p>Most hurricanes pass well to the north of Bonaire, which has no record of a recent major hurricane. There are occasional tropical storms.</p>\n\n<p>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:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>\n<a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.meteo.cw/\">Meteorological Department Curaçao</a> (covering all islands in the Kingdom of the Netherlands)</li>\n  <li><a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/\">US National Hurricane Center</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Follow the advice of the local authorities.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must bring your passport when travelling from one island to another.","You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty."]}
