Caribbean Tourism Visa Policy for 2025: What You Need to Know

The Caribbean is a dream vacation spot. In 2025, the Dutch government updated visa rules for people visiting the Dutch Caribbean. If you plan to visit Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, or the BES islands, this guide will help you get a Caribbean tourist visa under the new rules.

What’s New in 2025?

The 2025 updates focus on checking documents more carefully. They also evaluate personal and travel papers more thoroughly. The new rules aim to make the application process smoother while ensuring only eligible tourists enter.

Documents Needed for a Caribbean Tourist Visa (2025)

Here’s a list of documents to prepare for your visa application:

Personal Identification & Legal Status

• Application Form: Fill out, sign, print, and submit with your documents.
• Passport: Issued in the last 10 years, valid for 3+ months after your stay, with 2+ blank pages, and signed.
• Photo: Color, 3.5×4.5 cm, recent (within 6 months), plain light background. A digital photo is taken when applying through an external provider.

Legal Residence Proof

• Proof of Legal Residence: Original + color copy of passport/travel document, valid residence/work permit (3+ months after your trip), visa.
• Out-of-country Application: Explain why you’re not applying from your home country.

Proof of Social or Economic Ties

• Employed: Employer’s letter (role, salary, contract) + last 3 months’ payslips or bank statements.
• Self-employed: Business registration or tax return + 3 months’ bank statements.
• Student: Enrollment certificate stating program name and duration.
• Others: Caregiver papers, proof of property ownership, or children’s school attendance.

Travel & Stay Arrangements

• Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservation, lease agreement, or proof of property ownership in the Caribbean.
• Travel Reservation: Travel plan or round-trip booking. You don’t need a paid ticket yet.
• Travel Medical Insurance: Must cover all Dutch Caribbean parts; minimum $15,000 coverage (medical, emergency, repatriation).
• Proof of Financial Means: If self-funded, 3 months’ bank statements and 3 recent pay slips (if employed).

Extra Rules for Children (Under 18)

If a child is applying and traveling without both parents, prepare these:

• Birth Certificate (Recent Extract)
• Parental/Guardian Consent Form: Signed by the parent(s) not traveling.
• Copy of Travel Documents: Passports of the parent(s) not traveling.

Other Conditions (if needed):

• Copy of the traveling parent’s Caribbean visa and passport.
• Death certificate (if a parent is deceased).
• Guardianship proof (if assigned).
• Court travel permission (if required).

How to Apply

• You must apply in person, even infants and children.
• You’ll sign a declaration confirming:
• You submitted all documents.
• You know incomplete applications may be rejected.
• The Ministry might ask for an interview or more documents.

To start, choose your country on the official Dutch government portal. This will give you specific instructions and let you book your appointment.

Plan Your Caribbean Trip Now!

Getting a Caribbean visa requires careful planning. Make sure to gather all the necessary documents. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth application process. This will allow you to enjoy your dream vacation in the beautiful Dutch Caribbean islands.