Bonaire Visa Requirements: Entry from the Netherlands

Planning to travel to Bonaire and wondering if you need a Bonaire visa? Good news: as a Dutch citizen, you don't need to apply for a visa for stays up to 180 days. Since October 10, 2010, Bonaire has been a special municipality of the Netherlands, which significantly simplifies the entry procedure. However, there are specific travel documents and taxes you need to consider.

In this complete guide, I'll explain step by step what you need for hassle-free travel to Bonaire. From the right travel documents to the mandatory $75 tourist tax - you'll find all current information for 2025 here.

Do you need a visa for Bonaire? The official rules

The answer to "Do I need a visa for Bonaire?" depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. For Dutch travelers, it's simple: no visa required.

Dutch citizens: no visa required

Since Bonaire became a special municipality of the Netherlands on October 10, 2010, special rules apply for Dutch citizens. You don't need to apply for a visa for tourist visits or vacations. This rule applies to all Dutch passport holders, regardless of where you live.

The main difference from a regular vacation in the Netherlands is that you do need a valid passport - your Dutch ID card is not accepted. You also must pay the mandatory tourist tax (Visitor Entry Tax).

As a Dutch tourist, you may stay on Bonaire for a maximum of 180 days (6 months) within a one-year period. Want to stay longer or work there? Then you do need a residence permit.

Other EU countries and visa-free nationalities

Residents of other EU countries also don't need a visa for short stays on Bonaire. The rules are similar to those for Dutch citizens. For most Western European countries, a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period applies.

Countries whose residents can travel visa-free to Bonaire (maximum 90 days):

• All EU member states
• United States and Canada
• Australia and New Zealand
• Japan and South Korea
• Switzerland and Norway
• United Kingdom

For residents of countries outside this list, a visa may be required. Always check current visa requirements through official Dutch government channels before booking.

Special rules apply for residents of the former Netherlands Antilles (Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten) who have a valid sédula. They pay only $10 tourist tax instead of $75.

Mandatory travel documents for Bonaire

Even though you don't need to apply for a visa, you do need the right travel documents. The most important document is your passport - and note, your Dutch ID card doesn't work.

Passport requirements and validity

A valid Dutch passport is absolutely required for entering Bonaire. Your Dutch identity card is not accepted, not even for Dutch citizens. This is a common mistake that surprises dozens of travelers at Schiphol every year.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when departing the Netherlands. Pay close attention to this - airlines check this strictly and can refuse you if your passport is valid for too short a period. Immigration on Bonaire also adheres to this rule.

Is your passport about to expire? You can apply for an emergency passport at your municipality. This costs more (about €100 extra) but can be arranged within a few working days. Plan this in advance though, as waiting times can occur during peak periods.

Tip: Make a copy of your passport and store it separately from the original. A photo on your phone can also be handy in case of loss or theft.

Traveling with children under 18

Since June 26, 2012, all children, regardless of age, need their own passport to travel to Bonaire. Adding children to their parents' passport is no longer possible.

The same validity rules apply to children: the passport must be valid for at least 6 months when departing. Children's passports are valid for 5 years, so check this carefully if you've traveled abroad before.

Is a child traveling with only one parent, or with grandparents or other guardians? Then an authorization form from the non-traveling parent(s) is advisable. This prevents delays during checks. You can find the form on rijksoverheid.nl and it must be signed by both parents.

Stricter rules apply for children under 18 traveling alone. Contact the airline for specific requirements and procedures.

Visitor Entry Tax: Bonaire tourist tax

Since July 1, 2022, you pay mandatory tourist tax when visiting Bonaire. This Visitor Entry Tax replaces the old overnight tax and car rental tax.

Rates and exceptions 2025

The rates for 2025 are:

• Adults (13 years and older): $75 per visit
• Children (12 years and under): $10 per visit
• Cruise passengers: $10 per person (paid by cruise line)

Exemptions apply to:

• Bonaire residents with valid sédula
• Residents of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius with valid sédula (pay $10)
• Children under 12 of exempt residents

The tax applies per visit, not per year. Flying to Bonaire twice in the same year? Then you pay twice. The QR code you receive after payment is valid for 1 month.

Payment methods and procedure

You can pay the tourist tax in two ways:

Online in advance (recommended):

• Go to tourismtax.bonairegov.com
• Fill out the form (takes 5-10 minutes)
• Pay with credit card or iDEAL
• Receive QR code by email
• Print the code or save it on your phone

At Flamingo Airport upon arrival:

• Go to the payment machines in the arrival hall
• Fill out the same form (takes longer)
• Pay only with credit card (no cash)
• Receive QR code immediately

Cash is not accepted, not even at the airport. Make sure your credit card or debit card works abroad.

Common mistakes and tips

Filling out the form at the airport takes longer than expected, especially if you have no experience with the automatic machines. Waiting times of 30-45 minutes are normal during busy periods.

Don't forget to print your QR code or save it properly on your phone. Without a working code, you can't get through immigration. A screenshot is sufficient - you don't need to download a special app.

Note: the tax applies per person and per visit. A family with 2 adults and 1 child of 10 years pays $160 ($75 + $75 + $10). On a second visit in the same year, you pay again.

Tip: pay the tax just before your trip. The QR code is only valid for 1 month and you can't reprint without paying again.

Proving return ticket and outbound travel

Dutch citizens must also prove upon arrival that they plan to leave Bonaire. This prevents people from staying illegally for extended periods.

Which documents are valid

You can prove your outbound travel in various ways:

• Return ticket: Flight ticket back to the Netherlands or another country
• Onward ticket: Flight ticket to next destination (e.g., Aruba or Curaçao)
• Travel voucher: Proof of booked and paid travel
• E-ticket: Digital ticket on phone or printed

Immigration accepts both digital and printed tickets. A screenshot of your e-ticket is sufficient. Make sure all important details are clearly visible: your name, flight number, date and destination.

Do you have an open ticket or indefinite travel date? This can cause problems at immigration. Arrange for a concrete departure ticket, even if you change it later.

What happens without a return ticket

Immigration at Flamingo Airport strictly checks for outbound travel documents. Without valid proof of departure, they can deny you entry, even as a Dutch citizen.

In practice, this means you have to wait for the next flight back to the Netherlands - at your own expense. Buying last-minute flight tickets at a small airport is expensive and has limited options.

Even if you plan to continue traveling to other Caribbean islands, you must be able to prove this in advance. A vague plan to "maybe go to Aruba" is not sufficient.

Customs and prohibited items upon arrival

After immigration follows customs control. Bonaire has strict rules for certain goods, especially drugs and food products.

Prohibited and restricted goods

Strictly prohibited are:

• All drugs: Even soft drugs like cannabis are completely prohibited on Bonaire. Possession leads to arrest and heavy penalties
• Weapons and ammunition: Including pepper spray and tasers
• Fireworks and explosives
• Certain medications: Especially painkillers with opiates - bring prescription

Restricted (with conditions):

• Food products: Dried meat and cheese usually allowed, fresh products often not
• Plants and seeds: Only with phytosanitary certificates
• Pets: With complete vaccination and health certificates

Pay special attention to medications. Always bring the original prescription and a doctor's statement in English. This prevents misunderstandings during checks.

Duty-free allowances for alcohol and tobacco

You may bring duty-free:

Exceeding these amounts? Then you must pay tax on the excess. Rates are between 15-25% of the value.

Declaration requirements and checks

At the exit of the baggage hall, you see two colors: green (nothing to declare) and red (declaration needed). Choose red if you exceed duty-free amounts or have doubts about certain items.

Bonaire uses detection dogs for drug and food control. Random baggage checks also occur, especially for suspicious behavior.

Tip: Always keep receipts for expensive items you bring (camera, laptop, jewelry). This can prevent problems later when leaving.

Vaccinations and health requirements

For Dutch travelers, there are no mandatory vaccinations for Bonaire, except in specific circumstances.

Required vaccinations

The only mandatory vaccination is yellow fever, and only if you enter Bonaire from a country with yellow fever risk. This mainly applies to travelers from parts of South America and Africa.

Coming directly from the Netherlands or via other Caribbean islands? Then no vaccinations are required. COVID-19 measures have also been completely lifted for tourists as of 2024.

Note: if you're doing a round trip through South America with Bonaire as a stopover, check if you need a yellow fever vaccination for your next destination.

You must be able to show the yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) at immigration. The vaccination is valid 10 days after administration and protects for life.

Recommended vaccinations

Although not mandatory, the GGD recommends several vaccinations:

• Standard Dutch vaccinations: Make sure your DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio) is up-to-date
• Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers, especially for stays longer than 2 weeks
• Hepatitis B: Recommended for long stays or medical treatments
• Typhus: Only for stays outside hotels and resorts

Consult the GGD travel vaccination service or your GP 4-6 weeks before departure. Some vaccinations need time to become effective.

Bonaire has a modern hospital (Fundashon Mariadal) in Kralendijk, but health insurance with international coverage is recommended for more expensive treatments.

Arrival at Flamingo Airport Bonaire

Flamingo Airport (BON) is the only international airport on Bonaire. It's a small airport where procedures go relatively quickly, unless multiple flights arrive simultaneously.

Immigration procedure step by step

After getting off the plane, you follow these steps:

Step 1: Tourist tax check

• Show your QR code (printed or on phone)
• No code? Pay on-site at the machines
• Keep the proof - you'll need it later

Step 2: Passport and immigration control

• Show your Dutch passport
• Have your QR code scanned by immigration officer
• Answer brief questions about your stay
• Receive stamp in passport

Step 3: Baggage collection

• Go to baggage belt (usually belt 1 or 2)
• Bonaire only has 2 belts, so it's easy to find

Step 4: Customs control

• Choose green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel
• Possible random baggage check

Waiting times and tips for fast processing

Busiest times are when the KLM flight from Amsterdam arrives (usually around 3:30 PM local time) and TUI flights. Try to be first off the plane to avoid waiting times.

Have documents digitally? Make sure your phone is charged and brightness is high. Scanners work better with bright screens.

Tips for fast processing:

• Have QR code ready before check begins
• Keep passport and return ticket handy
• Answer questions briefly but completely
• Declare questionable items at customs

Transport to accommodation

From Flamingo Airport you have limited transport options:

Taxi:

• Fixed rates: $15-25 to Kralendijk center
• $20-30 to southern hotels and resorts
• $35-45 to northern accommodations
• No meter, prices are officially set

Rental car:

• All major companies have counters at the airport
• Reserve in advance, especially during high season
• Dutch driver's license is valid

Public transport doesn't exist on Bonaire. For more information about transport on the island, check our practical information page.

Departure and leaving Bonaire

Leaving Bonaire is easier than entering, but there are some points to consider.

Check-in times and procedure

For international flights to Europe or North America, you must be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. For regional flights to Aruba or Curaçao, 1 hour is usually sufficient.

Online check-in is possible for most airlines and saves time at the airport. Print your boarding pass or use the digital version on your phone.

Flamingo Airport has limited facilities. There are some shops and a restaurant, but no large duty-free shop like on Aruba or Curaçao.

Departure tax and last purchases

Departure tax is now usually included in your flight ticket. Check this when booking - if not included, you pay $32 per person at the airport.

For last-minute souvenirs, there are some shops at the airport, but selection is limited. Better to buy souvenirs in Kralendijk. For more shopping options, check our Kralendijk city guide.

What you CAN buy at the airport:

• Bonaire coffee and chocolate
• Local rum and liqueurs
• Small souvenirs and t-shirts
• Snacks for the journey

Netherlands import customs

When returning to the Netherlands, normal EU customs rules apply. Bonaire is considered "outside the EU" for customs purposes, so restrictions apply.

You may bring duty-free to the Netherlands:

Exceeding these limits? Then you pay import duties upon arrival in the Netherlands. Always keep receipts for expensive items.

Practical tips for hassle-free travel

With proper preparation, your trip to Bonaire goes smoothly. Here are the most important tips from practice.

Preparation checklist 4 weeks before departure

Document checks:

• Passport validity: at least 6 months from departure date
• Make passport copy and store separately
• Confirm return ticket and print/download
• Take out travel insurance with worldwide coverage

Online arrangements:

• Pay tourist tax on tourismtax.bonairegov.com
• Print QR code and save on phone
• Online check-in 24 hours before departure
• Activate bank card for foreign use

Health preparation:

• Check standard vaccinations with GP
• Visit GGD for travel advice (4-6 weeks before departure)
• Check medications and bring extras
• Apply for EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card)

Practical preparations:

• Order USD cash from bank
• Check credit card limit and increase if needed
• Inform friends/family of travel dates
• Confirm accommodation and save contact details

What to do in case of problems

Passport lost or stolen on Bonaire:

• Report immediately to local police (Korps Politie Bonaire: +599 717 8000)
• Contact Dutch consular service in Curaçao: +599 9 461 3066
• Apply for emergency passport (costs €72 and takes 2-3 working days)
• Arrange replacement of credit cards and other documents

Immigration problems:

• Stay calm and polite
• Clearly explain why you're coming to Bonaire
• Show all requested documents
• Ask for a supervisor if problems persist

Medical emergencies:

• Hospital Fundashon Mariadal: +599 717 8900
• Ambulance: 912
• General emergency number: 911
• Contact your travel insurance

Emergency services contact information

Dutch help on Bonaire:

• Dutch consular service Curaçao: +599 9 461 3066
• 24-hour Foreign Affairs emergency number from Netherlands: +31 247 247 247
• Dutch Government Service Caribbean Netherlands: +599 715 8500

Local emergency services Bonaire:

• General emergency number: 911
• Police: +599 717 8000
• Fire department: 919
• Coast guard: 913
• Hospital: +599 717 8900

Practical information:

• Flamingo Airport information: +599 717 5600
• Tourist information: +599 717 8322
• Taxi central: +599 717 8100

For more useful numbers and contact details, check our contact page with all important phone numbers on Bonaire.

With this information, you're fully prepared for your trip to Bonaire. Don't forget to buy your $40 Nature Fee for access to diving and snorkeling in the Marine Park. A memorable vacation on this beautiful Caribbean island is here!