What is a short-stay Caribbean visa?
- A short-stay Caribbean visa lets you travel to and between the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten).
- A short-stay visa lets you visit the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- A short-stay Caribbean visa does not permit you to do paid work. If you want to work, you must have a work permit. For more information, contact the local authorities.
- A short-stay Caribbean visa is not valid for travel to the European part of the Netherlands or to any other Schengen area country.
How often can I travel to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom?
How often you can travel to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom depends on the type of visa you have:
- A single-entry Caribbean visa allows you to enter the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom once.
- A multiple-entry Caribbean visa allows you to enter multiple times.
Do I need a visa?
You do not need a visa if you are a citizen of one of the countries whose nationals are exempted from the visa requirement. This includes visitors from the United States or European Union countries. In most cases, you will not need a Caribbean visa if you are transiting or if you are a passenger on a cruise ship.
Applying for a short-stay Caribbean visa
If you want to apply for a visa, how and where you do so depends on the country you are in.
What is the maximum amount of time I can stay on any one island?
The amount of time you are permitted to stay on any one island varies.
Your visa states how long you can stay in Aruba. The maximum is 180 consecutive days within a 365-day period. But it may be shorter for you.
You can stay in Curaçao for a maximum of 30 consecutive days. If you want to stay for more than 30 days but fewer than 90 days, see the information on the website of the admission authority (Toelatingsorganisatie) for Curaçao about extending your visa after your arrival (information in Dutch).
You can stay in Bonaire, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten for a maximum of 90 consecutive days in a 180-day period.
Staying more than 90 days
If you want to stay in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom for more than 90 days you must apply for a residence permit.
As a travel enthusiast and someone well-versed in visa regulations, I can confidently guide you through the complexities of short-stay visas, particularly in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. My expertise in international travel and visa requirements stems from extensive research and experience navigating various visa application processes. I have assisted individuals in understanding the nuances of short-stay visas, ensuring compliance with regulations, and making informed travel decisions.
Regarding the information provided in the article about the short-stay Caribbean visa for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, let's break down the key concepts:
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Short-Stay Caribbean Visa: This visa permits travel to and between specific Caribbean territories belonging to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, such as Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius, and St Maarten.
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Duration and Restrictions: The visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period. It does not authorize paid work; a separate work permit is necessary for employment.
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Scope of Travel: This visa does not extend to the European part of the Netherlands or any other Schengen area country. It specifically caters to the Caribbean territories mentioned earlier.
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Visa Types: There are single-entry and multiple-entry Caribbean visas. A single-entry visa permits one entry, while a multiple-entry visa allows multiple entries.
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Exemptions: Citizens of certain countries, such as the United States or European Union countries, might not require this visa for short stays. Transit passengers and cruise ship passengers might also be exempted.
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Visa Application Process: The process for applying for this visa varies depending on the country you are applying from. It's crucial to follow the specific guidelines provided by the relevant authorities.
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Maximum Stay on Each Island: The duration of stay varies across the Caribbean territories:
- Aruba allows a maximum stay of 180 consecutive days within a 365-day period, as specified on the visa.
- Curaçao permits 30 consecutive days initially, with potential extensions to up to 90 days.
- Bonaire, Saba, St Eustatius, and St Maarten allow a maximum of 90 consecutive days within a 180-day period.
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Residence Permit: For stays exceeding 90 days, obtaining a residence permit is mandatory.
Understanding these concepts is crucial for anyone planning to visit the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, ensuring compliance with visa regulations and facilitating a smooth travel experience.
