Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs in Bonaire.

Residential break-ins and theft from vehicles, hotel rooms and rental units also take place.

• Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Never leave valuables such as jewellery, cell phones, electronics, wallets or bags unattended on the beach or in your vehicle
• Avoid unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark
• Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Rescue services may not be consistent with Canadian standards.

Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

If you are planning to take part in water sports such as scuba diving, jet skiing or parasailing:

• ensure that equipment is safe and in good condition
• ensure helmets and life jackets are available
• avoid participating in any water activities when you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances
• check that your travel insurance covers accidents related to recreational activities

Water safety abroad

Wildlife viewing

Wild animals can be dangerous, particularly if you are on foot or at close range.

• Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife
• Only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
• Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators
• Closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice

Road safety

Major roads are in good condition, but many drivers don’t respect traffic laws.

Animals on the road pose a hazard.

Road signs are different from Canada. Familiarize yourself with the signs before driving.

Public transportation

Public transportation in Bonaire is fairly limited. There is no public bus system operating. Taxis are the only form of public transportation on the island.

Taxis

Taxis in Bonaire must be registered and have license plates marked with “TX”.

Taxis are not metered and operate on a flat rate by destination set by the government. Despite the regulated price, agree on a fare prior to departure.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Dutch authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Bonaire.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period
Work permit: required
Student visa: required

Visitor entry tax

You must pay a $75 USD visitor entry tax to visit Bonaire. The tax can be paid online using the official government site.

Visitor entry tax – Government of Bonaire

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

• a return or onward ticket
• proof of the purpose of your stay
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• proof of valid health insurance
• proof of accommodation for your stay

Other entry requirements may apply.

Useful links

• Bonaire Immigration and Entry Requirements – Info Bonaire
• Requirements for travelling without a visa – Government of the Netherlands

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical care is generally good but may be limited in availability.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Medical facilities may require immediate cash payment for medical treatment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and the Netherlands are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Bonaire to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Bonaire authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail time. 

The island is used as a drug trafficking hub between South America and North America. Only carry your personal belongings and don’t leave them unattended. Don’t agree to carry packages that are not your own.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in the Netherlands, with some exceptions.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of the Netherlands, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Useful links

• More about dual citizenship – Government of the Netherlands
• Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and the Netherlands.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Bonaire, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Bonaire court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Bonaire to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Identification

Bonaire is a special municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

By Dutch law, you must always carry valid identification. You should have a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Driving

There are no traffic lights on the island, but international road signs are common.

Consult local regulations before driving in Bonaire.

Canadian driver’s licenses are accepted. 

You should carry an international driving permit.

Useful links

• Traffic on Bonaire – Info Bonaire
• International Driving Permit

Exports

It is strictly prohibited to remove or attempt to leave the island with seashells, corals or beach sand.

Investments

If you plan on buying property or making other investments, seek professional legal advice in Canada and in Bonaire before making commitments. Related disputes could take time and be costly to resolve.

Rentals

Buy insurance when renting motorboats, jet skis and vehicles. Ensure that you obtain detailed information, in writing, regarding personal liability.

Money

The currency of Bonaire is the U.S. dollar (USD).

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Bonaire. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center

Seismic activity

Bonaire is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes can occur.

Earthquakes – What to Do?