The Netherlands Antilles were formed from the islands of Curacao, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius and Saba. Aruba has not belonged to the Netherlands Antilles since 1986.
The Dutch overseas territory of the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved on October 10, 2010. Curacao and St. Maarten are now autonomous countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the islands of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius are special parishes of the Netherlands. The concept of the Netherlands Antilles is still so common, however, that these islands in Trans America will continue to be treated under the concept of the Netherlands Antilles.
The Netherlands Antilles can be reached in 12-14 hours by plane from Germany. The climate on the islands is dry and sunny with constant trade winds and an average temperature of 28 degrees. But there can also be short showers.
Bonaire is also known as the island of the Flamigos. Nature lovers will find everything their heart desires here. The island of Bonaire is also a true paradise for divers and snorkelers. The underwater world is simply fascinating here. The long sandy beaches of Kradlendijik are great places to vacation.
According to THEMBAPROGRAMS.COM, Curacao is an original island. The capital Willemstadtenchants with its colors. The mostly luxurious hotels are located on the beautiful sandy beaches of Piscadera Bay and St. Marie. Here you can explore the underwater world on the private coral beach with its own house reef.
Tourism is one of the most important sources of income in the Netherlands Antilles. In addition to the tourist use in the form of hotels, apartments and restaurants, the entertainment and service sectors also belong to the economic sectors that are related to tourism.
In addition, there are also many branches of banks on some islands. In addition, the region of the Netherlands Antilles is rich in oil deposits and there have been a few smaller oil refineries for some time.
The airport on St. Maartens, the Princess Juliana Airport, attracts numerous tourists and onlookers who do not want to miss the national spectacle of the airplanes. Because the planes usually have to fly over water until shortly before touching down on the runway. Directly in front of the runway is the beach with numerous spectators. The planes fly only 20 meters over the heads of the audience.
Netherlands Antilles – Entry Requirements
The Netherlands Antilles are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but the same entry requirements do not apply as for the Netherlands.
Passport is generally required for entry into the Netherlands Antilles. Upon entry, the passport(or the temporary passport) must be valid for at least 6 months.
Visa
Citizens of EU countries and Switzerland do not need a visa for a stay of a maximum of 30 days per island or a maximum of 90 days per year on all islands of the Netherlands Antilles. The Dutch are allowed to stay in the Netherlands Antilles for up to 6 months per year (with the option to extend). This applies to both tourists and business travelers.
Further documents for entry
A return flight or “onward” ticket to another destination as well as all the documents required to return to the country of origin or to travel to another country. You must also have enough funds (at least US $ 500 / week) for accommodation and supplies in the Netherlands Antilles.
Entry with children
For accompanying children, the same visa requirements apply as for their parents. Every child needs their own travel document. Children are only allowed to enter the country with an adult or must be picked up by an adult resident in the Netherlands Antilles upon entry.
Germany: You need your own passport for children.
Austria: Children need their own passport.
Switzerland: Children need their own passport.
Netherlands Antilles – Health and Diseases
In the Netherlands Antilles, vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and hepatitis A is recommended. For a longer stay and backpacking trips, vaccination against hepatitis B and typhus recommended.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is issued by Traveler (older than one year) are required who have been in a yellow fever infection area in the last 6 days when entering the country. This certificate is not necessary if you have only stayed in the transit area in the yellow fever area, and transit passengers who fly on from the Netherlands Antilles on the same aircraft do not need a yellow fever vaccination.
Diarrheal diseases
Most diarrheal diseases can be prevented with adequate drinking water and food hygiene.
The drinking water in the Netherlands Antilles is obtained from a seawater desalination plant and can normally be drunk without restrictions. Grocery stores also sell bottled drinking water, but make sure that the original cap is not broken. The milk offered on Montserrat is pasteurized and can be consumed as well as fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, poultry and seafood.
Schistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis pathogens occur in rivers and ponds in the Netherlands Antilles, so avoid wading and swimming in these waters. However, in well-maintained pools that use chlorinated water, there is no risk of schistosomiasis.
Dengue
Dengue virus infections transmitted by mosquitoes occur in the Netherlands Antilles. It is recommended to use mosquito nets and / or mosquito repellants to protect against insects.
Cholera
There is a risk of cholera on Saba, but the effectiveness of a vaccination is not generally recognized and there is no entry requirement. The best protection against cholera is careful food and drinking water hygiene. However, consult a doctor before leaving for Saba.
Filariasis
Insect-borne filariasis sometimes occurs in rural areas of Saba. Protect yourself with mosquito nets.
Typhus
Typhus, which is transmitted by clothes lice, occurs on Saba. Careful clothing and personal hygiene is strongly recommended as protection. Vaccinations against typhus are rarely useful.
Medical supplies
Curacao: there are three hospitals here, the largest and most modern is the St. Elisabeth Hospital in Willemstad.
Bonaire: one hospital, the San Francisco Hospital.
Sint Maarten: a hospital in Cay Hill, the St. Maarten Medical Center.
St. Eustatius: a hospital.
Saba: a hospital in The Bottom
We strongly recommend taking out health insurance for travel abroad. This health insurance should also cover repatriation in the event of an emergency.
When traveling to the Netherlands Antilles, take a specially designed first-aid kit with you and protect it from high temperatures when you are out and about.
In addition to my general disclaimer, please note the following important note:
A guarantee for the correctness and completeness of the medical information and liability for any damage that may occur cannot be assumed. You stay responsible for your healthy.
