Is Curaçao safe? What to know as a visitor

Health & safety · 3 min read · Checked November 8, 2026

Short answer

Yes, Curaçao is generally a safe island to visit. The US government rates it Level 1, exercise normal precautions, and the Dutch government’s travel advice is green. The main risk for visitors is petty theft, such as bags left alone on the beach or valuables in a rental car. With the same common sense you use at home, you can relax and explore.

What governments say

United States: Level 1, exercise normal precautions, the lowest of four levels.
Netherlands: green, the lowest of four colours. Petty crime does happen, and good preparation lowers the risk of being robbed or scammed.
United Kingdom: the main tourist areas are generally safe. Petty theft and street crime are a concern, and violent crime is mostly linked to the drug trade.

Where to take care

Busy areas such as Punda, Pietermaai, Jan Thiel and Mambo Beach are full of locals and visitors and are generally safe, also in the evening. After dark, stay in well-lit places and avoid isolated spots, including empty beaches.

How to avoid theft

Never leave valuables alone on the beach or in sight in a rental car.
Keep your passport, extra cash and other important things in the hotel safe.
Carry a copy of the photo page of your passport. The UK government says you must always have one with you.
Watch your bags in busy places and look out for bag snatchers.

Taxis

Registered taxis have number plates that start with TX. Most have no meter, so agree on the price before you get in.

The law

Drugs are illegal on Curaçao, soft drugs included, and penalties can be severe.
Never carry a package for someone else, and never leave your luggage alone at the airport. Flights to the Netherlands get strict checks on bags and passengers.
Do not bring guns, ammunition or even empty shells. The US government warns this is illegal.

In the sea

The north coast has high waves and strong currents. Swim at the calmer beaches on the south and west coast, and go into the water only when the sea is calm. The sun is strong all year, so use sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

Emergency numbers

Police and fire: 911
Ambulance: 912
Coastguard: 913
Doctor’s out-of-hours service (evening and night): +599 9 462 9252

Planning your trip? Read who needs a visa and driving on Curaçao with your own licence.

Wondering about the water? Read whether you can drink the tap water.

Sources: US travel advisory, Dutch government travel advice, UK travel advice and emergency numbers, and the Curaçao Tourist Board.

Photo: Willemstad, from the Curaçao Tourist Board gallery.

Frequently asked questions

Is Curaçao safe for tourists?

Yes, generally. The US government rates Curaçao Level 1, exercise normal precautions, and the Dutch travel advice is green. The main risk for visitors is petty theft.

Is Curaçao safe at night?

Busy areas such as Punda, Pietermaai, Jan Thiel and Mambo Beach are generally safe in the evening. After dark, avoid isolated places and empty beaches.

Are there areas to avoid on Curaçao?

The government travel advice does not name areas to avoid. Use common sense: stay in well-lit, busy places at night and stay away from isolated spots.

Is it safe to leave things in a rental car on Curaçao?

Don’t leave valuables in sight in a rental car, not even for a short stop. Take them with you or leave them in the hotel safe.

What is the emergency number on Curaçao?

911 for police and fire, 912 for an ambulance and 913 for the coastguard.