Q&A travelers

No requirements apply to passengers traveling to Bonaire from the following countries:
Australia, China, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Thailand, and South Korea.

The following requirements apply to passengers from countries that have not been mentioned above:
If you are 13 years or older you may only travel to Bonaire with a negative coronavirus test.

The results of the following tests are accepted on Bonaire:

1. A negative PCR or NAAT-test result, from a test taken within 24 hours before departure¹⁾.
or
2. A negative PCR-test result, from a test taken within 72 hours before arrival, and a negative Antigen-test result, from a test taken within 24 hours before departure¹⁾.

NAAT is a collective name for tests, which include the following tests: mPOCT, NAAT, PCR or RT PCR, LAMP and TMA.

¹⁾ The number of hours is calculated from the country of departure (or from a stop-over location en route) to Bonaire.

As of 15 May 2021 onwards, travelers from Curacao, Aruba and Sint-Maarten don’t need to undergo an Antigen-test for their trip to Bonaire.

*The negative results of the tests must be known before departure otherwise you will not be permitted to fly. The airline representative will ask you about your test result. Should you arrive on Bonaire without the required negative test result, you will immediately have to go into quarantine for ten days at your own expense and at a location designated for that purpose by the Governor.

*Latin America, Suriname, India and South Africa:
From 8 April onwards an additional requirement will apply to travelers from Latin America, Suriname, India and South Africa. Upon arrival on Bonaire they will have to go into quarantine for ten days at a designated location at their own expense. On Bonaire there is one location designated for this purpose: Buddy Dive Resort. For reservation: mail your details, day of arrival and the number of people to publichealth@bonairegov.com

* On day 5 of the quarantine you can do a PCR test at your own expense (note: the day of arrival is day 0). The test result is sent to the Public Health Department. If negative, they will inform the designated location that you may be released from quarantine. If positive, they will contact you directly.

* The extra measures also apply to passengers who have been in one of the above mentioned countries within 14 days before their arrival on Bonaire.

*The additional requirement for travelers from Latin America applies to the following countries:
Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French-Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

* If you want to know which countries in the world are, or are not, classified as high-risk countries, please visit the website: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/travel-and-vacation/entry-transit-netherlands-and-the-eu-entryban/safe-countries

* All travelers to Bonaire, 0 years and older, must submit a completed health declaration form to the Public Health Department no earlier than 72 hours or later than 48 hours before departure. This may be done at: www.bonairepublichealth.org
The printed health declaration and the coronavirus-test result must be presented at check-in, boarding and arrival on Bonaire.

* At the time of departure for Bonaire, travelers must be free of any COVID-19 related symptoms such as: a runny nose, a sore throat, a cough, sneezing, shortness of breath, loss of smell and taste, elevated temperature or fever. Additionally, travelers must not have been in direct contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient in the last 14 days before their trip.
* There are several locations in the Netherlands where coronavirus tests may be taken. All test locations outside the Netherlands where you may undergo a coronavirus test may be found on this website: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/documents/frequently-asked-questions/where-can-i-get-a-pcr-or-rapid-test-outside-the-netherlands

* Bonaire advises travelers to make sure that their health insurance will cover the costs of medical care during their stay on the island, including care related to COVID-19.
Dutch travelers may find the most up-to-date situation and travel information at: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/travel/traveladvice-carribean-part-of-the-kingdom

If you are traveling from these countries to Bonaire from 8 April, 2021, onwards and you are 13 years or older, then additional requirements apply.
There is a flight ban in place for direct flights to Bonaire from the countries mentioned above. In these countries there is a heightened risk of occurrence of the (for instance) Brazilian coronavirus variant. This is the reason why Bonaire is taking extra measures.

Please note: the extra measures also apply if you are traveling to Bonaire from these countries and transit elsewhere. The extra measures also apply to passengers who have been in one of the above mentioned countries within 14 days before their arrival on Bonaire.

For your trip to Bonaire you must have:

1. A negative PCR or NAAT-test result, from a test taken within 24 hours before departure¹⁾.
or
2. A negative PCR-test result, from a test taken within 72 hours before departure, and a negative Antigen-test result, from a test taken within 24 hours before departure¹⁾.

NAAT is a collective name for tests, which include the following tests: mPOCT, NAAT, PCR or RT PCR, LAMP and TMA.

¹⁾ The number of hours is calculated from the departure country (or from a stop-over location en route) to Bonaire.

* Furthermore, upon arrival on Bonaire you will have to go into quarantine for ten days at a designated location at your own expense. On Bonaire there is one location designated for this purpose: Buddy Dive Resort. For reservation: mail your details, day of arrival and the number of people to publichealth@bonairegov.com

* On day 5 of the quarantine you can do a PCR test at your own expense (note: the day of arrival is day 0). The test result is sent to the Public Health Department. If negative, they will inform the designated location that you may be released from quarantine. If positive, they will contact you directly.

Additionally, all travelers must complete a health declaration form online for the Public Health Department no earlier than 72 hours or later than 48 hours before departure. You may download this declaration at: www.bonairepublichealth.org On this form you must declare exactly when you were in one of the aforementioned countries in the previous 14 days before arrival on Bonaire.

There is currently a ban on flights from the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, French-Guiana, Guyana, India, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela and South-Africa.

Passengers from all other countries in the world may now travel to Bonaire. Direct flights between Bonaire and the United States and Canada, for example, are possible again.

For more information about requirements to travel to Bonaire see Q&A: What are the requirements to follow when traveling to Bonaire.

Yes. For your trip to Bonaire you still need a negative corona test result in order to be able to travel.

A vaccination ensures that you will not become seriously ill if you get infected with the coronavirus. It is not known yet whether someone who has been vaccinated can still spread the virus. That is why it has been decided to err on the side of caution and so -for the time being- the same requirements will apply to both vaccinated travelers and people who have not been vaccinated.

To read all the relevant requirements, please see the Q&A about the requirements for travel to Bonaire, also on this page.

So far there is insufficient evidence to suggest that people who have been vaccinated cannot transmit the virus to others. This is the reason why people on Bonaire who have been vaccinated must adhere to the same (quarantine) rules as people who have not been vaccinated.

Yes, you may.
Until recently, all travelers aged 13 years and older coming from a high-risk area, were required to present the negative results of a PCR test and an antigen test upon arrival on Bonaire. From 3 March onwards it is sufficient to present only one negative test result from a NAAT test, which must have been taken within 24 hours before departure
* From now on, all travelers aged 13 years and older may take a single NAAT test instead of the PCR and antigen tests, which were required previously.
* The NAAT test must have been taken within 24 hours before departure for Bonaire.
* NAAT is a collective name for the following tests: mPOCT, NAAT, PCR of RT PCR, LAMP en TMA.

* Please also review the other measures for travel to Bonaire in the Q&A: “What are the requirements to follow when traveling to Bonaire”.

An antigen test is a rapid test, which detects the presence of viral proteins in the mucus in the nose and throat.

Travelers to Bonaire, 13 years and older, from high-risk countries, such as: Latin America, the United States, Canada and Dominican Republic must undergo also the antigen test/quicktest . From 10 February 2021 this will also apply to the Netherlands.
*Travelers must undergo an antigen test within 24 hours before departure to Bonaire. At their place of departure or at their stopover.

* From March 3rd onwards, all travelers aged 13 years and older may take a single NAAT test instead of the PCR and antigen tests, which were required previously.
* The NAAT test must have been taken within 24 hours before departure for Bonaire.
* NAAT is a collective name for the following tests: mPOCT, NAAT, PCR of RT PCR, LAMP en TMA.

* There are several locations in the Netherlands where this rapid test may be taken. For other countries check https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/documents/frequently-asked-questions/where-can-i-get-a-pcr-or-rapid-test-outside-the-netherlands

* For further information about the entry requirements please refer to the Q&A “What are the requirements that need to be followed when traveling to Bonaire”.

You can complete the form online at https://bonairepublichealth.org/en/form
Please do this no earlier than 72 hours or later than 48 hours before departure to Bonaire. Upon completion you will receive an email with the form that you have completed and a welcome letter. This letter contains relevant COVID-19 related information for Bonaire. If deemed necessary, the Public Health Department of Bonaire will contact you prior to your departure. The health declaration is needed for all travelers 0 years and older.

You will need to print your form and have it with you. When you check in you must present the health declaration form and upon arrival on Bonaire you must show it to a Public Health Department representative.
You may also keep a copy of the declaration on your mobile phone, tablet or computer, but the Public Health department prefers a printed version.

If you want to know which countries are not among the high-risk countries, please visit the website: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/coronavirus-covid-19/reizen-en-vakantie/inreizen-doorreizen-nederland-en-het-eu-inreisverbod/veilige-landen
* If you are traveling to Bonaire from a high-risk country, you must also undergo an antigen test in addition to a PCR test. Or, alternatively, you may take a (single) NAAT test.
*For measures that apply to your trip to Bonaire please refer to the Q&A: “What are the requirements to follow when traveling to Bonaire”.

The time between the moment the PCR test is taken and the moment of arrival on Bonaire may not exceed 72 hours. The time difference has no influence on this.
For example: Your arrival on Bonaire is scheduled for Saturday 4 p.m. Bonaire local time. In the Netherlands this will be 6 hours later, i.e. Saturday 10 p.m. This time is the one you use to calculate how long the PCR test is valid for. As the test may not have been taken more than 72 hours prior to this time, it cannot be taken prior to 10 p.m. on the previous Wednesday.

Non-essential travel from the European Netherlands to the Caribbean Netherlands is not recommended. However, if a traveler does come to Bonaire, they must have taken a corona test and the result must be negative.

For the current requirements regarding travel to Bonaire please read the Q&A “What are the requirements that need to be followed when traveling to Bonaire?”

Since the requirement of testing was introduced, that percentage has been almost 100%. This means that almost all passengers arriving here from the Netherlands have been tested. It is very rare that someone does not get tested or is able to enter with a wrong test and then just accepts the requirement to go into quarantine. Practically everyone undergoes a test. Needless to say, people who test positive are not permitted to fly.

The Public Health Department employees who perform test checks at the airport are well aware of what the various laboratories’ results look like. However, it can always happen that a good forgery is overlooked. This cannot be a 100% prevented. Falsifying documents, including corona test results, is a criminal offense. If someone submits a falsified test result, a report of this will be filed with the police. We hope that travelers appreciate that their behavior will not only affect their own health but also the health of the tourists and residents of Bonaire.

As long as you remain on board, the regulations of your final destination apply. In case you are requested to leave the plane and wait in the transit hall, the regulations of that airport need to be followed (for Bonaire see protocol Flamingo International Airport). Should you, due to unforeseen circumstances, need to stay on Bonaire, the regulations for travelers from non-safe countries apply. The general hygiene measures of the airline need to followed during the flight.

If someone does not comply with quarantine, the Governor may invoke Article 35 of the Public Health Act. The Governor then imposes a “quarantine measure”. This is a decree, stating where this person should be quarantined and to which rules they must adhere. Such a measure means that this person is detained in the designated place. A Judge will verify whether there are good reasons to take this measure.

Yes, you may travel to Bonaire by boat from or via Curacao. The same rules apply to you as to travelers who come to Bonaire by air.
You will find this information in Q&A: From which countries are passenger flights to Bonaire currently allowed?
You must also ask the Bonaire Harbor Master for permission to enter the harbor.
In order to do this you will need the following documents:

1) Reservation at the Bonaire Marina
2) MDH (Maritime Declaration of Health), you will receive this from the marina office after you have made a reservation
3) Health declaration form from the Public Health Department Bonaire to submit no earlier than 72 hours or later than 48 hours before departure. You may download this form at: https://bonairepublichealth.org/en/form
4) All travelers 13 years or older may only travel to Bonaire with a negative coronavirus test The results of the following tests are accepted on Bonaire:
1. A negative PCR or NAAT-test result, from a test taken within 24 hours before departure¹⁾.
or
2. A negative PCR-test result, from a test taken within 72 hours before arrival, and a negative Antigen-test result, from a test taken within 24 hours before departure¹⁾.

NAAT is a collective name for tests, which include the following tests: mPOCT, NAAT, PCR or RT PCR, LAMP and TMA.

If you cannot comply with this, you will not be admitted to Bonaire and you will have to return.

No, you there is no standard test procedure at the airport on Bonaire. Should the Public Health Department deem it necessary for you to be tested  upon arrival, they will decide where the test will be performed.

A orange travel advisory for Bonaire means that non-essential travel from the European Netherlands to the Caribbean Netherlands is not recommended.
The Netherlands provides travel advice for its residents. Four designations (Green, Yellow, Orange and Red) indicate different levels of safety for a country or area. This travel advisory is not mandatory. It remains the responsibility of each individual traveler to decide whether or not to embark on a trip.

Should you want to know what the various travel advisories / color codes mean, please look at:
https://www.thenetherlandsworldwide.nl/documents/questions-and-answers/what-do-the-travel-advisories-color-codes-mean

A bubble is a defined area within which it is safe to travel. You can safely travel back and forth between the BES islands.
Travelers from Saba or Sint Eustatius who travel to Bonaire can do so via Curacao, where they can remain in transit prior to an onward flight to Bonaire.

Travelers from Saba and Sint Eustatius do not have to undergo a PCR test, an antigen test or a NAAT test before they enter Bonaire. However, travelers from Saba and Sint Eustatius must complete a health declaration form online. This declaration has to be completed no earlier than 72 hours or later than 48 hours before departure to Bonaire and it may be downloaded at:
https://www.bonairepublichealth.org
Up-to-date requirements for traveling to Sint Eustatius may be found at: https://www.statiagovernment.com/key-topics/covid-19/travel-policy
Travelers who want to travel on to Saba from Sint Eustatius may find the current requirements as set by the island of Saba at: http://www.sabatourism.com/entry-saba
Travelers are strongly advised to obtain relevant information from their travel insurance company about the coverage for their trip to Sint Eustatius/Saba.

Yes, they are. As of 20 March, 2021, travelers, 13 years and older, from Bonaire to the Netherlands must be able to present a negative coronavirus-test result on departure.
As of 18 March, 2021, travelers from Bonaire, 13 years and older, are strongly requested to go into (home) quarantine upon arrival in the Netherlands for 10 days. On day 5 of the quarantine you may undergo a test at the Public Health Department. Note: the day of arrival is day 0. lf the test result is negative your quarantine may be ended. For further information visit: https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/landen/bonaire/reizen/reisadvies#anker-coronavirus

Required coronavirus tests for travelers from Bonaire to the Netherlands:
1. A negative NAAT-test result.
or
2. A negative PCR-test result and a negative Antigen-test result.

1. The NAAT test must have been taken within 24 hours before departure to the Netherlands.
(NAAT is a collective name for tests, which include the following tests: mPOCT, NAAT, PCR or RT PCR, LAMP and TMA)

2. The PCR test must have been taken within 72 hours before arrival in the Netherlands.
The Antigen test (rapid test) must have been taken within 24 hours before departure to the Netherlands.

Companies on Bonaire, which conduct coronavirus tests for travelers are:

• BonBida  http://www.bonbida.com/covid-19-pcr-testing-on-bonaire
• Hestia (working with BonLab) www.bonairesafetravel.org
• BonLab  www.bonairelab.org/
• Covid Test Bonaire (only antigen test) https://coronatestbonaire.com/

The Public Health Department will only test you if you have symptoms.

People may travel to the Netherlands and to other countries from Bonaire. But it is good to realize that you are traveling to an area with a lot of infections too. The Public Health Department, therefore, strongly advises everyone to adhere to the rules of the country they are traveling to.

 

Yes, you do. For the time being the same requirements apply to people who have been vaccinated as to those who have not been vaccinated. The reason for this is that it is not yet known whether someone who has been vaccinated can still spread the coronavirus.

If you need a test result in order to be able to travel abroad, you may obtain one from a number of commercial parties on Bonaire:

• BonBida  http://www.bonbida.com/covid-19-pcr-testing-on-bonaire
• Hestia (working with BonLab) www.bonairesafetravel.org
• BonLab  www.bonairelab.org/
• Covid Test Bonaire (only antigen test) https://coronatestbonaire.com/

The Public Health Department will only test you if you have symptoms.

From Bonaire you may travel to the Netherlands and other countries. But do realize that you may be traveling to an area with a lot of infections. Especially if you are staying in regions where there are a lot of infected people, such as the large cities in the west of the Netherlands. Furthermore, in other areas and countries the chance of infection may be greater than on Bonaire. Therefore, the Public Health Department strongly advises travelers to adhere to the rules of the country you are traveling to. After all, you don’t want to get sick during your trip or have to be in isolation because you get infected. Nor would you want to bring the virus back to Bonaire. So please adhere to all national and regional measures and advisories.

No. From 8 March, 2021 onwards this is no longer possible.

Due to the infections it is advisable for travelers from Bonaire to only travel to Curacao if essential.

You may travel to Curacao.
* Please note that as of March 23rd, 2021 travelers from Bonaire, 7 years and older, must undergo a PCR test when they travel to Curacao. The result of this test must be negative. The test must have been taken within 72 hours before departure.
* As of April 20th, 2021 travelers of 7 years and older, are required to take an antigen test three days after arrival in Curacao. Each passenger must arrange an appointment for the antigen test at least 48 hours before departure to Curacao.
* You may find exceptions and additional information about the entry requirements for Curacao at: https://gobiernu.cw/nl/corona-travel-to-Curacao/

* For the return trip to Bonaire, all travelers of 13 years and older, must possess a negative coronavirus test.
The results of the following tests are accepted on Bonaire:

1. A negative PCR or NAAT-test result, from a test taken within 24 hours before departure or
2. A negative PCR-test result, from a test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

As of 15 May 2021 onwards, travelers from Curacao don’t need to undergo an Antigen-test for their trip to Bonaire.

NAAT is a collective name for tests, which include the following tests: mPOCT, NAAT, PCR or RT PCR, LAMP and TMA.

* You must also complete a health declaration form on the Bonaire Public Health Department website.

* For more information see Q&A “What are the requirements that need to be followed when traveling to Bonaire?”

* Travel presents risks and you should understand that you are traveling to an area with cases of infection. The Public Health Department, therefore, strongly advises you to adhere to the local rules.

Due to the infections it is advisable for travelers from Bonaire to only travel to Aruba if essential.

* You may travel to Aruba. Please note that as of 5 January, 2021 travelers from Bonaire must undergo a PCR test when they travel to Aruba. The result of this test must be negative. The test must have been taken within 72 hours before departure. Travelers may also have themselves tested upon arrival at the airport of Aruba. For more information about the travel requirements for Aruba see: https://www.aruba.com/nl/safe-travels-to-aruba

* For the return trip to Bonaire, all travelers of 13 years and older, must possess a negative coronavirus test.
The results of the following tests are accepted on Bonaire:
1. A negative PCR or NAAT-test result, from a test taken within 24 hours before departure.
or
2. A negative PCR-test result, from a test taken within 72 hours before arrival.

As of 15 May 2021 onwards, travelers from Aruba don’t need to undergo an Antigen-test for their trip to Bonaire.

NAAT is a collective name for tests, which include the following tests: mPOCT, NAAT, PCR or RT PCR, LAMP and TMA.

 

* You must also complete a health declaration form on the Bonaire Public Health Department website.

* For more information see Q&A “What are the requirements that need to be followed when traveling to Bonaire?”

* Travel presents risks and you should understand that you are traveling to an area with cases of infection. The Public Health Department, therefore, strongly advises you to adhere to the local rules.

No, it is not valid even if you return to Bonaire within 72 hours. When traveling to Bonaire, you must provide a PCR test result from outside the island.

To read all the relevant requirements, please see the Q&A about the requirements for travel to Bonaire, also on this page.

No. From April, 2021 onwards this is no longer possible.