Emergency & Healthcare in Curacao

Medical & Health

Healthcare in Curacao is well-organized, with the Curacao Medical Center providing full hospital services and several private clinics available for tourists. Many healthcare professionals speak English and Dutch, making communication easy for visitors.

Vaccination requirements

There are currently no specific vaccination requirements for visiting Curacao. Still, it is recommended to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (Influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
• Polio
• Shingles

Depending on your age, health status, or region of travel, you may also consider Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, or Yellow Fever. For personalized recommendations, consult your healthcare provider or travel clinic before your trip.

How to best avoid mosquito bites

Curacao is located in a warm Caribbean climate where mosquitoes are naturally present, especially during the rainy season. While mosquito-borne illnesses can occur in the region, taking a few simple precautions greatly reduces your chances of being bitten. Consider:

• Using mosquito repellent, which is widely available in Curacao. Tip: purchase repellent prior to your travels.
• Wearing light, breathable long sleeves or pants in the evening.
• Sleeping in air-conditioned rooms or using screened windows.

• Try Curacao’s locally made Aloe Vera products, known for their natural healing and protective benefits. They offer:
  • after-sun soothing
  • skin hydration
  • relief from mosquito-bite itching
  • gentle, natural skincare
  • a locally produced Aloe Vera mosquito-repellent spray, made specifically to help protect against mosquitoes in Curacao’s climate.

You can find these aloe products at supermarkets, botikas, and at the Aloe Vera Farm.
Join also their ‘Craft Your Own After-Sun Aloe Spray Workshop’. See more information.

Medical attention & healthcare services

If you need medical attention during your trip, you have several options:

• Curacao Medical Center (CMC): The island’s main hospital, open 24/7 for emergencies.
• Private clinics: Several clinics offer services tailored to tourists, including consultations, house calls, and tele-medicine options.
• Hotel assistance: Most hotels and resorts can help arrange medical care or connect you with nearby services.
• After-hours doctor service: Outside regular hours, an on-call general practitioner service (huisartsenpost) is available for non-life-threatening situations.

Pharmacies (Botikas)

Pharmacies in Curacao are known locally as botikas. They are well-stocked and easy to find across the island. Many offer a rotating after-hours service so visitors can always access essential medications.

BENU Pharmacy

Benu Pharmacy operates three convenient locations:

Dominguito - Caracasbaaiweg 164 | +5999 461-7988
Otrobanda - Pater Euwensweg 46 | +5999 462-5633
Palu Blanku - Frater Radulphusweg 1 | +5999 735-2999

Opening hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 8:00AM– 7:00PM
• Sunday: Closed

View more information on BENU Pharmacy

Botika di Servicio

• Located throughout the island
• Regular hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00AM– 7:00PM
• Closed on Sundays
• Some locations operate night shifts on a rotation schedule

Hotel staff can help you find the nearest pharmacy or the one currently open after hours.

Emergency numbers

In case of emergency while in Curacao, use the following numbers:

• Police & Fire Department: 911
• Ambulance: 912
• Coast Guard: 913
• Tourism Police: 917
• ForenSys (car accident): 9233
• Huisartsenpost (after-hours urgent care): +5999 462-9252

For life-threatening situations, emergency care is available 24/7 at the Curacao Medical Center.

Is it safe to drink tap water?

Curacao’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink. Produced through seawater desalination since 1928, it is clean, fresh, and reliable straight from the tap.