The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its visa regulations for tourists hoping to go to the Caribbean regions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2025. The Caribbean has long been a popular destination for travellers. Here is your go-to guide for obtaining a Caribbean tourist visa in accordance with the most recent rules if you’re organising your next trip to Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, or the BES islands.
What’s New for 2025?
Stricter documentation checks, a more comprehensive review of personal and travel-related records, and more explicit submission requirements for minors are the main features of the 2025 revisions. The goal of the new regulations is to improve the integrity of tourist entry while expediting the application process.
Required Documents for a Caribbean Tourism Visa
The following is a comprehensive list of the paperwork you need to have ready and send in with your visa application:
| Category | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Identification & Legal Status | Application Form | Completed, signed, printed, and submitted with documents. |
| Passport | Issued within last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond stay, at least 2 blank visa pages, signed. | |
| Photo | 3.5 x 4.5 cm color photo with a plain light background that was taken during the last six months. When applying through an outside service, a digital photo is taken. | |
| Legal Residence Proof | Proof of Legal Residence | Original plus color copies of your passport, travel document, and valid work or residency permit (three months or more after your trip). |
| Out-of-country Application | must give an explanation for not applying from their home country. | |
| Proof of Social or Economic Ties | Employed | Employer’s letter (role, salary, contract) + last 3 months’ payslips or bank statements. |
| Self-employed | Business registration or tax return + 3 months’ bank statements. | |
| Student | certificate of enrollment with the name and length of the program. | |
| Others | Proof of home ownership, caregiver documentation, or children’s attendance in school. | |
| Travel & Stay Arrangements | Proof of Accommodation | A Caribbean hotel reservation, a lease, or evidence of property ownership. |
| Travel Reservation | Plan your itinerary or make a round-trip reservation. No ticket payment is necessary. | |
| Travel Medical Insurance | All Caribbean regions of the Kingdom must be covered; medical, emergency, and repatriation coverage must total at least $15,000. | |
| Proof of Financial Means | If self-funded: three recent pay stubs (if you have a job) and three months’ worth of bank statements. |
Additional Requirements for Minors (Under 18)
Required Documents:
- Recent Birth Certificate (Extract)
- Must be official and show the names of both parents.
- Parental/Guardian Consent Form
- Signed by the non-travelling parent(s)/guardian(s).
- Should confirm consent for the child to travel and be visa-supported.
- Copy of Travel Documents of Non-Travelling Parents/Guardians
- Clear photocopies of their passports or national ID cards.
Other Conditions (if applicable):
- Copy of Valid Caribbean Visa and Passport of the Accompanying Parent
- Provide a copy of the parent’s current passport and visa if the youngster is travelling with just one parent.
- Death Certificate
- Provide a certified copy of the death certificate if one of the parents has passed away.
- Guardianship Proof
- Provide proper documentation (such as court records) proving that the child has been officially appointed a guardian.
- Court Travel Permission
- A copy of the court’s written consent is needed if the child’s trip is governed by a court order.
Application Process Highlights
In-Person Submission Required
- Every applicant—including young children—must apply for a visa in person at the appropriate embassy or consulate.
Declaration at Appointment
- The applicant must sign a declaration confirming:
- The application contains all necessary documentation.
- They are aware that applications that are not comprehensive may be denied.
- They understand that the Ministry can ask for more information or interviews.
Start the Application Process Online
- Go to the official Dutch government website:
https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/caribbean-visa/checklist/tourism - Select your country of residence to view:
- Country-specific requirements
- Checklists
- The correct process for booking an appointment
Conclusion:
In 2025, the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ Caribbean islands will still be a popular travel destination, but with stricter rules governing tourist visas designed to preserve the integrity of tourism and improve security. For a seamless application, it is essential to comprehend the most recent regulations, particularly those pertaining to minors and financial verification. Make sure you get your paperwork ready, show up for your visa appointment, and start the application procedure on the official Dutch visa website. Your stress-free Caribbean vacation is waiting for you if you prepare properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Caribbean destinations require this visa?
The visa applies to Dutch Caribbean territories including Aruba, Curaçao, St Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (BES islands).
Is it mandatory to apply in person?
Yes, every applicant—including minors—must attend an in-person appointment at a Dutch embassy or consulate.
