17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on new entry requirements to the United States as of January 8, 2007, please see our Current Issues page.
ARUBA
Aruba (capital: Oranjestad) is a dependent territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with full control over its internal affairs. It is an island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela. While Dutch is the official language, English and Spanish are widely spoken. The most commonly used language is a local dialect known as Papiamentu, which has evolved from Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and African roots. The currency is the Aruba Guilder. U.S. dollars and Euros are widely accepted.
Petty crime can occur. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure. Avoid unpopulated areas or unpatrolled beaches after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are patrolled. Vehicle theft occurs frequently.
Major roads are in good condition, but road signs are rare. Wandering animals are a hazard. Turning right on red lights is prohibited. Public transportation is safe and inexpensive. Taxis do not have meters. Agree on a fare prior to departure. Purchase insurance when renting motorboats, jet skis, and vehicles. Ensure that you obtain detailed information, in writing, regarding personal liability. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Dual nationals may be subject to national obligations such as taxes. Those affected should inquire at a Dutch embassy or consulate regarding their status. Dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.
Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in this country before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve. You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:
Netherlands Antilles - CURAÇAO
Address: Maduro and Curiels Band, N.V., Plaza Jojo correa 2-4, Willemstad, Curaçao
Postal Address: P.O. Box 305, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Tel.: 599 (9) 466-1115 or 466-1121
Fax: 599 (9) 466-1122 or 466-1130
The Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, has consular responsibility for Aruba.
Venezuela - CARACAS, Embassy of Canada
Address: Avenida Francisco de Miranda con Avenida Sur Altamira, Altamira, Caracas
Postal Address: P.O. Box 62-302, Caracas 1060-A, Venezuela
Tel.: 58 (212) 600-3000
Fax: 58 (212) 263-4981
E-mail: crcas@international.ca
Internet: http://www.caracas.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Aruba. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from Aruba. Canadian citizens, however, are only required to be in possession of valid photo identification and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) when travelling to Aruba for one week or less. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.
Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
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BONAIRE
Bonaire (capital: Kralendijk) is a dependent territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands located in the Southern Caribbean Sea. While Dutch is the official language, English and Spanish are widely spoken. The most commonly used language is a local dialect known as Papiamentu, which has evolved from Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and African roots. The currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder (ANG). U.S. dollars, traveller's cheques, and credit cards are widely accepted.
Petty crime can occur. Ensure personal belongings, passports and travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid unpopulated areas or unpatrolled beaches after dark. Check with local authorities to find out which beaches are patrolled. Vehicle theft occurs frequently.
Public transportation is reliable and inexpensive. Taxis are expensive and do not have meters. Agree on a fare prior to departure. Vehicles tend to follow closely and have a tendency to drift over the centre line. Right turns at red lights are prohibited. Main roads are in good condition and well lit. Purchase insurance when renting motorboats or vehicles and ensure that you obtain detailed information, in writing, regarding personal liability. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Dual nationals may be subject to national obligations such as taxes. Those affected should inquire at a Dutch embassy or consulate regarding their status. Dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.
Persons violating Netherlands Antilles law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Gun control and penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. It is strictly prohibited to export pieces of coral or seashells.
Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in this country before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.
You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:
Curaçao - WILLEMSTAD (PUNDA), Consulate of Canada
Address: Banque Maduro et Curiel, N.V., Plaza Jojo Correa 2-4, Willemstad (Punda), Curaçao, Antilles néerlandaises
Postal Address: P.O. Box 305, Curaçao
Tel.: 599 (9) 466-1115 or 466-1121
Fax: 599 (9) 466-1122 or 466-1130
The Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, has consular responsibility for Bonaire.
Venezuela - CARACAS, Embassy of Canada
Address: Avenida Francisco de Miranda con Avenida Sur Altamira, Altamira, Caracas, Venezuela
Postal Address: P.O. Box 62-302, Caracas, Venezuela
Tel.: 58 (212) 600-300
Fax: 58 (212) 263-4981
E-mail: crcas@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.caracas.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Bonaire. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from Bonaire. Canadian citizens, however, are only required to be in possession of valid photo identification and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate) when travelling to Bonaire for one week or less. Travellers are required to carry evidence of a yellow fever vaccination if arriving from infected areas. An airport tax may be charged upon departure.
Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
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CURACAO
Curaçao (capital: Willemstad) is a dependent territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the Southern Caribbean sea. While Dutch is the official language, English and Spanish are widely spoken. The most commonly used language is a dialect known as Papiamentu, which has evolved from Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and African roots. The currency is the Netherlands Antilles guilder (ANG). U.S. dollars are widely accepted.
Petty crime can occur. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Avoid unpopulated areas or unpatrolled beaches after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe.
Vehicles tend to follow closely and have a tendency to drift over the centre line. Right turns at red lights are prohibited. Main roads are in good condition and well lit. Purchase insurance when renting motorboats or vehicles and ensure that you obtain detailed information, in writing, regarding personal liability.
Exercise caution when renting motorized vehicles and jet skis and arranging for insurance and liability coverage. Obtain detailed written information of your personal responsibilities before finalizing any rental arrangements. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Public transportation is reliable and inexpensive. Taxis are expensive and do not have meters. Agree on a fare prior to departure.
Dual nationals may be subject to national obligations such as taxes. Those affected should inquire at a Dutch embassy or consulate regarding their status. Dual nationality may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services.
Persons violating Netherlands Antilles law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Gun control and penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict.
It is strictly prohibited to export pieces of coral or seashells.
Travellers are allowed to purchase a maximum of $600 worth of duty-free merchandise based on the retail value. For further information, please contact the Embassy or the Consulates of the Royal Netherlands (see below).
Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Caribbean before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.
You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:
Netherlands Antilles - WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Maduro and Curiel's Bank, N.V., Plaza Jojo Correa 2-4, Willemstad (Punda), Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Postal Address: P.O. Box 305, Willemstad, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Tel.: 599 (9) 466-1115 or 466-1121
Fax: 599 (9) 466-1122 or 466-1130
The Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, has consular responsibility for Curaçao.
Venezuela - CARACAS, Embassy of Canada
Address: Avenida Francisco de Miranda con Avenida Sur Altamira, Altamira, Caracas, Venezuela
Postal Address: Caracas, Venezuela
Tel.: 58 (212) 600-3000
Fax: 58 (212) 263-4981
E-mail: crcas@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.caracas.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Caracas, Venezuela, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Curaçao. The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from Curaçao. Canadian citizens going to Curaçao for one week or less are only required to be in possession of valid photo identification and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate).
Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: RequiredA yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas. An airport tax may be charged upon departure.
Medical care is generally good. Hospitals offer several classes of service. Patients are accommodated according to the level of their insurance coverage. Several private clinics provide good to excellent medical service.
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SINT MAARTEN
Sint Maarten, a Dutch dependency, and Saint Martin, a French dependency, share one of the Windward Islands, located in the northeastern Caribbean. There are no customs checkpoints between the two dependencies. The capital of Sint Maarten is Philipsburg. Dutch is the official language of Sint Maarten, although English is widely spoken. The currency is the Netherlands Antilles Guilder (ANG).
Petty crime occurs. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. There have been some reports of armed robberies and tourists being chased by people on motorcycles. Avoid unpopulated areas and unpatrolled beaches after dark. Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe.
A valid Canadian driver's license is sufficient for driving in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Right-hand turns on red lights are prohibited. Particular care should be taken when renting vehicles, especially when arranging for insurance and liability. Ask questions and obtain detailed written information regarding your personal responsibilities before finalizing any rental arrangements. Taxis are plentiful and are a convenient way to get around during short stays. Juliana Airport, the international airport serving both sides of the island, is located in Sint Maarten.
Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and in the Caribbean before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.
You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:
Sint Maarten - DAWN BEACH, Consulate of Canada
Address: 11A Green Star Shell Road, Dawn Beach, Sint Maarten
Postal Address: Dawn Beach, Sint Maarten
Tel.: (599) 543-6261
After hours tel.: (599) 520-5202
Fax: (599) 543-6291
E-mail: canadacon@caribserve.net
The High Commission of Canada in Bridgetown, Barbados, has consular responsibility for Sint Maarten.
Barbados - BRIDGETOWN, High Comission of Canada
Address: Bishop's Court Hill, St. Michael, Bridgetown, Barbados
Postal Address: P.O. Box 404, Bridgetown, Barbados
Tel.: (246) 429-3550
Fax: (246) 437-7436
E-mail: bdgtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.bridgetown.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Consulate of Canada in Dawn Beach, Sint Maartin, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.
Most Canadians travelling to the island will arrive by plane on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten). A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Sint Maarten. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the date of your expected departure from Sint Maarten. If you are going to Sint Maarten for one week or less, Canadian citizens are only required to be in possession of valid photo identification and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate).
There are no customs checkpoints between the two dependencies. Visitors are free to travel from one territory to another without problems. A Canadian passport is also required for Canadians intending to arrive on the French side of the island (Saint Martin).
A departure tax of US$20 is charged for all international departures from Juliana Airport (Sint Maarten) and by sea. There are no departure taxes from Espérance Airport.Tourist
Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Required
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THE SCHENGEN AREA
The member states of the European Union (not including the United Kingdom and Ireland), plus Norway and Iceland, make up the Schengen area, which aims to abolish border controls between those countries and create a single external frontier. However, controls are still in place at the borders of the newer Schengen countries.
Canadians do not need visas for short-term visits to Schengen countries, but some member states require you to register with local authorities within three working days of your arrival. It is important to get your passport stamped when entering the Schengen area. The absence of an entry stamp from the initial Schengen port of entry could create difficulties during subsequent encounters with local police or other authorities.
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