WILLEMSTAD - Passengers departing from Curaçao International Airport will pay a slightly higher Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) fee next year. The fee will increase by five cents to $2.79 starting January 1, 2026, the airport operator announced.

The APIS fee, which is included in airline ticket prices, is collected to support border control systems. Airlines are required to submit passenger information — including name, date of birth, and passport number — to the authorities of the destination country before departure. This allows immigration officials to verify passengers’ identities before the aircraft lands.

Fee Increase Tied to Inflation

The 1.7 percent increase follows the change in Curaçao’s household consumption index between August 2024 and August 2025. The adjustment ensures that the APIS fee keeps pace with inflation and operational costs.

Revenue Earmarked for E-Gate Expansion

Additional revenue from the fee will fund the expansion of automated border control gates (E-Gates) at Curaçao International Airport. The upgrade project covers new equipment purchases, maintenance, and software integration to improve processing efficiency and reduce wait times for travelers.

The collected funds are transferred by the airport operator to Curaçao Airport Holding, which oversees infrastructure improvements. According to officials, the adjustment will not affect the national budget.

When Does the New Fee Apply?

Passengers who book and pay for flights before January 1 for travel within the following three months will still be charged the current 2025 rate. The new $2.79 APIS fee will apply to all other departures throughout 2026.

The amount can also be paid in Caribbean guilders (NAf.) at the applicable exchange rate.

Airport officials say the modest increase will help sustain investments in border technology, keeping Curaçao’s airport among the most efficient and secure in the region.