WILLEMSTAD - It is difficult for tourists from Venezuela to visit the ABC islands by plane. The requirements to visit the islands are very high, says the tourism organization CHATA (Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association).
The island demands that Venezuelans bring enough dollars in cash, the purchase price of which is very high in Venezuela. Due to the restrictions in the country, the currency can only be obtained illegally, which poses an additional risk for the traveler. Therefore, it becomes almost impossible to get the necessary amount of cash.
Per day, someone is required to bring 150 dollars, 35,5533,500 bolivars. When it comes to a family visit, 100 dollars must be brought for each day. In addition, Venezuelans older than 11 years who want to visit Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao are required to apply for a visa. Such a visa costs 80 dollars, the equivalent of 19,4951,200 bolivars. Venezuelans can only pay at the embassy with a credit card.
Tourists must be able to prove that they have a job by means of an employer's statement. It must state for which company someone works, how much this person earns, and whether they have permission to leave the country. In addition, travelers are obliged to take out travel insurance for the entire period on the island.
“It is therefore expected that few passengers on commercial flights from Venezuela will travel to the islands for the time being,” said CHATA.