THE HAGUE – The Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Curaçao and Aruba, will not be included for now in Europe’s new digital border control system, despite major changes taking place at European entry points.
In Europe, traditional passport stamps are being phased out and replaced by the Entry/Exit System (EES), a centralized database that digitally records the movements of non-EU travelers. The system also collects biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans and applies across the Schengen Area.
However, the EES does not extend to the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, meaning the islands will continue to operate separate systems tailored to local needs.
Curaçao has already introduced several digital solutions in recent years. Travelers entering the island are required to complete a digital immigration card, known as the DI Card, which replaces the traditional paper form and allows authorities to process information in advance to speed up arrival procedures.
In addition, the island is experimenting with biometric border processing through the Curaçao Express Pass. This system allows travelers to upload passport and biometric data before arrival, enabling them to pass through automated gates using facial recognition technology.
Authorities say these measures are designed to improve passenger flow and reduce waiting times at the airport.
Elsewhere in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, the situation differs. On Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, border control remains largely traditional and is overseen by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, without a fully integrated digital system comparable to the EES.
The result is a fragmented approach within the Kingdom, with Europe moving toward centralized data sharing and digital tracking, while the Caribbean islands develop independent systems adapted to their scale and tourism-driven economies.
For travelers, this means a different experience depending on their destination. Those passing through Schiphol Airport will encounter biometric registration and digital tracking within the Schengen system, while passengers flying directly to Curaçao or Aruba will go through locally managed digital processes.
The divergence highlights how border management within the Kingdom continues to evolve along separate regional lines, reflecting differing legal frameworks and operational priorities.