Consulate General of the United States Curacao

Last updated: July 2012

Do I need a visa?

Under the Visa Waiver Program, Dutch citizens and nationals of 26 other countries can travel to the U.S for tourism or business for less than 90 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met.  If the purpose of travel is not tourism or business for less than 90 days, or the other requirements are not met, the traveler requires a visa.

What do I need to apply for a U.S. visa?

If your visit does not meet the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for a visa.

All applicants (excepting officials and diplomats) must provide the following:

• Application Form DS-160 (online edition only): This form must be completed by all applicants for all visa types.  Failure to answer all questions accurately on this form could result in significant delays.  Parents or legal guardians of children under 14 years old should sign this form on their behalf.  After filling out the DS-160 online, please print out the confirmation page ONLY and bring it with you on the day of the interview. Handwritten forms will not be accepted. Form DS-160 is available here.
• A color photo:  The photo must be less than six months old, 5 X 5 cm, against a white background, and show you facing the camera directly.  Photo requirements.
• A valid passport or travel document: If you have held previous passports please bring them on the day of the interview.
• Fee: The application fee varies depending on the visa type. Fee information. 
• Non-Curacao residents: Clients are required to EITHER submit a pre-paid airway bill or account number from a courier service for the delivery OR to authorize someone to pick up the item on behalf of the holder/owner.  To authorize an individual other than the holder/owner of the item to pick it up, the individual must present the receipt for the service OR a letter signed by the holder/owner specifying the name of the individual retrieving the item.
• Other fees: Additional issuance fees may apply, depending upon the applicant's citizenship.  Generally, Dutch passport holders do not need to pay additional issuance fees.  Fee information.
• Additional documents: Additional documents may be required, depending on the applicant's visa category and personal circumstances. Please refer to specific visa documentary requirements on the U.S. State Department travel website.

How do I schedule an appointment?

Most applicants must appear in person for an interview.  Children under 14 years of age and applicants for diplomatic visas may not need to appear in person.  The appearance of an applicant in the previous categories is at the discretion of the interviewing officer.

Anyone in the Dutch Caribbean (Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius) applying for the types of nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) offered by the Consulate General in Curacao must first make an appointment by accessing the operator-based or online Visa Information Service. 

Calling for an appointment:  To use the operator-based service, you must purchase a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for $19 dollars, using a Mastercard or Visa credit card.  The PIN will allow you to obtain visa and documentation information and to schedule nonimmigrant visa (NIV) appointments for up to five family members residing at the same address.

Using the online service:  Service online is also available to provide timely and accurate information to the public.  The online service is available at the U.S. visa self service website.  The fee for the online service is $10.00 USD, paid via the website using either Visa or MasterCard. After paying the fee, users receive a transaction number which permits applicants to access the site using their passport number, date of birth and nationality.

For more information please consult the NIV Call Center FAQ.  To schedule your appointment call 001-602-567-9833 or online at the U.S. visa self service website (charges apply).  If you have an appointment from the call center, you do not need to confirm it with the Consulate.  Please arrive the day of the appointment 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time.

Still have questions about NIVs?

• Please refer to our Non-Immigrant Visas Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Direct all inquiries to the Visa Information Service used to schedule appointments (charges apply) at 001-602-567-9833 or at the U.S. visa self service website. 
• Feel free to contact the U.S. Consulate Curacao by email at NIVCuracao@state.gov.

Please Note: No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance.  The U.S. Consulate General accepts no responsibility for travel plans nor will we expedite processing for fixed travel dates.  Therefore, we recommend that final travel plans or the purchase of nonrefundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued.  Please apply well in advance of your travel date.