WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao has formally requested the Netherlands to lift the visa requirement for citizens of the Dominican Republic, emphasizing that such a move could enhance tourism, trade, and investments between the two nations. Minister of Economic Development Roderick Middelhof (MFK) presented the proposal to Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Tom Berendsen during a recent meeting in The Hague.
This initiative has been under discussion since December 2022, although a final decision has yet to be reached by the Netherlands. The Curaçao government argues that removing the visa requirement would facilitate greater access for Dominican travelers and unlock potential economic opportunities, particularly in tourism, logistics, and transportation.
Middelhof highlighted that the Dominican Republic boasts a substantial economy valued at approximately $127 billion, making it a key player in the Caribbean region. Strengthened economic ties could enable local Curaçaoan businesses to explore new markets, form commercial partnerships, and import goods at competitive prices.
Potential Economic Benefits of Tourism
The proposal is grounded in the anticipation of increased tourism. The Curaçao government believes that easing visa restrictions could attract more Dominican tourists, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transportation, and other industries within the tourism sector. Previous studies conducted by the Curaçao Tourist Board indicated that visa-free travel might lead to an additional 80,000 visitors annually from the Dominican Republic, although this projection remains unconfirmed.
Middelhof pointed to the experience with Colombia, where visa liberalization in 2014 fostered significant tourism growth. Following the removal of visa requirements, Colombia became one of Curaçao’s leading tourism markets. He suggests similar potential exists with the Dominican Republic, contingent on factors such as travel demand and airline connectivity.
While the Curaçao government actively supports the elimination of the visa requirement, it cannot implement changes independently. Visa policy is managed at the Kingdom level, with the responsibility for such decisions resting with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Considerations extend beyond economic factors to include border security, immigration controls, and the capacity of immigration authorities.
Middelhof is collaborating with Aruba and Sint Maarten on this issue. Both nations have expressed support for further discussions on visa policy modification. The proposal is expected to be revisited during an upcoming Kingdom Summit involving the prime ministers of the four countries in the Kingdom.
For now, Dominican travelers must continue to adhere to existing visa requirements while waiting for a definitive decision from the Netherlands on this proposal.
