Last updated: 14 Nov 2023

Netherlands Antilles

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Airlines

About

The Netherlands Antilles are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the islands within were granted full internal-affairs autonomy in 1954, however, the Netherlands is still responsible for their defence. (They are Aruba, Bonaire, Curaςao, St Maarten, Saba and St Eustatius).

Bonaire is a prime example of nature at it’s loveliest – it literally translates as 'good air'. On parts of the island, giant salt lakes loom on the horizon. Beneath the water's surface, rainbow-hued fish drift in between coral.

Bonaire has many festivals to choose from. The most popular are the colourful Carnival and its firework finale of the Burning of King Momo, the Simadan (Harvest) Festival in Rincón with its songs and dances, and Rincón Day, celebrating the traditions and culture of Bonaire in the island's oldest village

Curacao - While elsewhere, the island's rolling desert plains hide a myriad of scenic gems, from hidden rocky coves trimmed by massive cliffs, to long sandy beaches flanked by clear blue-green water. Leafy nature trails offer quiet seclusion while music-filled malls bustle with bag-laden shoppers and cut-price deals

Costumed partygoers fill the streets during Curaçao's Carnival season, when ancient Catholic rites and African-Caribbean traditions fuse, creating a riot of colour, pomp, and revelry. One of the largest and longest lasting carnival spectacles in the Caribbean, merrymaking begins early January and continues until late February/early March.

Visa Requirements

Visas are required by South African passport holders. 

Visa Processing Time

PROCESSING TIME for Aruba: 5 working days
PROCESSING TIME for all Islands except Aruba: 3 working days. (If submitted through Consulate Durban or Maseru add three more days).

Travel Health

Compulsory:  Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines:  Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio