When traveling to Bonaire, you will in most cases need to pay a tourist tax called the Visitor Entry Tax. This fee applies to every visitor arriving on the island by air or sea. In this blog, you will find out who needs to pay the tax, how much it costs, and what to look out for so you can arrive well prepared and start your holiday right away.
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Thank you for your interest in our beautiful island in the Caribbean! We love sharing our passion for Bonaire with everyone — locals, visitors, and of course, with our guests during Our tours. Curious how we do that? You can find all the details in Sharing Island Love.
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Who needs to pay the Visitor Entry Tax?
The Visitor Entry Tax applies to anyone who is not a resident of Bonaire. Visitors aged 13 and over pay $75 per person, per visit. Children up to and including 12 years old only pay $10.
There are a few exceptions for certain groups of visitors:
– Cruise tourists
– Residents of the former N. Antilles
– “Eilandskinderen”
Residents going through the immigration process are not exempt.
Note: If you pay the wrong amount or claim an exemption without providing the required proof, you will usually not be eligible for a refund.
STINAPA Nature Fee
In addition to the Visitor Entry Tax, there’s also the STINAPA Nature Fee, which is required in many cases for access to Bonaire’s national parks. You can read all about that in our blog about The STINAPA Nature Fee.
How and when do I pay the tourist tax?
We recommend paying the Visitor Entry Tax before your trip via the official website. This way, you avoid queues upon arrival. Payment is only possible in the week leading up to your arrival and can be made by credit card. After payment, you can download the QR codes directly. You will also receive them by email. Didn’t receive your QR code?
Upon arrival on Bonaire, you must show the QR code to the representative of the Public Entity of Bonaire as proof of payment. After that, you can proceed to passport control, baggage claim, and customs.
Traveling by boat? Then you’ll show your QR code upon arrival at the port, for example at Harbour Village Marina. Cruise tourists are exempt.
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How long is the Visitor Entry Tax valid?
The tax you pay is valid for 1 month from the day of arrival. This means you can leave the island during that time, for example for a short stay on Curaçao or Aruba, and return without having to pay the entry tax again, as long as it is no later than one month after your first arrival.
Staying on the island for more than a month? No problem! It’s an Entry Tax: You only need to pay it again when you re-enter Bonaire after leaving.
Watch out for fraud!
Make sure to pay the tax only through the official website. Fraudulent sites exist that offer so-called services at a surcharge. Never pay through third parties. The Visitor Entry Tax replaces the former room tax and car rental tax. These taxes should no longer appear on your accommodation or car rental invoice.
Looking for more good advice? Check out our Helpful tips when you travel to Bonaire!
What is the money used for?
The revenue from the Visitor Entry Tax is used by the government to invest in education, infrastructure, tourism, and sustainability. By paying the tax, you’re contributing to the development and preservation of Bonaire.
Questions?
Didn’t receive your QR code? After paying the Visitor Entry Tax, you should receive a QR code by email from noreply@bonairegov.com. If you haven’t received it, please check your spam folder first. If it’s not there, you can send an email to taxsupport@bonairevisitortax.com and your QR code will be resent.
For other questions as well, feel free to contact taxsupport@bonairevisitortax.com. You can also reach them by phone at +599 7012066 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time).
Exemptions
Cruise tourists
Cruise visitors pay a reduced rate, which is handled by the cruise line. So if you’re visiting Bonaire on a cruise, your Visitor Entry Tax has already been taken care of.
Visiting the island on a cruise? Do The perfect day trip on Bonaire!
Residents of the former Netherlands Antilles
Residents of the former Netherlands Antilles (Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, and Saba) qualify for the reduced rate of $10.00, provided they present a valid sedula or recent proof of registration from the civil registry upon arrival.
Eilandskinderen
So-called “eilandskinderen” who are studying full-time abroad are exempt from the Visitor Entry Tax, as long as they can provide proof of enrollment. This exemption officially applies as of July 1, 2024, but uploading documents in advance is not possible. Verification takes place manually upon arrival at the airport or harbor.
Residents in the immigration process
Have you recently moved to Bonaire, but your immigration process is not yet complete? Then the standard rate applies, even if you already have an IND sticker in your passport or an appointment to collect your Declaration of Admittance or sedula. Only those who can present a valid sedula are eligible for exemption.
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About us: a Tour with HopiBonaire
On a tour with HopiBonaire, you don’t just visit the well-known highlights, you also explore the most remote and beautiful spots on the island. Plus, you will be traveling only with your own group, creating an intimate and personal experience at your own pace. We don’t mind taking our time!
All tours can be customized to your wishes, and you also have the option to book a fully customized tour, for example, to visit unique snorkeling sites. Feeling excited and ready for adventure? Take a look at our tour offerings!
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