Travel Vaccines and Advice for Bonaire
Bonaire is the island in the Caribbean Sea that is part of the ABC islands which also includes Aruba and Curacao.
Bonaire has been inhabited and controlled by many different countries in the past from Spain, Denmark or England. It is currently a special municipality under the Netherlands.
Dutch is the official language of Bonaire as it still remains part of the Netherlands. But, it is not the most widely spoken language on the island. The majority of the island speaks Papiamentu, a Creole language.
The capital of Bonaire is Kralendijk, which is the only main city on the island. It encompasses nearly the entirety of the island’s population.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Bonaire?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Bonaire
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Bonaire?
What Is the Climate Like in Bonaire?
How Safe Is Bonaire?
Scuba Diving in Bonaire
What Should I Take to Bonaire?
U.S. Consular Services in Bonaire
Do I Need Vaccines for Bonaire?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Bonaire. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Bonaire: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Bonaire |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Bonaire |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, typically spread through contaminated food or water, leading to fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The typhoid vaccine provides immunity against this bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of contracting the disease, especially in areas where typhoid is common.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact. To prevent it, practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine are crucial steps recommended by the CDC.
- Rabies – The rabies virus is a deadly threat that spreads through bites and scratches from infected animals. Preventing rabies involves timely vaccination, avoiding contact with wildlife and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten. The rabies vaccine is instrumental in developing immunity and safeguarding against this fatal disease.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus leads to liver infection through contact with infected fluids. The most effective safeguard is the hepatitis B vaccine, administered in a series of shots that stimulate the body to produce antibodies, providing long-term immunity. It is crucial for infants and those at an increased risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Bonaire
Prevent Bug Bites in Bonaire
To fend off bug bites, follow CDC advice: cover up with long clothing, use repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and avoid bug-heavy areas during dawn and dusk. Protect your sleep with insect-repellent-treated bed nets.
Food and Water Safety in Bonaire
When abroad, ensure food safety by avoiding street vendors, practicing hand hygiene, and opting for thoroughly cooked dishes. Choose bottled or canned drinks with intact seals. To prevent travelers’ diarrhea, maintain hand hygiene, avoid raw foods, and dine at trustworthy restaurants.
Infections To Be Aware of in Bonaire
- Dengue – The CDC describes dengue fever as a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, presenting symptoms such as rash and joint pain. Prevention strategies focus on reducing mosquito exposure and breeding grounds. Treatment is supportive, emphasizing the importance of mosquito bite prevention.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, can cause mild to severe symptoms and poses significant risks during pregnancy. Prevention strategies include using insect repellent, safe sex practices, and avoiding travel to affected areas.
Do I Need a Passport or Visa for Bonaire?
All passports must be valid for the entirety of your stay in Bonaire. There is no visa requirement for travelers who are traveling to Bonaire for under 180 days.
Bonaire Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Bonaire? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Bonaire and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Bonaire?
Bonaire is a small island in the southern Caribbean that’s popular with tourists. The weather there is warm and sunny all year round, with temperatures averaging between 80 and 85 degrees. There’s a little bit of rain from October to December, but not a lot.
Kralendijk is the capital city and a top tourist destination. It has similar weather to the rest of the island, with warm temperatures and little rainfall. Lac Bay, on the southeastern side of the island, is another popular area. It’s also warm and sunny, but windier than other parts of Bonaire. This makes it a great place for windsurfing and other water sports.
If you’re planning a trip to Bonaire, you can expect warm and sunny weather most of the time.
How Safe Is Bonaire?
Bonaire is a generally safe place to visit, but it’s still important to take precautions. Here are some tips for staying safe:
- Pay attention to what’s happening around you and trust your instincts.
- Keep your valuable belongings like passports, cash, and electronics locked up or hidden away.
- Use a reliable taxi or car rental company when traveling around the island.
- Be respectful of local customs and dress appropriately.
- Practice water safety when diving or snorkeling.
- Be prepared for emergencies and know where the nearest medical center is.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Bonaire.
Scuba Diving in Bonaire
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Bonaire is a popular destination for people looking to scuba dive; from experienced divers to beginners. Even their license plate says “Diver’s Paradise”.
If you are a beginner scuba diver, you are able to buy or rent all the equipment you may need on the island. Bonaire is a good place to start scuba diving. They are best known for their shore dives, which are more shallow and easily accessible. Bonaire is also known for their reefs as well as their shipwrecks.
If you are diving, do not wear gloves and do NOT touch the reefs. If you are caught doing either of these things, you will be removed from the water by dive operators.
The most popular dive site in Bonaire is Hilma Hooker, a sunken freighter that sank in 1984. This shipwreck is both accessible from boat and from the shore.
What Should I Take to Bonaire?
If you’re planning a trip to Bonaire, it’s important to pack for the warm and humid climate. Bring lightweight and breathable clothing like cotton or linen, and don’t forget swimwear for enjoying the beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen, and bring insect repellent for mosquitoes. Remember to bring a hat and sunglasses to shield your face and eyes from the sun. Snorkeling and diving gear are also essential if you plan to participate in these activities.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the island on foot or by bike. Bring enough prescription medications for the duration of your trip. Don’t forget a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and marine life.
It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or emergencies, even though many places on the island accept credit cards.
U.S. Consular Services in Bonaire
All Americans visiting Bonaire should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
There is no U.S. embassy in Bonaire, but it is served by the embassy in Curacao.
U.S. Consulate General Curacao
J.B. Gorsiraweg 1,
Willemstad, Curacao
Telephone: + (599) (9) 461-3066
Emergency After-Hours: +(599) (9) 510-6870
ACSCuracao@state.gov
If you have any questions about traveling to Bonaire or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for the Bonaire
“The nurse was very friendly, and honest about what vaccinations and dosages we needed for our trip. She didn’t make us get anything that we didn’t need for Bonaire. Also, she gave us some extra tips and over the counter medication we can purchase as well.”
“Was able to come in at a later time to get my necessary vaccinations, the nurse was very informative and made me confident going to Bonaire after getting all my vaccines.”
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