FOr Aruba last year we didn't need passports for the kids,
(US State Department requirements for Aruba
ARUBA - Passport or proof of citizenship (original-official birth or naturalization certificate and photo ID) required. Visa not)

When we check the US State Department site, BONAIRE isn't even listed. We don't want to go to the expense to get them now if we don't have to. Does anyone there in Bonaire have a phone number at which we can get a definitve answer to this question?

I am planning my first trip to Bonaire for June 1-8th, and like PStobie, would like to know if an original birth certificate and a photo ID is enough to get in and out of Bonaire.

In addition, I am looking for information on cell phone service in Bonaire. I would like to lease a cell phone for the week to stay in touch with family/friends without paying the exorbitant prices that resorts charge for international calls.

I would greatly appreciate any information these two subjects.

Yes, birth certificate with government issued photo ID is still sufficient. However, a passport (due to post-9/11 issues) is highly desirable.

Cell phone - you can rent a cell phone at CellOne here on Bonaire. From the InfoBonaire Web site:

Cellular Phone Service
While Bonaire has cellular phone service, roaming services for other cellular company customers is currently not available.

Cellular One offers phone rentals as well as local service for your TDMA phone. They can be reached at email: cellularonebonaireinfo@bonairelive.com or via tel. +599-7-17-8787 .

I am planning a trip to Bonaire in March/April. From the research I have done I do not think you need a passport. I hope this is current info as I do not want an unpleasant surprise. If someone who has definitive knowledge could post and let me know for sure what the current rules are.

Dain,

A valid U.S. birth certificate (one with a raised seal) accompanied by a government entity issued photo ID (e.g. a driver's license) is still sufficient to gain entry into Bonaire as well as exit.

My comment about the passport is that with the tightening of immigration control back into the U.S., a passport makes entry and clearing immigration easier, especially these days. But no, you presently still don't need one to come to Bonaire if you were born in the U.S. and can prove it (i.e. you are a U.S. citizen).

PStobie, for State Dept. info, you can't look up Bonare - you need to look up Netherlands Antilles, BTW, since that's the country Bonaire is part of.

Jake

Thanks Jake! Where from?

Where from? As in where am I from? Prior to moving to Bonaire about 4.5 years ago, we lived in frigid New Hampshire. Now we do all sorts of fun Internet things on Bonaire, such as this Web site, the Bonaire WebCams, and the InfoBonaire Web site.

Jake

Thanks for the information everyone.

Jake,

Keep up the good work on this website! I have visited many websites over the last few years as I have planned trips (cruises, Cozumel, Bay Islands, Cayman Islands, and now Bonaire)and this website has been the most informative one that I have ever visited.

Thanks again,

Steve

Jake,
I get it! I'm a little slow sometimes. Great web pages. I have found much info here to help plan our trip. Thanks again. Dain

If you get the passports now, you won't need to get them in a hurry if you decide to take a trip on short notice to a place that definitely requires them. I believe that up to a certain age kids can travel on their parents passports. I got my first one for Belize which didn't require them at the time. Before that all of my out of US travel had been to Mexico or Canada.

Jake,

Do you know if they are still running the daytrip to Curacao ?

If so, would you recommend it and who would have more information on it ?

Thanks,

Steve

Jake Wed. we arrive{ 8 of us} from the frigid N.H. where in N.h. were you from?We have been enjoying all the great info and pics available on this site
am very excited to get to Bonaire!
suec

We moved to Bonaire from Derry. My wife Linda is a 13th generation NHite - family's in the Concord area.

Jake

Jake, we're from the lakes region..plymouth,campton,holderness...we'll have to talk!soon!we fly out in a.m with layover in Jamaica...air jamaica resheduling.Ready!suec

Sue, how much room do you have in your luggage? I can be to Plymouth in an hour.