The march issue of Scuba Diving Magazine has the best of Bonaire for it's cover story!!! On page 43 it says that a passport is now necessary for international travel to Bonaire. Jake, or someone, has this changed??? I thought the driver's license and raised seal was still ok but you might get a hard time. They also said that you could only squeak by in Curacao with the license and raised seal only if you had a return ticket but in Aruba you would be fine. Any insight on this would be appreciated!!!!

You need a birth Cert (not liscense) with raised seal and a backup photo ID. Rodales is wronng. Always refer to infobonaire as your guide and bible to the island. Jake and Linda work very hard to have the true and accurate facts. Sometimes, writers fail to check with us here to see if what they write is true!

Hi all,

And am I the only one who was very disappointed in the Bonaire coverage? Looking at the cover graphics I sure expected more than just 1 page on Bonaire and the rest on Aruba, Curacao and a generic island info page.

Just wunderin' on a sunny Friday.

We just got back from Bonaire on February 18th and we used our birth certificates. We didn't experience any problems or delays. As long as you have another photo ID, like a drivers license, that's all you'll need.

Hi Randy,
I agree with you very disappointing. I was so excited when it came and when I opened it up, DUD. :-(
Mary Lou

Randy,

Maybe Bonaire doesn't spend enough on advertising in Scuba Diving Magazine to get more editorial coverage (hey - someone has to take Skin Diver's place in the world of advertorials!) ;-)

Jake

PS Seeing as the immigration department for Curacao is the same as that for Bonaire, whatever goes for Curacao's entry requirements goes for Bonaire too. The benefit & drawback of using federal services like immigration.

Based on my experience I would strongly urge getting a passport. Although it may technically be correct that only certified birth certificate and backup photo id are needed to enter Bonaire, two years ago American Airlines almost refused to let me board the airplane and leave the United States. On my return, U.S. immigration officials were very rude and flat out told me to get a passport. In our current security climate, I will not travel without a U.S. passport even if I'm told the host country does not require one. Enjoy your trip.

I agree with Lorraine...although it isn't required to get into Bonaire and back into the U.S., I've stood in line behind people who didn't have passports and watched/waited while they fiddled with documents etc...passports nowadays are scan'able so zip zip you are done. They are easy to get and cheap!

Although not required here, a passport is a sort of "log book" of your travels and serves to bring back fond memories of great trips, etc. Some of the stamps are also quite unique. I am still waiting for one from Antarctica!