We are, of course, hoping the COVID situation in Curacao improves and restrictions lessened for more than just our own, selfish interests, but we are also planning a dive trip in February / March. We are from the USA, both fully vaccinated and also both had COVID while on a remote island trying dive in Thailand in January, 2020.
Yes, know there is chance of a "break through" infection and resulting quarantine and/or medical expenses while in any overseas country, and have verified our insurance has coverage. We have been to both Curacao and Bonaire before, and love both islands. Had to cancel our 2021 Curacao trip, and hoping February will work out. ;-)
First of all, although the US Consulate and CDC say a PCR test is required, the official sources on the Curacao government sites say either PCR
or Antigen tests are allowed. However, we are assuming that PCR tests have lower chance of a "false positive" than antigen tests, and therefore a low chance of being quarantined erroneously. Curacao entry restriction changes for US citizens now mean that a 48-hour vs. 72-hour testing window prior to arrival are in force, and for us, this makes PCR testing prior to departure MUCH more expensive. There are many free PCR tests for 72-hour turnaround in Florida, but for a 48-hour testing window, we have to pay about $200 (or more) EACH for "same-day" test results.
The continued testing requirement for returning to the US for citizens who are returning fully vaccinated is really ridiculous IMHO, but the CDC site says as long as it's a "viral test" (PCR or antigen), it's OK. Again, the PCR will have a lower chance of a false positive, according to the CDC. I don't know all the testing options, but this site is linked to the Curacao government website and I got costs from there:
COVID-19 Testing in Curaçao from AZOVA
COVID Testing - Rough Costs - US Citizen Couple Fully Vaccinated
USA => Curacao: $200 x 2 = $400 (PCR test with less than 48 hour turnaround)
Curacao: $99 x 2 = $200 (Rapid antigen test) - Does not include cost of travel from other end of island, loss of dive day
Curacao => USA: $179 x 2 = $358 (3-day PCR test) - Does not include cost of travel from other end of island, loss of dive day
- Total COVID Testing Estimate: Roughly $1000 USD
We do want to go to Curacao, but unless some of the testing-associated costs go down on one end or the other, we may be forced to look for another destination for our February trip. It's a significant factor.
Johncn