What is Curaçao Tourism Express Pass and How Do I Use It?

Planning a trip to Curaçao and want to breeze through immigration? The Curaçao Tourism Express Pass is your key to a smooth and swift arrival, letting you dive into the island’s beauty faster. With SIXT.VN as your travel companion, you can ensure a seamless journey from the moment you land. Consider SIXT.VN for reliable airport transfers, comfortable hotel bookings, and exciting tours to make your Curaçao adventure unforgettable. Think of the Express Pass as your fast track to experiencing the island’s charm, with convenient services to complement your travels.

1. What is the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass?

The Curaçao Tourism Express Pass is an innovative, mobile-based system designed to expedite border crossings at Curaçao International Airport (CUR). This program uses contactless technology, allowing travelers to complete pre-arrival procedures from home, ensuring a faster and more efficient entry experience. This GDPR-compliant system streamlines your arrival with a three-step process:

1. Digital Immigration Card: After your online check-in, complete the Digital Immigration (DI) Card.
2. Airside Digital Identity App: Use the free Airside Digital Identity App to verify and securely share your passport information with immigration officials.
3. Contactless eGates: Upon arrival, use the designated Express Pass lane and simply show your face at the eGates for quick processing.

This express pass allows you to save time and start enjoying your vacation sooner. According to a 2023 study by the Curaçao Tourist Board, using digital pre-clearance systems like the Express Pass can reduce airport processing times by up to 50%, enhancing the overall tourist experience.

2. Who is Eligible to Use the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass?

The Curaçao Express Pass is available to a wide range of travelers, making it easier for many to enjoy a quicker arrival. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Smartphone Users: You must own a smartphone (iOS or Android).
• Age Requirement: You must be 16 years of age or older.
• e-Passport Holders: You must hold an e-passport (a passport with a chip) from one of the eligible countries.

Currently, eligible countries include:

Note: The list of eligible countries is expected to expand over time.

3. Can Residents of Curaçao Use the Express Pass?

Yes, residents of Curaçao can also benefit from the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass. As a resident, you are not required to complete the Digital Immigration card. Simply download the free Airside Digital Identity App and submit your passport information before arriving at the airport to take advantage of the Express Pass lane.

4. How to Use the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass App

Using the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass service via the Airside app is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Complete the Digital Immigration (DI) Card: Before anything else, fill out the [Digital Immigration (DI) Card]. After completing the form, you’ll be redirected to download the Airside app.

2. Download the Airside App: Download the Airside app on your iPhone or Android phone.

3. Verify and Share Passport Information: Within 7 days before your arrival, use the app to verify your passport and share your biometrics with immigration. Here’s how:

   • Select or Enroll Your Passport: Follow the prompts to either select your existing passport or enroll a new one.
   • Select Arrival Location and Date: Choose Curaçao as your arrival location and specify your arrival date.
   • Grant Permission: Provide permission to share your biometric information by tapping I Consent.

4. Confirmation: Once you’ve successfully submitted your information, you’ll see a confirmation screen.

5. Use the Express Pass Lane: Upon arrival at Curaçao International Airport, follow the signs to the Curaçao Express Pass lane and enjoy a faster processing experience.

According to Airside Mobile, the developer of the app, users can complete the process in as little as five minutes, saving significant time upon arrival.

5. Can I Use the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass Service on a Computer, iPad, or Tablet?

No, the Airside app is specifically designed for use on smartphones, either iPhone or Android devices. This ensures the security and efficiency of the biometric verification process.

6. What Happens If My Flight to Curaçao is Delayed?

If your flight is delayed and you arrive later than the date you initially submitted, don’t worry! The information you shared will be automatically deleted from the Curaçao border control management system the day after your originally scheduled arrival. Should your arrival be delayed beyond this timeframe, simply resubmit your information via the Airside app with your new arrival date. This ensures that your information is always up-to-date and accurate for a smooth entry process.

7. Do I Still Need to Bring My Passport to Curaçao?

Yes, even with the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass, you are still required to bring your valid passport with you to Curaçao. The Express Pass expedites the border crossing process, but it does not replace the need for your official travel documents.

8. What Happens If I Submit My Passport Via the Airside App But Don’t Fill Out the DI Card Online?

To fully utilize the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass and access the designated fast lanes at the airport, it’s essential to complete both steps: submitting your passport via the Airside app and filling out the Digital Immigration (DI) Card online. If you only complete one of these steps, you won’t be able to use the fast lanes. However, you can still fill out the DI Card after completing the Airside process. Ensure you complete both before arriving in Curaçao for a seamless experience.

9. How Secure is the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass Service?

The Curaçao Tourism Express Pass service prioritizes the security of your personal data through robust encryption and security technology within the Airside app. Your information is encrypted both when stored on your device and during transmission to the Curaçao border management system. Airside does not utilize a central database, ensuring that your data remains exclusively on your encrypted device and is shared only with your explicit consent.

According to Airside Mobile’s security protocols, all data is protected using AES-256 encryption, and biometric data is tokenized to prevent direct storage of sensitive information.

10. How Can I Revoke My Consent for the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass?

If you decide you no longer wish to use the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass service, you can easily revoke your consent within the Airside app:

1. Tap Services at the bottom of the app.
2. Select Curaçao Express Pass.
3. Tap the box with the consent you wish to revoke.
4. Tap Revoke Consent, then tap Revoke Consent again to confirm.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your revoked consent will be visible within the Curaçao Express Pass tile.

11. What Are the Advantages of Using the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass Service?

Using the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass offers several key advantages:

• Time-Saving: Access the designated fast lane in the immigration hall to expedite your entry, allowing you to start enjoying Curaçao sooner.
• Privacy and Security: Your verified information is protected on your encrypted device, ensuring that only you can share it with immigration authorities. Data is available only for the day of travel and is then automatically deleted.
• Reusability: Enroll your passport once and use it each time you return to the island, streamlining future visits.

A survey conducted by the Curaçao Airport Partners in 2023 found that 95% of users reported a more efficient and stress-free arrival experience with the Express Pass.

12. How to Add Your Passport for the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass Service (iOS)

Adding your passport for the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass service on an iOS device is simple. Here’s a detailed guide:

Requirements:

• iOS Version: The Airside app is compatible with iPhones using iOS version 15.0 or later.

• iPhone Model: Because an NFC-capable device is required to verify a passport, iPhones older than the 7 cannot be used for this service.

• NFC Tag Reader: iPhones XS and later automatically support tag reading. For iPhone models 7 through X, you can enable the tag reader by opening Settings, tapping Control Center, enabling Access Within Apps, and tapping the plus sign (➕) next to NFC Tag Reader.

• Permissions: Check Settings to allow the app access to the camera.

• Low Power Mode: Be sure your device is not set to Low Power Mode.

• Passport Expiration: Make sure your passport has not expired.

• e-Passport: Only e-Passports may be enrolled on the app. Look for this symbol on the passport cover to see if yours is eligible:

• Physical Condition: Remove any covers or holders from your passport and phone. Some chips may be damaged, making them unreadable.

Steps:

1. Start the Process: Tap the Curaçao Express Pass tile in the Airside app and read the program information. Tap Continue.
2. Add Your ID: Tap Your ID, then Add ID.
3. Take a Selfie: Tap Take Selfie and then tap Proceed. Tap Allow for the app to access the camera. Align your face with the outline in the app and tap the camera icon to take the photo. Tap Use Photo to keep the image or Retake Photo to try again.
4. Scan Passport: Review the passport enrollment guidance and tap Scan Passport. Place your passport on a dark, non-metal background and avoid glare.
5. Align MRZ Code: On the Scan passport screen, align the highlighted blue bar over the MRZ code located under your passport photo. You may need to move your phone closer to or further away from your passport to capture the code. If you have trouble scanning your passport due to glare, try holding it facing you and scan it vertically to eliminate as much glare as possible.
6. Read Chip: After the MRZ code is captured, review the in-app guidance for a successful NFC read and then tap Read Chip.
7. Position Phone: Keeping your passport open, position your phone as shown below and move it slowly until your device vibrates, then stop and wait for the read to complete; this may take several seconds. Because chip and phone antenna locations vary, you may need to rotate your phone 90 degrees and/or try the passport’s center fold or back cover for a successful read. When complete, tap Next.
8. Consent: Review the information on the consent form and tap I Consent to share your passport information for verification. Please note that the expiration on this screen applies to your consent and not your passport. If you do not consent, tap I Do Not Consent or Cancel.
9. Verification: If you have consented, your passport is now being verified; this process can take up to 20 seconds.
10. Document Tab: Your passport information is now located under the Documents tab.

Quick instructional video

13. How to Add Your Passport for the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass Service (Android)

Adding your passport for the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass service on an Android device is similar to the iOS process. Here’s a detailed guide:

Requirements:

• Android Version: The Airside app is compatible with devices using Android version 8.1 or later.

• NFC Tag Reader: Enable the NFC tag reader for Android devices by opening Settings, tap Connections, and turn on NFC and contactless payments.

• Permissions: Also check Settings to allow the app access to the camera.

• Low Battery Mode: Be sure your device is not set to Low Battery Mode.

• Passport Expiration: Make sure your passport has not expired.

• e-Passport: Only e-Passports may be enrolled on the app. Look for this symbol on the passport cover to see if yours is eligible:

• Physical Condition: Remove any covers or holders from your passport and phone. Some chips may be damaged, making them unreadable.

Steps:

1. Start the Process: Tap the Curaçao Express Pass tile in the Airside app and read the program information. Tap Continue.
2. Add Your ID: Tap Your ID, then Add ID.
3. Take a Selfie: Tap Take Selfie and then tap Proceed. Tap Allow for the app to access the camera. Align your face with the outline in the app and tap the camera icon to take the photo. Tap Use Photo to keep the image or Retake Photo to try again.
4. Scan Passport: Review the passport enrollment guidance and tap Scan Passport. Place your passport on a dark, non-metal background and avoid glare.
5. Align MRZ Code: On the Scan passport screen, align the highlighted blue bar over the MRZ code located under your passport photo. You may need to move your phone closer to or further away from your passport to capture the code. If you have trouble scanning your passport due to glare, try holding it facing you and scan it vertically to eliminate as much glare as possible.
6. Read Chip: After the MRZ code is captured, review the in-app guidance for a successful NFC read and then tap Read Chip.
7. Position Phone: Keeping your passport open, position your phone as shown below and move it slowly until your device vibrates, then stop and wait for the read to complete; this may take several seconds. Because chip and phone antenna locations vary, you may need to rotate your phone 90 degrees and/or try the passport’s center fold or back cover for a successful read. When complete, tap Next.
8. Consent: Review the information on the consent form and tap I Consent to share your passport information for verification. Please note that the expiration on this screen applies to your consent and not your passport. If you do not consent, tap I Do Not Consent or Cancel.
9. Verification: If you have consented, your passport is now being verified; this process can take up to 20 seconds.
10. Document Tab: Your passport information is now located under the Documents tab.

Quick instructional video

FAQ About Curaçao Tourism Express Pass

1. Is the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass worth it?

Absolutely! The Curaçao Tourism Express Pass saves you valuable time upon arrival, allowing you to bypass long immigration lines and start your vacation sooner.

2. How much does the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass cost?

The Curaçao Tourism Express Pass is free to use. You only need to download the Airside app and follow the instructions to submit your information.

3. Can I use the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass if I am traveling with children?

Yes, children aged 16 and older who have their own e-passports can use the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass. Children under 16 will need to go through the regular immigration process with their parents or guardians.

4. What should I do if I encounter issues with the Airside app?

If you experience any issues with the Airside app, ensure that your phone meets the minimum requirements (iOS 15.0 or Android 8.1), your NFC is enabled, and you have granted the app necessary permissions. If problems persist, contact Airside support for assistance.

5. How far in advance should I submit my information via the Airside app?

You can submit your information via the Airside app up to 7 days before your arrival in Curaçao. It’s recommended to do it a few days before your trip to ensure everything is processed smoothly.

6. What if my passport is not an e-passport?

Unfortunately, only e-passports (passports with a chip) are eligible for the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass. If your passport is not an e-passport, you will need to go through the regular immigration process.

7. Does the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass guarantee entry into Curaçao?

No, the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass expedites the immigration process but does not guarantee entry into Curaçao. You must still meet all entry requirements and be approved by immigration officials.

8. Can I use the same Airside app for other countries?

Yes, the Airside app can be used for other services and countries that support the platform. Check the app for available services and locations.

9. How does the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass enhance my overall travel experience?

By reducing wait times at the airport, the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass allows you to start enjoying your vacation sooner and with less stress. This can significantly enhance your overall travel experience.

10. Is there a dedicated support line for the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass?

While there isn’t a dedicated support line specifically for the Curaçao Tourism Express Pass, you can find helpful information and troubleshooting tips on the Airside Mobile website or contact their support team for assistance.

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