Planning a trip to Aruba? You should know the travel requirements and guidelines to ensure a smooth and hassle - free journey. This guide provides travelers to Aruba all the detailed information they need, including entry requirements, health screenings, and frequently asked questions
Let's explore the details of entering Aruba for business or leisure
Yes, you can travel safely from the United States to Aruba. However, you'll want to stay up-to-date on the latest travel requirements and entry restrictions before departing to Aruba.
To enter Aruba, you need a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond your intended stay and a print or digital copy of a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card for Aruba. US citizens, permanent residents, and green-card holders do not require a visa to travel to Aruba for tourism for stays of up to 30 days. US citizens can remain in Aruba for 90 days without applying for an extension.
When traveling to Aruba for tourism or limited short-stay business purposes, like attending a conference or meeting, US citizens do not need to obtain a visa to enter Aruba. Simply ensure that your passport is valid, apply for an ED Card, and make your travel arrangements.
Where applicable, travelers to Aruba from countries requiring a visa must apply in person at a Netherlands embassy or consulate (aka diplomatic mission) in their country. Approved agents, such as CIBT, may also apply for a visa on behalf of their customers in some countries.
US citizens and permanent residents traveling to Aruba for tourism, meetings, or conferences do not require a visa, thus there is no cost associated at this time.
For US citizens, the visa-free entry period in Aruba allows a maximum stay of 90 days starting from the entry date. If you plan to stay longer, you must meet the requirements and obtain the appropriate visa extension.
Note that self-employed and work-from-home visitors can conduct their normal business as long as they are not selling goods or services in Aruba. Visitors are not allowed to work on the island.
While in Aruba, US citizens may apply to extend their stay up to 180 days. You must apply for a residency permit if you plan to stay longer than 180 days.
Overstaying your visa in Aruba can have serious consequences. It is essential to adhere to the entry rules and the duration of your permitted entry. Overstaying may result in fines, deportation, or other legal actions. To avoid issues, familiarize yourself with the visa requirements and ensure compliance.
Aruba requires all visitors to complete an ED Card application before departing their country of origin. This is the required entry form.
When you are ready to return home, Aruba participates in the US Global Entry program, allowing eligible US travelers to preclear customs before arriving in the US. To expedite the process at the airport, Aruba visitors can apply for Global Entry under the US Trusted Traveler program.
Visitors should apply early as the Global Entry application requires pre-approval, including an in-person interview and background checks. A Global Entry pass costs $100 and provides access to the TSA PreCheck service.
Aruba also offers VIP Concierge Service for Arrival and Departure, which helps travelers fast-track the airport process and connect with transportation to their hotel or resort for $145 per adult.
Aruba has relaxed previous entry requirements in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There are currently no mandatory quarantine requirements upon arrival in Aruba, and travelers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The Aruban government continues to monitor public health and has guidance on what to do if you’re feeling unwell.
However, COVID-19 screening, vaccine, and testing requirements are subject to change with little notice, so staying informed before your trip is essential. The Aruba Tourism Authority is a good resource for travel-related news and announcements. To stay up-to-date about COVID-19 health procedures and medical services, and to receive faster results for any required molecular PCR COVID-19 tests taken in Aruba, also consider downloading the Aruba Department of Public Health's Aruba Health App before your trip.
While Aruba Visitors Insurance is no longer required, travelers may purchase it voluntarily to cover any health-care expenses during their trip. Your travel insurance or health insurance plan should cover COVID-19 treatment while in Aruba. Acquiring medical evacuation insurance can reduce your total medical expenses in an emergency. Check whether medical evacuation is already included in your existing insurance coverage.
Please note that this information is subject to change. For the latest on Aruba health requirements, always check government sites directly as noted below.
The ED Card, or Embarkation and Disembarkation Card, is an online form that all travelers, including children and infants, must complete before their travel date to Aruba. An ED Card is required even if you have a visa or are from a visa-exempt country, and is a separate travel authorization required for admission to Aruba.
As part of the ED Card application process, travelers must acknowledge and consent to comply with the Aruban government's local laws, rules, and procedures, including cooperation with local authorities on COVID-19 testing, isolation, or quarantine as directed by the public health authorities of Aruba.
Travelers should complete the ED Card application for themselves and any accompanying children or infants. You will receive an email notification when your ED Card application is approved and you should bring a printed or digital copy with your travel documents.
You must have applied for an ED Card and been approved before you can board your plane to Aruba. After you land and before you can formally enter Aruba, officials will conduct standard border-crossing checks.
No mandatory mask requirements apply, though travelers can wear a mask if they wish. If the health situation changes, be sure to follow the local authorities guidelines, wearing masks if directed to do so by public health authorities.
Restaurants and bars in Aruba are open, and most travelers will appreciate that the Aruban government has introduced a Health and Happiness Code badge to certify venues' compliance with health and hygiene guidelines.
Your phone should work in Aruba, but you should check with your service provider regarding international roaming and network coverage. Using data, making calls, and receiving texts in Aruba can be expensive. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for lower rates and turning off apps that use mobile roaming data before arrival.
Aruba has three different power-plug sockets: Type A and B, the same as those used in North America, and Type F, the standard plug used in Europe. It's advisable for US residents to pack a travel adapter for Type F plugs to avoid any complications.
By familiarizing yourself with these travel requirements and guidelines, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip to Aruba, whether you're visiting the island for business or leisure. An experienced visa specialist can help you navigate the complexities of border crossing requirements. Contact CIBTvisas for a quote today.
Stay informed, follow the latest updates, and prepare to make the most of your time in the sun at this beautiful Caribbean destination.
Bon biahe — safe travels!
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