Aruba's Travel Policy: Open For Business?

Aruba is a small Caribbean island that is welcoming visitors to its shores. The island is known for its world-class beaches, perfect weather, and welcoming culture. Most visitors from the United States, regardless of their vaccination status, can enter Aruba. There are no longer any COVID-19 test or vaccination requirements for entry, but all travellers are required to complete the online ED Card immigration form. From July 1st, 2024, a $20 sustainability fee will be payable by visitors arriving by air, to fund sustainability projects on the island.

Aruba is open to vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors from the US

Firstly, all visitors to Aruba, regardless of their vaccination status, must complete the online Embarkation/Disembarkation (ED) Card immigration form. This includes providing basic personal and travel details such as date of birth and passport information. It is important to note that this form must be completed within 7 days before travelling to Aruba and approval must be obtained. Additionally, a $20 sustainability fee will be charged to visitors arriving by air, payable through the ED Card.

Upon arrival in Aruba, a tourist must have a valid passport, a visa (if required), a valid return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their accommodations and food expenses during their stay. It is also recommended that travellers have travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage.

For those travelling from Central America, Latin America, and Africa, it is important to note that the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory, with proof required in the form of an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).

Aruba has also implemented a number of health procedures that visitors must comply with, including the use of the Aruba Health App, which provides information on COVID-19 health procedures and faster results for Molecular PCR COVID-19 tests taken in Aruba. Visitors may also be required to participate in COVID-19 testing, isolation, and/or quarantine as indicated by the public health authorities of Aruba.

No negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination is required to enter

Aruba: No negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination required

Aruba is welcoming visitors to its shores and has relaxed its entry requirements. As of March 19, 2022, travelers to Aruba are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. This means that most visitors from the United States, regardless of their vaccination status, can enter Aruba without restrictions.

However, it is still highly recommended that travelers have international travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage. Additionally, all travelers to Aruba must complete the online ED Card immigration form before arrival. This is a digitized customs and immigration process that is mandatory for all visitors, including children, who plan to spend more than 24 hours in Aruba. The ED Card can be completed at edcardaruba.aw, and upon successful completion, travelers will receive an email confirmation of approval, which must be shown at check-in or boarding.

Please note that Aruba has implemented a $20 Sustainability Fee for visitors arriving by air. This fee will support sustainability projects on the island, such as a new wastewater and sewage system. The fee is payable through the ED Card platform, and certain travelers, such as local residents, children under 8, and repeat visitors, are exempt from this fee.

Aruba is known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class tourism offerings. With its always-perfect weather and welcoming culture, it's no wonder that Aruba is a popular destination for travelers seeking sunshine and happiness.

Aruba's online ED Card must be completed before travelling to the island

Aruba is welcoming visitors to its One Happy Island. All travellers to Aruba are subject to travel and health requirements. Before travelling to Aruba, it is mandatory to complete the online ED Card immigration form. This is a quick and easy process and can be completed from the comfort of your home. The ED Card is mandatory for all travellers to Aruba, including minors and infants. It is an essential process that all visitors spending more than 24 hours in Aruba must complete before travelling to the island.

The ED Card can be filled out within the 7 days prior to your travel to Aruba. You will need a valid passport and a valid email address that you have access to. Once submitted, it is recommended that you print your online application and confirmation. Upon successful completion of the ED Card process, travellers will receive an email confirmation of approval for travel, which must be shown either digitally or in printed form at check-in and/or prior to boarding.

The online ED Card helps to verify that all the necessary steps have been taken in order to board an inbound plane to Aruba. It is important to note that some services/companies may charge a fee to assist you with filling in the form. However, this can easily be completed independently within a few minutes.

In addition to the ED Card, there are other requirements that must be met before travelling to Aruba. As of July 2024, Aruba has implemented a $20 Sustainability Fee for visitors arriving by air to the island. This fee supports sustainability projects on the island. Furthermore, Aruba Visitors Insurance is mandatory and helps protect against medical and non-medical expenses incurred if you test positive for COVID-19 during your stay. The insurance covers eligible foreign nationals from pre-approved regions or countries and meets the Aruba government's minimum requirements.

A $20 sustainability fee is charged to visitors arriving by air

Aruba is currently welcoming visitors to the island, with no COVID-19 test or vaccination requirements in place. However, all travellers to Aruba are subject to travel and health requirements and protocols. It is recommended that visitors stay informed by checking for the latest updates before travelling.

From 1 July 2024, Aruba implemented a $20 sustainability fee for visitors arriving by air. This fee is payable through the online Embarkation & Disembarkation (ED) Card platform as part of the ED card process to enter Aruba. The ED card and sustainability fee must be completed and paid in advance to receive clearance to travel. The fee will be used to fund projects aimed at improving sustainability efforts on the island, specifically upgrading the existing sewage water treatment plants and infrastructure, as well as building a new, larger plant to handle future demand.

The sustainability fee is charged per calendar year, meaning that travellers will only pay once per year using the same passport number. If a passport is renewed within the calendar year, the fee will need to be paid again for entry. The fee will appear on card statements as AWSS or "Aruba Sustainability Fee". The fee cannot be paid in cash and must be paid online in advance.

There are some exemptions to the sustainability fee. The following travellers are not required to pay:

• Local residents
• Children under 8 years old
• Repeat visitors who have already paid the fee within the same calendar year
• Cruise ship passengers
• Aruban students who can prove they are studying at a foreign educational institution and have been non-residents for no longer than 8 years prior to their arrival

Aruba is filled with flavours from around the world

Aruba is a sun-soaked Caribbean paradise, with a diverse culinary heritage that reflects its Dutch, African, Indigenous, Latin American, and Afro-Caribbean roots. The island is home to people from over 90 different nationalities, each contributing their unique culture and cuisine to create a melting pot of flavours.

The national dish of Aruba is Keshi Yena, a savoury stuffed cheese dish filled with chicken, canned tomatoes, green olives, and other ingredients. Another popular dish is Patacon, which showcases the island's Latin American influence. It is made from green plantains that are fried, flattened, and fried again, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, starchy interior. Dutch Pancakes, or 'Pannenkoeken', are also a favourite, offering a versatile canvas for sweet and savoury toppings.

For those with a sweet tooth, Cocada, a traditional Aruban dessert made from condensed milk, sugar, and grated coconut, is a must-try. The island also has its own version of a Latin American empanada called Pastechi, which is affectionately known as Aruba's national snack. These deep-fried pastries are filled with cheese, ground meat, or seafood and can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Aruba's rich cultural heritage is also reflected in its drinks, with the island offering a range of unique beverages. The local language, Papiamento, has a word for "very tasty" when applied to food – "dushi". This word also appears in the names of some local drinks, such as "boka dushi", which translates to "sweet tooth".

Aruba is currently welcoming visitors to its shores, with most travellers from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, able to enter. The island has relaxed entry requirements, and travellers are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination. However, all travellers to Aruba must complete the online ED Card immigration form before their arrival.

Frequently asked questions