Aruba entry requirements explained simply

What Documents Are Required for Entry into Aruba?

To enter Aruba, you must present the following documents to immigration officers upon arrival:

• valid passport meeting validity requirements for your nationality,
• completed and approved online Embarkation-Disembarkation (ED) Card,
• valid visa (if applicable to your nationality),
• valid return or onward ticket,
• proof of sufficient funds ($150/day recommended),
• proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or private address).

What Are the Passport Validity Rules?

Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Aruba if you’re a US, Canadian, or EU traveler. Visa-required nationals need 3 months validity beyond their departure date. Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Aruba?

US, Canadian, EU, and UK citizens, along with most Caribbean and South American nationals, can enter Aruba visa-free. However, citizens from India, China, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti require a Caribbean Visa unless they hold a valid multiple-entry US, Canadian, or UK/Ireland visa.

Which Nationalities Are Visa-Exempt?

• 🇺🇸 United States citizens,
• 🇨🇦 Canada citizens,
• 🇪🇺 citizens of the European Union member states,
• 🇬🇧 citizens of the United Kingdom,
• nationals from most Caribbean and South American countries (with specific exceptions).

Who Needs a Caribbean Visa for Aruba?

Travelers from India, China, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti require a Caribbean Visa, which is valid for Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, and the BES islands. Exception: holders of valid multiple-entry US, Canadian, or UK/Ireland visas are exempt from this requirement.

How to Apply for an Aruba Visitor Visa

Apply at a Dutch Embassy or Consulate in your country (visas are not available on arrival):

1. complete the visa application form,
2. provide a passport photo meeting specifications,
3. submit your travel itinerary and accommodation proof,
4. pay the visa fee,
5. attend an interview if required.

What Are the Requirements for a Transit Visa?

A transit visa is not required if you stay less than 24 hours, remain in the airport transit area, and have a confirmed onward flight ticket.

How to Complete the Mandatory Online ED Card

The ED Card is mandatory for all passengers, including infants. Submit it between 7 days and 24 hours before departure via the official government website at no charge. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a “green checkmark” to show airlines and immigration officials.

What Is the Embarkation-Disembarkation (ED) Card?

The ED Card is a digital immigration form that captures your personal details, travel information, and health declarations. It generates the authorization required for boarding and entry into Aruba.

When to Submit the ED Card Online

Submit your ED Card between 7 days before departure and at least 24 hours prior to your flight to ensure you receive the confirmation email in time.

Is the Aruba ED Card Free?

Yes, the official ED Card is completely free. Use only the official government website and avoid third-party sites that charge fees.

What Health and Vaccination Requirements Exist?

Yellow Fever vaccination is required only if you’re arriving from or transiting (12+ hours) through endemic countries in South America (Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela) or Africa (Angola, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana). You must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP).

Yellow Fever Vaccination Rules for Travelers

Present a valid ICVP if arriving from:

• South America (e.g., Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela),
• Africa (e.g., Angola, Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana).

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Aruba?

Travel insurance is not mandatory but highly recommended. Medical costs are high for tourists in Aruba. Your coverage should include emergency medical expenses, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and trip cancellation/interruption.

Current COVID-19 Travel Protocols

There are no COVID-19 restrictions for entering Aruba. No test results are required, no vaccination proof is needed, and COVID-19 insurance is not mandatory.

What Proof of Accommodation and Funds Is Needed?

You must present a return or onward ticket and proof of approximately $150/day per person (credit cards, cash in USD/Euros, or traveler’s checks). Traveling with a one-way ticket may result in boarding denial or entry refusal unless you have a valid residence permit.

Requirements for a Return or Onward Ticket

A valid return ticket to your origin country or an onward ticket to a third country is required as proof of your departure intent.

Demonstrating Proof of Sufficient Funds

Show approximately $150/day per person via:

• credit cards with sufficient limit,
• cash (USD or Euros),
• traveler’s checks.

What Are the Regulations for Traveling with Minors?

Minors traveling with one parent or non-guardians need a valid passport, birth certificate, notarized consent letter from non-traveling parent(s)/guardian(s), and copies of the non-traveling parent(s) identification.

How Long Can You Stay in Aruba?

The standard tourist stay is 30 days (up to 180 days for Dutch nationals or property owners). The maximum total stay is 180 days per calendar year. The immigration officer determines the duration at entry.

Standard Tourist Stay Limits

Most tourists receive 30 days upon entry. Dutch nationals or property owners may receive up to 180 days. The total annual limit is 180 days per calendar year.

How to Request an Extension of Stay

Apply at the DIMAS office with proof of valid travel insurance for the extended period, sufficient funds for extra days, and a confirmed return ticket for your new departure date.

What Customs Regulations Should Travelers Know?

Travelers aged 16 and over can bring duty-free: 1 liter of spirits OR 2.25 liters of wine, 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco, personal effects, and gifts up to AWG 400 ($225 USD). Prohibited items include narcotics, unauthorized firearms/ammunition/explosives, spearguns, and plants/fruits/vegetables/meat products.

Items Allowed Duty-Free

• 1 liter of distilled spirits OR 2.25 liters of wine,
• 200 cigarettes, OR 50 cigars, OR 250 grams of tobacco,
• personal effects and appropriate clothing,
• gifts/goods up to AWG 400 ($225 USD).

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

• narcotics and illegal drugs,
• firearms, ammunition, explosives (unless authorized),
• spearguns (banned for marine life protection),
• plants, fruits, vegetables, meat products (agricultural pest prevention).