Thursday, November 21, 2024 skip to main content

Entry Requirements and Visas

Persons who are considered tourists are those who travel to Aruba for one of the following purposes: vacation and relaxation, sport, health reasons, family matters, study, religious purposes or a business visit. 

For questions related to entry and visa requirements please contact the Aruba Tourism Authority by email: support@aruba.com or for more information, kindly refer to the Directorate of Alien Integration, Policy and Admission (DIMAS).

Required entry documents

Upon arrival in Aruba a tourist must have:

  • A passport that is valid upon entry and for the duration of stay in Aruba. Individuals using false documents will be subject to legal action.
  • A visa (if you require one).
  • A complete and approved Embarkation and Disembarkation card (Online ED Card). Notice: As of July 2024, Aruba has implemented a $20 Sustainability Fee for visitors arriving by air to the island. This fee will is payable through the existing Online ED Card. For more details and for fee exemptions kindly refer to this page.
  • A valid return- or onward ticket.
  • The necessary documents for returning to the country of origin or to a country that he/she has the right to enter, for example, a valid residence permit (temporary or permanent), a re-entry permit or a (entry) visa.
  • If so requested, the tourist has to be able to prove to the satisfaction of the migration officer that he/she has a valid reservation for an accommodation in Aruba (e.g. hotel or apartment) or that he/she owns property in Aruba (a residence, condominium, apartment, timeshare apartment or a pleasure yacht moored in Aruba with a length of at least 14 meters (46 feet) measured at the nominal water line).
  • If so requested, the tourist has to be able to prove to the satisfaction of the migration officer to dispose of adequate financial means to provide for hotel expenses (if applicable) and living expenses during his/her stay or that he/she has a declaration of guarantee from a legal resident of Aruba.
  • Required vaccinations and certificate of proof for required countries.

*Important announcement for those traveling to Aruba from Central America, Latin America and Africa: 

The Ministry of Health of Aruba established that, as of March 1, 2018, the requirement for the Yellow Fever Vaccine proven by an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) will enter into force for all passengers entering the island from endemic areas.

The vaccine is mandatory for all passengers arriving from Central American, Latin American and African (high-risk) countries.

Please view a list of the specific countries and more detailed information here.

The final authorization for admission to Aruba remains with the migration officer at the border-crossing/port of entry. The migration authorities at the border-crossing/port of entry have the authority to grant or refuse admission. Admission can be refused if not all admission requirements are fulfilled by the time of entering Aruba or if the tourist has been blacklisted. Holding a valid visa for Aruba does not guarantee entry to Aruba.

Duration of admission

The maximum period of time that a person can be admitted to Aruba as a tourist is 30 days. The total amount of days a person can stay in Aruba, as a tourist who applies for an extension of stay, cannot exceed 180 days per year. US Nationals may stay in Aruba for up to 90 days maximum, no additional governmental documentation is needed.

Extension of stay upon entry

Upon entry in Aruba, the following persons can apply for an extension of their stay for more than 30 days but not exceeding 180 days:

  • Nationals of the Kingdom of the Netherlands can request an extension of their stay for up to 180 consecutive days;
  • Nationals from the countries mentioned in list A and visa required persons who are exempt from the visa requirement, can request an extension of their stay for up to 180 consecutive days, if:
    • They have property in Aruba, i.e. a house, condominium, apartment, time-share, apartment or a pleasure yacht moored in Aruba with a length of at least 14 meters (46 feet) measured at the nominal waterline. They must show proof of ownership of the property. For a stay of up to 180 days.
    • If they don’t have property in Aruba, they must have a declaration of guarantee from a resident of Aruba who will act as guarantor for and be liable for any costs incurred during their stay. The guarantor in Aruba can send their request directly to the IASA (Aruban Immigration) at email garantie@dga.aw, following the procedures to have it legalized, and sent to the visitor abroad.
    • Within the initial 30-day stay the visitor can request an extension for a total stay of up to 90 days. Some restrictions may apply. The migration authority can grant an extension for up to 90 days once all requirements for an extended stay are met.

All tourists who apply for an extension of their stay beyond 30 days are required to have a travel insurance (medical and liability) and sufficient financial means valid for the duration of the extended stay.

Extension of stay after admission

If a tourist wants to stay longer than the number of days granted by the immigration officer on the ED-card upon admission, he or she can apply at the office of IASA for an extension for up to 180 days if applicable:

IASA (Instituto Alarma y Seguridad Aruba)
Vondellaan 25
Oranjestad, Aruba
Telephone: +297 523-7402 

Staying longer than the number of days granted by the immigration officer without asking for an extension can have negative consequences for future admission to Aruba.

The following documents have to be presented:

  • Original application form for extension of tourist stay;
  • Copy of the profile page and all the written and stamped pages of the petitioner's passport, valid for at least another 3 months when the extension is applied for;
  • If applicable a copy of his/her visa to enter Aruba;
  • Copy Embarkation-Disembarkation card (ED-card);
  • Copy valid return ticket;
  • Copy of travel insurance (medical and liability) valid for the duration of the extended stay;
  • If the petitioner is not staying at his own private residence or at a hotel/resort, he needs to present a declaration of guarantee from a resident of Aruba who will act as guarantor for their stay.

Anyone wanting to stay longer than 180 days in Aruba will need a residence permit and will not be considered a tourist.

Visas

Visa-required tourists need to apply for and have a visitor visa before coming to Aruba. The visa must be applied for in person at an embassy or consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (diplomatic mission). In some countries, certain approved travel agencies can apply for a visa on behalf of their customers.

For more information about the visa requirements, to apply for a visa for Aruba, and for information on appointments/opening hours, the tourist can contact a consulate or embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in his country of residence or visit the websites of the Embassy or consulates concerned: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/contact/embassies-consulates-general

Visa required persons exempted from the visa requirement

The following persons, who normally require a visa, are exempt from this requirement:

  • Holders of a valid residence permit (temporary or permanent) from:
    • another part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands;
    • the United States of America;
    • Canada
    • The Schengen Territory
    • United Kingdom
    • Ireland
  • Bolivian, Chinese, Cuban, Dominican, Haitian, Indian, Jamaican, and Peruvian nationals who are holders of a valid (multi entry visa) for the United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom or Ireland
  • All nationals who are holders of a valid multi entry visa for the The Schengen Territory (Schengen Visa).
  • Those who are continuing (in transit) to a third country within 24 hours or within the same day by aircraft, and holding tickets with reserved seats and all documents required for onward journey;
  • Those who arrive by aircraft to board a cruise ship or vice versa (in transit), for a period of maximum 24 hours;
  • Cruise ship passengers if they disembark in Aruba as part of their cruise, for a period of maximum 24 hours;
  • Children younger than 12 years old, don’t need a visa if they are traveling with a parent or guardian;
  • Holders of a diplomatic passport, being nationals of Bolivia, Chad, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malawi, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Russian Federation, Senegal, Serbia, Thailand, Ukraine, Tunisia or Turkey;
  • Holders of a service passport, being nationals of Bolivia, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malawi, Morocco, Peru, Thailand, Tunisia or Turkey.
  • Holders of passports or laissez passer issued by the IMF, the World Bank, the United Nations or one of its agencies;
  • The crew members of vessels or aircrafts mooring or landing in Aruba for commercial purposes, and who don’t pose a threat for the public order and safety of the island or the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This category is exempt from the visa requirement for a period of admission of up to 48 hours.

When Do You Need An Invitation/Declaration Of Guarantee?

A visa-required tourist needs a declaration of guarantee/invitation to apply for a visa if he/she has been invited to participate in a sports event by an organization on Aruba or if he’ll/she’ll be staying at the home of a relative or an acquaintance. The person or organization in Aruba who will act as guarantor for the tourist’s stay has to declare that they’ll guarantee all costs than can arise from the short stay of the tourist in Aruba. The guarantor is responsible for sending the declaration of guarantee/invitation to the visa-required tourist. Please note that having the declaration does not mean that the visa will be issued. It is only one of the requirements that the visa applicant has to submit. The declaration of guarantee/invitation form and instructions about the relevant procedure is provided b IASA:

IASA
Vondellaan 25
Oranjestad, Aruba
Telephone: +297 523-7402 

How to apply for your visa

Are you required to have a visa? Then you must apply for a visa before traveling to Aruba. More information about the Caribbean visa for Aruba or how to apply for it can be found via Netherlands Worldwide: http://www.government.nl/issues/embassies-consulates-and-other-representations/contents

If you have any questions about the application procedure, please contact the Aruba Tourism Authority by emailing: support@aruba.com 

US Pre-clearance

Aruba has US pre-clearance, so you go through passport control in Aruba at the U.S. Customs & Border Protection facility and once back in the US you don't have that hassle.
So after checking in at the airport, you will pick up your baggage (which you would have dropped off during check-in) and go to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection facility. A uniformed U.S. Customs and Border Protection official will then run a computer check and take your Customs Declaration form. Once the official clears you to pass through, you place your baggage on a conveyor that gets it onto your plane. You then clear security, and walk to your gate. You arrive back in the United States as a domestic passenger and walk off the flight as if you were arriving from any other point in the US.

Passport Cards for U.S. Travelers

The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air. However it may be an option for cruise ship travelers. Be sure to check with your cruise line for specific requirements. For more information visit Travel.State.Gov website.

Living and working in Aruba

Persons who want to live and work on Aruba must have a valid residence permit from the Directorate of Alien Integration, Policy and Admission (DIMAS).

For more information contact:
DIMAS
Paardenbaaistraat 11
Oranjestad Aruba

Phone. +297 522 1500
DIMAS website

Are you planning to work remotely for part of your vacation stay in Aruba? In order to do so, one must be employed by a company or be self-employed within your home country. You may not render services to and receive income from a local Aruban company or individual (for this a work or business permit is required). Discover more details here, as well as information on the “One Happy Workation” and long-term stay packages. US Nationals participating in the "One Happy Workation" program are able to stay in Aruba for a total of 90 days.

No rights can be claimed from the contents of this page. Entry requirements may be adjusted without prior notice.

* While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of this information, CaribMedia/VisitAruba.com cannot be held liable for any possible changes, errors or omissions. For the latest entry and permit requirements always make sure to contact the Directorate of Alien Integration, Policy and Admission (DIMAS).

traveling-to-aruba entry-requirements mobile-540