Are you planning on a trip to Aruba and wondering whether a passport is needed? The answer is YES. However, there is an exception. Here’s everything you should know about passport and visa requirements for Aruba, along with rich traveling information about this beautiful island. Please read on to ensure a hassle-free journey!
Where is Aruba? How big is Aruba?
Aruba is an island located in the south of the Caribbean Sea, just 18 miles north of Venezuela. The island is 33 km long and 9 km wide with a total area of 179.64 km2. It is best known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for vacation.
Aruba is a constituent country within the Netherlands. A majority of the population can speak four languages including English. As a famous tourist country, there are more than 150 flights every day from different cities in the US and many other countries, and cruises arrive weekly.
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Aruba?
There are two ways to enter Aruba: by cruise and by air. Generally, in both ways, you need a passport to go to Aruba. However, under one circumstance you can go there without one, which is you take a closed-loop cruise with Aruba as one of the ports of call.
- By Cruise
If you take a cruise that starts and ends at a U.S. port and stops by the Port of Aruba, you can make a short stay in Aruba without a passport. All you need is a copy of your birth certificate and I.D. to board the ship. Other than a closed-loop cruise, you will need a passport to get on any other kind of cruise to Aruba.
- By Air
Apart from the cruise, you can go to Aruba directly by flight from the U.S. A passport is a must. Before boarding your plane to Aruba, you should have an approved Aruba Embarkation Disembarkation Card.
What Are the Passport Aruba Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens?
If you need a passport to go to Aruba, please ensure it satisfies the entry requirements below:
- Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months at the time of entry and the duration of your stay in Aruba.
- Your passport should have adequate blank visa pages.
📚 Read Also: Can I Travel with Less than 6 Months on My Passport?
Do You Need a Visa to Go to Aruba?
According to the Aruba entry requirements for U.S. citizens, there are different types of visas based on your travel purpose.
Tourist Visas
If you are a tourist, you do not require a tourist visa to go to Aruba. You are regarded as a tourist for any one of the following purposes: vacation, business visits, sports events, health reasons, family matters, study, or religious purposes. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a free visa valid for 30 days. If you desire to stay longer, you are permitted to do so with an extension for up to 90 days without requesting.
Other Visas
If you are not a tourist, you should apply for a relevant visa such as a diplomatic visa or official visa for your stay depending on your travel purpose.
What National Can Enter Aruba Without a Visa?
You can enter Aruba without a visa if you are a citizen of the following countries:
| Albania | Dominica | Liechtenstein | San Marino |
| Andorra | Ecuador | Lithuania | Serbia |
| Antigua and Barbuda | El Salvador | Luxembourg | Seychelles |
| Argentina | Estonia | Macao – holders of Special Administrative Region passport | Singapore |
| Australia | Finland | Malaysia | Slovakia |
| Austria | France | Malta | Slovenia |
| Bahamas | Germany | Mauritius | South Korea |
| Barbados | Greece | Mexico | Spain |
| Belgium | Grenada | Moldova | St Kitts and Nevis |
| Belize | Guatemala | Monaco | St Lucia |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Guyana (visa required for St Maarten) | Montenegro | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Brazil | Honduras | Netherlands | Suriname |
| Brunei Darussalam | Hong Kong – holders of British National Overseas passport | New Zealand | Sweden |
| Bulgaria | Hong Kong – holders of Special Administrative Region passport | Nicaragua | Switzerland |
| Canada | Hungary | North Macedonia | Taiwan – holders of a passport bearing their identity card number |
| Chile | Iceland | Norway | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Colombia | Ireland | Panama | Ukraine – holders of a biometric passport |
| Costa Rica | Israel | Paraguay | United Arab Emirates |
| Croatia | Italy | Peru | United Kingdom |
| Cyprus | Jamaica (Curaçao only – visa required for Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten) | Poland | United States of America |
| Czech Republic | Japan | Portugal | Uruguay |
| Denmark | Latvia | Romania | Vatican City |
Citizens of countries otherwise are required to apply for a visa to go to Aruba. The tourist visa allows a period of stay time of 30 days. If you apply for an extension of stay, the stay time can’t exceed 180 days in total per year.
See the full map of Aruba visa-free countries here.
Aruba Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
Upon arrival in Aruba, you should present the following required documents to the immigration officer:
- A valid passport that meets the passport requirements
- A complete and approved Aruba Embarkation-Disembarkation Card
- A valid visa (if required)
- A valid return or onward ticket
- A valid reservation for accommodation in Aruba
- Sufficient funds to cover the travel expenses
What Is the Aruba Embarkation-Disembarkation Card and How to Apply for It?
The Aruba Embarkation-Disembarkation Card (ED-Card) is one of the mandatory entry requirements for every traveler to Aruba. It can be filled out online on the official ED Card page. The application is simple. Here is a guide:
Step 1. Go to the official ED Card page and click “NON-RESIDENT”.
Step 2. Select an arrival date and click “Continue“.
Step 3. Fill out true and correct information under the guideline, including personal info, travel information, health questions, disclaimers, and payment.
Step 4. Finally, you will receive an online ED Card. Download it and have it printed.
Here’s an example of Aruba ED Card:
Can US Green Card Holders Go to Aruba Visa Free?
Yes, with a US green card, you can go to Aruba visa-free. Upon entry, you will be issued an entry sticker or stamp on your passport. There you can apply for an extension of the stay up to 180 days in Aruba.
📚 Read Also: Which Countries Can US Permanent Resident Travel without a Visa?
Is Aruba Safe to Travel To?
As one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, Aruba is safe in general. The crime rate is pretty low there, but you still need to pay high attention to your belongings. In terms of health, you should get vaccinated before your trip and use mosquito repellent during your stay.
When Is the Best Time to Go to Aruba?
There’s no bad time to go to Aruba, given the weather in Aruba is rather consistent all year round, with temperature remaining at an average temperature of 85 °F. If you consider the traveling expenses, the best time to go to Aruba is from April to August when you get the best hotel deals and avoid the crowds as well.
Can I Go to Aruba with a Schengen Visa?
Only if you are a resident of the Schengen territory, you can use a Schengen Visa to enter Aruba. If not, you cannot use this visa to visit Aruba but to apply for a visa (if you require one).
FAQ
⭐ What language do they speak in Aruba?
The official languages in Aruba are Dutch and Papiamento. Other common languages are English and Spanish, spoken fluently by most Aruban people. There is no need to worry about language barriers during the vacation.
⭐ What time zone is Aruba in?
UTC−4:00 (AST) and there are no time changes in Aruba.
⭐ What is the currency in Aruba?
The currency on the island is the Aruba Florin, but there is no need for an exchange. You can pay with U.S. dollars, which are widely accepted in Aruba.
⭐ What should I wear in Aruba?
In Aruba, the climate is hot and semi-arid. Temperatures are consistently in the 80 to 90 °F and there is limited rainfall from October to December. Therefore, you should wear light clothes that make you feel cool such as shirts and shorts.
Besides, prepare swimsuits, bug spray, and sun-proof products such as sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a travel umbrella (also for rainy days) for the beach. Also, take a jacket or sweater with you for the nights and flights.
⭐ How long is the flight from New York to Aruba?
There are direct flights from JFK to AUA (Queen Beatrix International Airport) in Aruba and the average flight time is 4.5 hours.
⭐ What are the must-dos in Aruba?
Aruba is such an incredible tourist country and there are many must-dos there. Here are a few listed for your preference.
Aruba is most famous for its many gorgeous coastlines. There is so much you can do with them, such as sunbathing on a world-class beach, swimming and diving in crystal clear waters, and having exciting water activities.
A place of interest you must visit is Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba. There is Dutch colonial architecture for sightseeing, the Renaissance Marketplace for shopping souvenirs, and many restaurants for authentic cuisine.
Besides, on this island, there are several must-go natural attractions, such as Arikok National Park and the Natural Pool. You’d be surprised by how spectacular they can be.
Conclusion
Coming back to the question“Do you need a passport to go to Aruba”, the answer depends on how you get to the island. If you take a closed-loop cruise and plan to stay in Aruba for a short time, a passport is not necessary. Otherwise, you will need a passport to get to Aruba.
In terms of visa requirements, if you go to Aruba as a tourist, a visa is not necessary and you are allowed to stay for at least 30 days. If you go there for other reasons, you should apply for a visa. There are a few Aruba entry requirements. Get them ready and you are good to go to such a stunning place for relaxation.
Dolores Xiao