After your amazing trip, its time to face the music, returning home from Aruba. Not only is it a sad time but the departure processes at the Aruba airport can be long and convoluted, especially if you’re traveling from Aruba to the United States.

Find out how to handle the processes step-by-step for a smooth (and timely) departure home!

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Traveling to the United States from Aruba

Flying from Aruba to the United States can be confusing and involves several time-consuming steps at the airport. To ensure you have a smooth trip to the United States from Aruba, let’s walk through what you need to know, including some valuable information about the United States immigration in Aruba.

1. Arrive at the Aruba Airport Early

Plan to arrive at Queen Beatrix International Airport, Aruba’s airport (AUA), well in advance of your flight. Aim to be there at least 3 – 4 hours before your scheduled departure time to allow for check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays.

Three hours is generally recommended except for peak hours when four may be wise. At the Aruba airport for U.S. departures, this is typically on weekends, Friday to Sunday, from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. Giving yourself extra time ensures a timely and stress-free departure.

Before traveling to the U.S. from Aruba, there are a couple important things to know.

1. Visas & Forms: U.S. visa requirements vary based on your country of origin and the purpose of your visit. Verify your visa requirements on the official U.S. Department of State website before traveling to the U.S. from Aruba.
   
   Additionally, the U.S. government requires all non-U.S. citizens flying to the U.S. to complete the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attestation form confirming they meet the vaccination entry requirements. Check with your airline directly about this form.

2. COVID-19: While the United States doesn’t currently have any COVID-19 travel restrictions, it’s worth checking the official U.S. government website before traveling for the latest on testing requirements, quarantine regulations, and vaccination mandates.
   • As of June 12, 2022, people entering the U.S. no longer need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. 
   • As of May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant visitors to the U.S. arriving by air or arriving by land or sea no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

2. Check-In with your Airline

Proceed to the check-in counter of the airline you’re flying with. Alternatively, you can use online check-in for your flight if it’s available. Of course, as it is an international flight, you’ll still want to stop at the counter to have your passport checked.

Provide your passport, reservation details, and any required travel documents to collect your boarding pass. If you have checked baggage, drop it off at the counter before proceeding.

3. Aruba Immigration Control

When traveling to the U.S. from Aruba, you will not only go through Aruba immigration to leave the country, but you’ll also go through U.S. Immigration and Customs in Aruba before departure.

First is Aruba’s immigration. Here you just provide your passport and boarding pass. Answer any questions from immigration officers and then proceed through to the security screening.

4. Aruba Security Check

Clear Aruba’s security screening by placing your carry-on items, including electronics and liquids, in the provided bins. Follow the instructions of the security personnel and be prepared to remove your shoes and belt if necessary.

Not sure what you can check-in or carry-on in Aruba? Find a full list of Prohibited Items here. This is applicable to all passengers and luggage screening checkpoints at Aruba airport.

5. U.S. Customs in Aruba

Next, you’ll go through customs in Aruba for the United States. First, you’ll have to pick up your checked-in bags from the conveyer belts. Take your filled in customs form, passport, boarding pass, and luggage and proceed through the U.S. Customs line.

Once you have cleared U.S. Customs and Immigration, you will be able to drop off your checked-in luggage at your designated airline’s belt.

6. U.S. Pre-Clearance in Aruba

From customs, you’ll have to go through U.S. Immigration in Aruba, also known as Pre-Clearance for the United States. Simply stand in line, present your travel documents and continue on through to U.S. security screenings. This means once you land in the United States you’ll be able to proceed as though you were on a domestic flight.

Two ways to expedite your immigration process for the U.S. from Aruba are:

1. Global Entry: If you have been pre-approved for U.S. Global Entry, you can make use of this fast-track option at US Customs & Border Protection in Aruba with the Global Entry kiosks.

2. Mobile Passport Control (MPC): You can also consider downloading the MPC app to expedite your entry process into the United States from Aruba. It doesn’t require pre-approval and allows you to skip completing paper forms to enter the U.S. from Aruba.

7. U.S. TSA Security Screening in Aruba

Once cleared by U.S. Customs and Immigration in Aruba, it’s time for one last security screening by TSA (Transportation Security Administration). Here they’ll follow standard procedures for TSA screenings in the United States.

8. Enjoy the Airport until Boarding

Once you’ve cleared all the official lines and processes, you can relax in the airport. Just remember to proceed to your departure gate at the specified time. Board the aircraft when your row or group is called and have your boarding pass and identification ready. Follow the instructions of airline staff and cabin crew.

9. Arrival in the United States

Upon arrival in the U.S., you will not face additional screenings as they have all taken place in Aruba. As such, you can proceed through the airport as though it was a domestic flight.

Traveling from Aruba to Any Other Country

If you’re traveling to any other country from Aruba, the departure process is much faster and simpler to get in and through the airport as you won’t face United States Customs or Immigration before boarding your flight.

This process is much more scaled down with just five easy steps.

1. Arrive 2 – 3 hours prior to departure.

2. Check-in with your airline to drop-off luggage and collect your boarding pass.

3. Go through Aruba immigration with passport and boarding pass ready.

4. Prepare for security screening in Aruba.

5. Relax until your flight home.