Welcome to “One Happy Island”! Aruba is a wonderful vacation destination, but before you can start having fun in the sun, you need to know and understand the entry requirements for Aruba and the processes you’ll go through upon your plane landing.

What You Need for Arriving in Aruba

Before traveling to Aruba, you’ll want to book your flight, verify your airline requirements and restrictions – such as for luggage size and weight, and gather all required documents for Aruba. We’ll go over these documents in depth.

1. Passport

All travelers to Aruba require a passport that is valid for the entire duration of your trip. Before you travel, always check the expiration date and ensure there is a completely blank page for any necessary immigration stamps.

2. Visa for Aruba

Many travelers, including those from the United States, Canada, the Schengen Territory, United Kingdom, and several other countries, do not need a visa for short stays in Aruba. This is typically considered 30 days or less, but if you’re planning an elongated trip to Aruba, verify your maximum duration of stay without a visa.

View the full list of countries that need a visa for Aruba, or you can confirm if you need a visa for Aruba based on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit.

If you require a visa to Aruba, it must be applied for in person at an embassy or consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. There are also some approved third-party travel agencies that can apply for visas for their customers.

3. Aruba Embarkation / Disembarkation Card

The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation and Disembarkation) is a mandatory part of the immigration process for Aruba. It’s a short, online form that all non-resident individuals, including infants and children, who are spending more than 24 hours in Aruba must fill out prior to arrival.

It asks basic personal details and travel information, such as passport information, date of birth, length of stay, etc. as well as requiring consent to Aruba Government mandates. and grants permission for you to board the plane to Aruba.

While it used to be free, the Aruba government did implement a $20 Sustainability Fee for all visitors arriving by air as of July 1, 2024. This fee will be used to upgrade infrastructure on the island, such as the sewage water treatment plant. Good news though, this fee does not apply to children younger than 8 and those who visit Aruba multiple times per year will only have to pay the first time they go each calendar year.

You can fill in the ED Card online as early as 7 days before you travel to Aruba.

Pro Tip: Some third party websites offer a paid service to fill in the ED Card for Aruba. You do not need to pay these companies to help you fill it out. It is straight forward and only requires payment of the $20 Sustainability Fee. Just go directly to their website: edcardaruba.aw.

4. Proof of Onward Travel

While rarely asked for it, Aruba can require proof of a return ticket or onward travel. This means prior to arriving in Aruba you’ll want to book a flight out of Aruba. Have your travel confirmation handy, just in case you need to provide it.

5. Proof of Sufficient Funds

Another rarely asked for item you’ll need for arrival in Aruba is proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. Typically this means $150 – 200 per day of your trip. To prove it, you can be asked to provide up to 3 recent bank statements that are paper or digital. They’ll need to show both your name and address to guarantee it is yours.

While most people will not be asked for it, it is up to the discretion of the immigration officer. It is more often asked for from those who are from less affluent countries.

6. Proof of Accommodations

Last of the rare questions is proof of accommodations while in Aruba. This would be a valid reservation for a hotel, apartment, or Villa in Aruba or proof of owning property in Aruba, such as a condo, timeshare apartment, or yacht.

7. Vaccination Documentation

As of March 1, 2018, the Ministry of Health in Aruba is requiring a Yellow Fever Vaccine for all those coming from endemic, high-risk areas. This can be proven by the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as the Yellow Book.

This includes most passengers arriving from Central America, Latin America, and African countries. You can view a full list of the countries here.

8. Travel Insurance (Optional)

While travel insurance may not be a strict requirement, it is highly advisable. Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and other unforeseen events. There are a number of travel insurance providers you can choose from.

You can also opt for Aruba’s Visitor insurance. This optional insurance covers COVID-19 related expenses, just in case you test positive for COVID-19 during your stay in Aruba.

Speaking of COVID, there are no current COVID-19 testing restrictions for travel to Aruba. However, if there is another surge, you will want to verify it has not been reinstated.

Immigration Process on Arrival in Aruba

Once you arrive at Aruba’s Airport, Queen Beatrix International Airport, you will go through immigration and customs. Disembark the plane and take all of your required entry documents from above to stand in the immigration lin.

Immigration in Aruba

In immigration, the immigration authority will review your documentation and determine if you can enter the country or not. While most people will have no problem at Aruba immigration, admission can be denied if your documents are not in order or if you have been blacklisted.

Remember: Holding a valid visa for Aruba does not guarantee entry to Aruba. The immigration authority has final say.

Customs in Aruba

From immigration, you’ll pickup all of your checked baggage before proceeding to customs. At customs, Aruba authorities will ensure the things you are bringing onto the island meet their guidelines.

Aruba’s custom regulations allow incoming travelers to bring articles for personal use. For those 19+ years of age, this includes being able to bring in:

• 2.25 liters of wine, 3 liters of beer, or 1 liter of liquor

• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco