North and Central America and Caribbean

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• There is an Honorary Consulate in Curaçao which is responsible for the delivery of Consular Services to Aruba. See General - Consular Assistance. The Honorary Consulate is supported by the British High Commission in Barbados.
  
  
• Aruba is used as a drug passageway from South America to Europe and North America. Never leave bags unattended nor agree to carry a package for anyone.
  
  
• The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. See Natural Disasters.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General -Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Most visits to Aruba are trouble-free. However, petty theft and street crime are a concern. There is violent crime in association with drugs, but this rarely affects tourists. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you are advised to take normal precautions and, for example, do not wander alone off the main roads, especially at night. Never take valuables to the beach.  Make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch.

The islands of the Dutch Caribbean continue to be used to smuggle illegal drugs from South America to Europe and North America. You should have a heightened sense of awareness of this problem and never leave bags unattended. Under no circumstances should you discuss or agree to carry a package for anyone. Some airports have installed "body scanners" and it is possible you may be required to have a scan. Dutch authorities generally screen all baggage and passengers from the Dutch Caribbean.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

Small buses are available to get around the islands. When taking a taxi, always check that it is a registered one and negotiate the price before taking the ride. Most taxis do not have meters. You should avoid remote areas at night.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

Traffic drives on the right-hand side. Main road conditions are relatively good, but roads can become slippery when wet.

See our Driving Abroad page.

By Dutch law, you must always carry your ID. We recommend you have a copy of your passport with you at all times. Local laws are essentially similar to Dutch law. See our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas

Tourist entry is generally for 30 days at the discretion of the immigration officer. EU passport holders may stay for up to 180 days, but must get an extension first from immigration.  Tourists who apply for an extension beyond the 30 days must have travel insurance (medical & liability) for the duration of their extended stay. Extensions can be applied for at www.dimasaruba.com.

Entry Requirements - Passport validity

You must hold a valid passport to enter Aruba. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Aruba.

For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration contact the Royal Netherlands Embassy in London.

Medical facilities are good in Aruba and there is support from neighbouring Curacao when necessary.

Chemists cannot dispense a prescription from a doctor who is not on the island, but will advise you on how to obtain one if necessary.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Aruba.

Dengue fever is common across the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause a feverish illness associated with headache, muscle aches and pains, and rash. Some cases of dengue are severe. Dengue can be prevented by avoiding being bitten by the disease-carrying mosquitoes that feed predominately during daylight hours. For more information on prevention, see the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Aruba and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see the Travel Health page of the FCO website.

The hurricane season in the Dutch Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the Meteorological department of Curacao (servicing all Islands within the Dutch Kingdom) and the World Meteorological Organisation. You can also access the National Hurricane Centre. Please also see our Tropical cyclones page for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.

Most hurricanes pass well to the north of Aruba, which has no record of a recent major hurricane; there are occasional tropical storms.

General - Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see When Things Go Wrong.

General - Aruba

Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and has been so since 1986. It shares the same status as Curacao & St. Maarten.

General - Language

English is the dominant language in St. Maarten although Dutch, Papiamento, and Spanish are also spoken. The Creole language, Papiamento, is a mixture of Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, English and French.

General - Consular Registration

You should register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Consular Assistance

There is an Honorary Consulate in Curaçao where consular services and general assistance and can be obtained.  This Consulate is supported by the British High Commission in Barbados for consular matters.

General - Money  

The official local currency is the Aruban Guilder (AWG) and has been fixed to the US Dollar at approximately 1.80 ANG to 1USD for over 35 years. The US Dollar is accepted throughout the Island. Local currency and US Dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated all over the islands. Major credit cards are accepted in practically all tourist establishments.