Below follows an information and travel advisory update from the Aruba Tourism Authority regarding the measures Aruba has put in place, including travel protocols in connection with the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Government of Aruba together with the Department of Public Health continuously monitors the situation based on a range of factors and epidemiological indicators to assess risk levels.

Last Updated: Nov 11, 2020_history
Valid Through: Today

• Nov 11, 2020 - Announcement of JetBlue partnership
• Nov 4, 2020 - Cleanup of measures that are no longer in place since Nov 1.
• Oct 27, 2020 - New re-opening dates, phasing out of state testing requirements, insurance price adjustment, curfew replaced by 'restircted zones', updated FAQ and updated music policy
• Oct 22, 2020 - Curfew no longer in effect
• Oct 7, 2020 - Changed closing and curfew time
• Sept 19, 2020 - Changed closing and curfew time
• Sept 16, 2020 - Included upcoming state requirement changes
• Sept 10, 2020 - Removed airport temperature screening

Oct. 27 Update on entry requirements

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Great news! As of November 1, 2020, the classification of U.S. “hot spot” states are no longer in effect. As such, as part of the required online Embarkation/ Disembarkation card process, residents of all 50 states will now have the option to take a PCR test upon arrival at the airport in Aruba as well as the option to provide a certified negative test result prior to travel to Aruba.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Through a partnership with Vault Heath, all JetBlue passengers who want to test prior to travel to Aruba, now have the convenient option of an at-home, saliva-based PCR test, in addition to the option of securing a PCR test from a certified health provider or lab. Those JetBlue passengers not choosing to test prior to travel, must take a PCR test upon arrival at the airport in Aruba. For more details, click here.

The following information reflects the most up-to-date information as it pertains to Aruba’s reopening protocols and procedures. Aruba’s health and safety protocols will be revisited and reevaluated on an ongoing basis. Based on the ever-changing situation, we recommend all visitors check Aruba.com frequently for any changes to dates, markets, required procedures and more.

This information is subject to change at the discretion of the Government of Aruba.

• Reopening statement & country/region start dates
  • Permitted countries/regions & opening dates
• Mandatory procedures & requirements for entry
  • The online embarkation/disembarkation process
    • Component 1: Basic Traveler Information
    • Component 2: Personal Health Assessment
    • Component 3: Negative Molecular test required
    • Component 4: Requisite Insurance Coverage
    • Component 5: Consent to Aruba Government Mandates
    • Email notification & reminders
  • Arrival health procedures in Aruba
  • While in Aruba
    • Mask wearing requirements
    • Additional safety protocols
• Regulations when showing symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test while in Aruba
  • Showing COVID-19 symptoms : Step 1
  • Showing COVID-19 symptoms & testing required : Step 2
  • COVID-19 test results : Step 3
  • Travel companions – Quarantine protocols
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • ED Card FAQ
  • Health & Testing FAQ
  • COVID-19 Measures FAQ
  • Aruba Visitors Insurance FAQ

Reopening statement & country/region start dates

As of June 10, 2020, the government of Aruba officially announced that the country will reopen its borders and once again welcome inbound travel. The decision to reopen borders, which were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions in early March, was made in conjunction with the Aruba Department of Public Health (DPH) and took into consideration the ongoing guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States.

The government of Aruba carefully considers a range of factors in the reopening decision-making process, including:

• Local Containment
  An aggressive response to identifying and managing potential cases of COVID-19 was impactful and reduced the effect on Aruba.
• Gradual Easing of On-Island Restrictions
  As conditions improved, restrictions on the island have been carefully rolled back without significant concerns.
• Stringent Health Standards in Place
  Stringent new health and safety protocols, including the Aruba Health & Happiness Code, have been implemented island-wide, with a heavy emphasis on tourism and hospitality businesses to help ensure the well-being of Aruba’s visitors and local community.

Permitted countries/regions & opening dates

Aruba’s diligent reopening has happened in phases, monitored closely by the Government of Aruba and the Department of Public Health. We want to make traveling to Aruba as safe and easy as possible and we’re pleased to share our most updated reopening status by region/country:

The United States of America : Open!
Travel permitted from all 50 States as of July 10, 2020.
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Beginning November 1, 2020, the classification of U.S. “hot spot” states will no longer be in effect. As such, as part of the required online Embarkation/ Disembarkation card process, residents of all 50 states will now have the option to take a PCR test upon arrival at the airport in Aruba as well as the option to provide a certified negative test result prior to travel to Aruba.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Through a partnership with Vault Heath, all JetBlue passengers who want to test prior to travel to Aruba, now have the convenient option of an at-home, saliva-based PCR test, in addition to the option of securing a PCR test from a certified health provider or lab. Those JetBlue passengers not choosing to test prior to travel, must take a PCR test upon arrival at the airport in Aruba. For more details, click here.

Canada : Open!
Travel permitted as of July 1, 2020

Europe : Open!
Travel permitted as of July 1, 2020

South America : Opening December 1^st, 2020!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Beginning December 1, 2020, travel will be permitted from all South American countries, with the exception of Venezuela. Prior to the pandemic, a border closure with Venezuela was already in effect and shall remain so for the time being. Venezuelan residents wishing to travel to Aruba are encouraged to check aruba.com frequently as updates will be shared in the near future.

Central America : Opening December 1^st, 2020!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Beginning December 1^st, 2020, travel will be permitted from all Central American countries.

The Caribbean : Open!
Travel permitted as of July 1, 2020
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Beginning December 1^st, 2020, travel will be permitted from all Caribbean countries and now include the Dominican Republic & Haiti 

All other regions & countries : Open!

Mandatory procedures & requirements for entry

To maintain the safety and well-being of visitors and locals, new requirements are in place for visitors to be permitted to enter Aruba. There are also government-mandated procedures for visitors while staying in Aruba. While full procedural details will be updated on a regular basis, the following are some of the most important:

The online embarkation/disembarkation process

All visitors will be required to complete the online Embarkation/Disembarkation card process and be approved in order to be permitted entry to Aruba. The new ED card process includes five components. Do take note carefully, as there are important steps, and visitors will not be granted access to Aruba without completing the process. Note: You will need a valid passport and a valid email address that you have access to.

Component 1: Basic Traveler Information

This will require travelers to provide basic personal and travel details such as: date of birth, passport information, length of stay, etc.

Timing: Visitors are encouraged to start and complete this part of the process anytime after booking their trip to Aruba.

Component 2: Personal Health Assessment

This will require visitors to provide truthful, accurate answers to questions regarding their health. These questions will likely include: 

• Have you (or the person for whom you completed this form) been suspected of or diagnosed with pneumonia or the COVID-19 infection within the past 14 days?
• Did you (or the person for whom you completed this form) have any of the following symptoms in the past 24 hours: fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell/taste?
• Have you been in quarantine within the past 14 days?
• Have you had any close contact (less than two meters) for more than 15 minutes with a probable or confirmed COVID-19-infected person within the past 14 days, including persons in quarantine or isolation?

Timing: This must be completed within 72 hours and 4  hours prior to travel to Aruba.

Component 3: Negative Molecular COVID-19 test required

To create a safe environment for you — our guest — and residents alike, it is important that we have testing to confirm that all travelers are negative for coronavirus.

All visitors, 15 years and older, traveling to Aruba must take a Molecular COVID-19 test.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Through a partnership with Vault Heath, all JetBlue passengers who want to test prior to travel to Aruba, now have the convenient option of an at-home, saliva-based PCR test, in addition to the option of securing a PCR test from a certified health provider or lab. Those JetBlue passengers not choosing to test prior to travel, must take a PCR test upon arrival at the airport in Aruba. For more details, click here.

Find the testing option best suited to you on the COVID-19 Testing Requirements page.

For details on the procedures for guests showing a positive COVID-19 test result while in Aruba, please reference the “Regulations when showing symptoms or testing positive for COVID-19 while in Aruba” section below.
 

Component 4: Requisite Insurance Coverage

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of Aruba must ensure that all visitors are properly insured. The Aruba Visitors Insurance is a mandatory insurance that helps protect visitors against incurred medical and non-medical expenses if testing positive for COVID-19 during their stay in Aruba.

For full details on the Aruba Visitors Insurance including coverage details, eligibility requirements, premium calculations by age, maximum length of coverage, FAQ’s and more, we encourage visitors to please click here. Some important highlights are listed below.

• Visitors must purchase the Aruba Visitors Insurance in order to complete the ED card process.
• Visitors can buy or use their own travel or health insurance to supplement the Aruba Visitors Insurance, but not to replace it.
• Other insurances may cover you for some of the COVID-19-related expenses, but few plans offer comprehensive COVID-19 coverage in Aruba and also cover isolation costs outside of a hospital.
• The premium is a reasonably priced, one-time flat fee, not a daily rate based on length of stay. Note, this premium reflects a reduction in the cost of insurance from prior months. For more details click here.
• Subject to an overall limit of US$75,000, a visitor who tests positive for COVID-19 in Aruba, will have very few, if any, out-of-pocket expenses with the Aruba Visitors Insurance, as the medical and non-medical providers are paid directly by the locally licensed insurers.
• If you purchase the Aruba Visitors Insurance and do not take your trip, you may request a full refund by email.
• As soon as you’ve completed the ED-Card form and payment, you will receive an email with your Aruba Visitors Insurance policy documents attached. 

Timing: Purchase of the Aruba Visitors Insurance must be completed within 72 hours, and 4 hours prior to travel to Aruba.

Component 5: Consent to Aruba Government Mandates

This will require visitors to consent to comply with the rules and procedures as mandated by the Aruban government. This will include:

• Acknowledgment and consent that upon arrival and during their stay in Aruba visitors shall cooperate with any type of COVID-19 testing as indicated by the public health authorities of Aruba, including isolation and/or quarantine.
• Acknowledgment and consent that in case the visitor undergoes diagnostic Molecular PCR COVID-19 testing, they shall await their Molecular PCR COVID-19 test results in quarantine as instructed by the public health authorities.
• Acknowledgment and consent to follow any and all instructions imposed by the public health authorities of Aruba; this includes, but is not limited to, instructions to be isolated or quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19.
• For details on the procedures for guests showing a positive COVID-19 test result while in Aruba, please reference the “Regulations when showing symptoms or testing positive for COVID-19 while in Aruba” section below.

Timing: Consent to Aruba Government mandates must be completed within 72 hours and 4 hours prior to travel to Aruba.

Email notification & reminders:

Visitors are encouraged to begin filling out the ED card as soon as they book their trip to Aruba. Once the visitor’s date of travel is submitted, the visitor will be registered to receive email reminder notifications. 

• Email notification will be sent 72 hours prior as a reminder to begin completion of all components of the online ED card process. A reminder email will also be sent 24 hours prior to departure to Aruba.
• Upon successful completion of the ED card process, travelers will receive an email confirmation of approval for travel, which must be shown either digitally or in printed form at check in or upon boarding.

Arrival health procedures in Aruba

All visitors will be required to comply with arrival health procedures as mandated by the Aruba Airport Authority and the Government of Aruba. The mandatory requirements will include:

• For all inbound visitors age 15 and above, the Aruban government requires a mask be worn in flight to Aruba, at the airport in Aruba and until you enter your room at your booked place of stay.
• We also strongly encourage visitors to have their mask handy for situations where social distancing proves difficult.
• All travelers not showing documentation indicating a negative Molecular COVID-19 test result prior to travel to Aruba as a part of the ED card process will receive a Molecular PCR COVID-19 test at the Airport when arriving in Aruba.
• The Molecular PCR COVID-19 testing will be followed by a mandatory quarantine at the traveler’s booked accommodations while test results are assessed.
• The mandatory quarantine while test results are assessed will be up to 24 hours. The health department will make every effort to have results in 6-8 hours in order to minimize the visitor’s time in quarantine.
• Children 14 and under will not be required to take the mandatory Molecular PCR COVID-19 test upon arrival at the Aruba Airport.
• Prior to travel, visitors should download the Aruba Department of Public Health’s Aruba Health App. A mobile resource for information on COVID-19 health procedures in Aruba, and faster results for Molecular PCR COVID-19 tests taken in Aruba.

While in Aruba - Mask wearing requirements & additional safety protocols

For health and safety, wearing a mask is mandatory at specific places in Aruba. Visitors and locals are expected to have a mask with them at all times to use in the mandated places listed below, as well as any other instance where social distancing is not possible. As with all of Aruba’s procedures and protocols, this will be monitored and is subject to change as the situation develops.

Where masks are mandatory:



• The government of Aruba requires that all inbound visitors ages 15 and older wear a mask in flight to Aruba. Note: Please also check with your respective airline for their in-flight requirements and procedures for travel.
• The government of Aruba requires that all inbound visitors ages 15 and older wear a mask in the airport in Aruba, on the taxi ride from the airport to their accommodation, and until they enter their room at their booked place of stay.
• The government of Aruba requires all visitors and locals to wear a mask on public transportation including public buses and taxis for hire.
• The government of Aruba requires all visitors and locals to wear a mask in any indoor public space. This includes, but is not limited to, retail shops, supermarkets, museums, casinos, etc. Note: Please also check with your respective hotel or accommodations for their specific mask wearing protocols.
• The government of Aruba requires all visitors and locals to wear a mask on tour buses.

Where masks are strongly encouraged:

• In places not listed above as mandatory, the government of Aruba strongly encourages visitors and locals to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible and where there are no physical barriers, such as plexiglass shields, to compensate for social distancing.
• This includes, but is not limited to, food and beverage establishments, outdoor retail shops, outdoor attractions, parks, bike paths and walkways, etc.

Proper mask usage:



Visitors and locals should follow CDC and/or WHO guidelines for effective types of masks, as well as proper mask usage, which includes wearing it over the nose and mouth, securing it under the chin, and fitting it snugly against the sides of the face.

Additional important safety measures & updates

The government of Aruba has also implemented additional island-wide measures to further maintain the health and safety of visitors. As with all of Aruba’s procedures and protocols, this will be monitored and is subject to change as the situation develops.


• While there is currently no curfew, there are “restricted zones” that are off-limits between the hours of 12am-5am, which includes all beaches and public parking lots.
• All establishments are currently required to close by 11:00 pm at the latest. This is not applicable for establishments at hotel properties. Closing times per hotel may differ, please check with your hotel for more information.
• Tables at restaurants can have a maximum of four seats (excluding children under the age of 12). Tables must be at least 1.5 m apart. 
• All bars, rum shops, and nightclubs are closed until further notice. Restaurant bars can serve at tables only. There will be no bar stools and no standing at bars.
• Hotel bars can serve at the bar for only registered hotel guests.
• Establishments are permitted to have ‘ambient music’ performed by up to a maximum of 3 musicians under the established guidelines.
• No parties are allowed in private homes.
• No groups over four people are allowed to form in public spaces unless the group consists of a family from the same household. This includes gatherings on the beach.
• Beach weddings permitted but must be on small scale (25 people maximum), provided there is no live music and proper social distancing and hand sanitizing is adhered to. A single, nonamplified musician is allowed.
• There can be no indoor group sports and no contact sports of any kind (indoor or outdoor).

Testing before your return flight

Need a negative COVID-19 test before returning home? Consult the local testing facilities list.

Regulations when showing symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test while in Aruba

All visitors will be required to comply with the Government of Aruba procedures and protocols if showing symptoms and/or testing positive for COVID-19 while in Aruba. The mandatory requirements will include:

Showing COVID-19 symptoms : Step 1

Hotel and timeshare guests:

• In the case of a guest contacting the hotel or timeshare in light of symptoms linked to COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties), the staff will direct the guest immediately to their room and the respective hotel or timeshare representative will contact the COVID Call Center at 280-0505 and connect the call to their room.
• Over the phone, a triage questionnaire will be conducted by a medical practitioner.

 For guests that do NOT MEET the criteria for testing:

• The medical practitioner will advise on next steps.
• The hotel will follow up by calling the room and confirming the status.

Villa or private home guests:

• In the case of a guest having symptoms linked to COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties), the guest must contact their accommodation host or the COVID Call Center at 280-0505
• Over the phone, a triage questionnaire will be conducted by a medical practitioner.

For guests that do NOT MEET the criteria for testing:

• The medical practitioner will advise them on next steps.

Showing COVID-19 symptoms & testing required : Step 2

Hotel and timeshare guests:

For guests that MEET the criteria for testing:

• The COVID Call Center will inform the guest and the host hotel or timeshare of the suspected case.
• A date and time will be appointed by the COVID Call Center for testing.
• Following all procedures as stipulated by the host hotel or timeshare, the guest will be tested at the property.
• Suspected case must stay in isolation and travel companions must stay in quarantine pending test results of the suspected case.

Villa or private home guests:

For guests that MEET the criteria for testing:

• The COVID Call Center will inform the guest of the appointed date and time for testing.
• Following all procedures as stipulated by the host, the guest will be tested at their place of stay.
• Suspected case must stay in isolation and travel companions must stay in quarantine pending test results of the suspected case.

Testing and transportation

• Host or suspected case will contact the designated private concierge to arrange transportation for pickup for testing.
• The guest should wear a mask when being picked up by designated transportation company.

COVID-19 test results : Step 3

Positive test results: 

Hotel and timeshare guests:

• The test results will be revealed by the Department of Public Health in 2 hours.
• Following all procedures, as stipulated by the host hotel or timeshare, the guest will be transported to a designated isolation location and any identified associated contact(s) to a designated quarantine location. 
• All guests are to follow all health and safety regulations during this process and must pack and take all belongings with him/her to a designated isolation  and quarantine location.
• The confirmed case will remain in isolation at one of the designated properties until recovered.
• Throughout the isolation process, medical follow-up will be conducted.
• Once the patient recovers and tests negative, he/she can resume vacation or depart the destination.
• Positive cases showing symptoms are required  to stay in isolation for 14 days. Asymptomatic positive cases are required to stay in isolation for 7 days.

Villa or private home guests:

• The test results will be revealed by the Department of Public Health in 2 hours.
• If the case is positive, the confirmed case will have to be in isolation until recovered.
• If current accommodation does not host isolation, the positively tested guest needs to be transported to a designated isolation location.
• Arrangements will be made for guest to be relocated to a designated isolation location.
• If current location hosts guests for quarantine, guests can remain in the accommodation. 
• If current location does not host guests for quarantine, arrangements will be made for guests to be transported to a designated quarantine location.
• Identified associated contact(s) of the confirmed case are required to be in quarantine for  7 days and will be monitored by the Department of Public Health

Negative test results: 

Hotel and timeshare guests:

• If test results are negative, the guest can resume their vacation.

Villa or private home guests: 

• If test results are negative, the patient can resume their vacation.

Travel companions – Quarantine protocols

Hotel and timeshare guests:

• Travel companion(s) of a suspected case will remain in quarantine their room while test results are pending.
• Identified associated contact(s) of the confirmed case will need to pack their belongings as they will be relocated and placed in quarantine at one of the designated quarantine locations for 7 days. The 7-day period restarts each time a new case is discovered within the group. 
• A person not showing symptoms can either stay in quarantine in Aruba at one of the designated quarantine locations or choose to depart the island. 
• In cases where an identified associated contact(s) develops COVID-19-related symptoms while in quarantine, the new suspected case will be transferred for testing and then isolated at an assigned location pending test results.

Villa or private home guests:

• Only guests exhibiting symptoms will be taken in for testing.
• In case an identified contact(s) develops COVID-19-related symptoms while in quarantine, the new suspected case will have to get tested and then be isolated pending test results.
• In cases where an identified associated contact(s) develops COVID-19-related symptoms while in quarantine, the new suspected case is required to get tested and then be isolated pending test results.
• Identified contact(s) of any new confirmed case will have to stay in quarantine – the quarantine period of 7 days restarts each time a new case is discovered within the group.
• Identified associated contact(s) of any new confirmed case will be required to stay in quarantine. The quarantine period of 7 days will restart each time a new case is discovered within the group.
• Aruba can mandate a visitor return to their country of origin should they refuse to remain in quarantine on island. 
• Guests in quarantine do have the option of leaving Aruba and returning home in lieu of being relocated at one of the quarantine designated locations.

This information is subject to change at the discretion of the Government of Aruba. The preceding information reflects the most up-to-date information as it pertains to Aruba’s reopening protocols and procedures. Aruba’s health and safety protocols will be revisited and reevaluated on an ongoing basis. Based on the ever-changing situation, we recommend that all visitors check Aruba.com frequently for any changes to dates, markets, required procedures and more. 

If you have any unanswered questions, please feel free to email us directly at support@aruba.com.