Welcome to the Aruba Travel Guide. In this guide you will find helpful travel tips about this small Dutch island just off the coast of Venezuela. Read about airlines and ocean vessels that service Aruba; entry and visa requirements; accommodation and transportation; tourism specialties; customs and immigration regulations; transportation and general tips about the island.
Getting to Aruba
Aruba is easily accessible via a number of regional and international airlines as well as ocean vessels such as cruise ships, yachts and other pleasure craft,
Airlines That Fly to Aruba
Airlines that fly to Aruba include Aruba Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United Airlines, US Airways, Suriname Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, InselAir, Air Canada, Westjet, Sunwing Airlines, COPA Airlines, Laser Airlines, Avianca, Venezolana and GOL.
All airlines arriving on the island must land at the Queen Beatrix International Airport, which is the main airport on the island. The airport features a shopping centre, lounges, restaurants and bars, a medical centre and banking facilities.
Ocean Vessels That Sail to Aruba
Aruba is a popular cruise destination which sees thousands of visitors each year. Cruise lines which call at the island include Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Disney Cruises, Seabourn Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruises, Carnival Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.
The Port of Aruba, which welcomes all visitors arriving by sea, is located in Oranjestad and has three cruise ship terminals. Visitors arriving in Aruba by ocean vessel, must sail into one these terminals.
Aruba Entry/Visa Requirements
Before you travel to Aruba, there are a few entry and visa requirements to note.
Passports
All visitors to Aruba must possess a valid passport with at least six months before expiration.
Visas
Nationals of specific countries do NOT require a visa to enter Aruba. Please check Visa/Entry Requirements for Aruba to see if your country of nationality is on the list. If your country is NOT listed, you should contact the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country or any mission representing the Netherlands.
Entry Conditions
Visitors must possess a return ticket, confirmation of accommodation and evidence of their ability to support themselves whilst on the island.
Special Cases
Nationals of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands can request an extension of their stay.
Aruba Customs and Immigration Regulations
All visitors (including infants) to Aruba must clear Customs and Immigration at the ports of entry to gain legal entry to the country. Please note that all arriving passengers must complete the necessary immigration forms and submit to the the receiving officer. Additionally, all departing passengers must provide a completed departure record to the officer.
Accommodation in Aruba
Aruba’s first-class properties include apartments, condos, private homes, villas, timeshares, all inclusives, hotels and resorts. To guarantee your space at your desired location, you should make reservation before you visit the island. This is also wise, because this information is required by Customs and Immigration on your arrival.
Transportation in Aruba
There are several transportation options available including a local bus service. Other options include rental cars, tour bus and taxi companies. To hire a car, you must be between the ages of 21 and 70; possess an a valid driver’s license from your resident country held for at least two full years and/or an international driver’s licence.
Aruba Niche Tourism Markets
The island is known for its relaxing trade winds, however it has developed sustainable tourism specialties in new areas such as: bird watching, charity tourism, culinary tourism, culture/ heritage, cycling, diving, festivals, fishing, golf, health, wellness and spa, business (meetings, conferences etc.), sailing, soft adventures, sports, weddings and honeymoons.
Weather in Aruba
Temperatures vary between 22-32 degrees Celcius (70-90 degrees Fahrenheit). The hurricane season is June 1st to November 30th. Annual rainfall averages 18 inches.
General Tips About Aruba
Here are a few other tips to note before you travel to Aruba.
- Official Language: Dutch
- Government: Unitary parliamentary representative democracy under constitutional monarchy
- Capital City: Oranjestad
- Area Code: 297
- Size: 69.08 square miles
- Population: 103,000
- Location: Lesser Antilles in the Southern Caribbean Sea
- Electricity: 110 Volts AC.
- Currency: The Aruban Florin, but the US dollar is widely accepted.
- Legal Drinking Age: 18
- Closest Islands: Bonaire and Curacao
- Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time. GMT -4
- Driving: Right side of the road.
- Dress Code: Informal / casual, but conservative (Beach wear is not allowed in public places; nude and topless swimming and/or sunbathing are not permitted). Camouflage clothing is illegal and will be confiscated on arrival.
- Beaches: All beaches are public.
Don’t forget to add the Aruba Travel Guide to your bookmarks. This page receives updates periodically.
If you have found our Aruba Travel Guide helpful, please let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. If you know someone who is interested in visiting Aruba, send them a link to our Aruba Travel Guide and tell them about our website. Not interested in Aruba? Read about our other Caribbean destinations, and find the one that’s right for you.
Image Credit: Aruba Tourism Authority