{"slug":"aruba","title":"Aruba travel advice","updated_at":"2026-07-07T14:03:43+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-07-07T13:03:43Z","change_description":"This travel advice was reviewed for accuracy and there are no significant updates.","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/aruba","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Aruba’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>Aruba is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It sets and enforces its own entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/contact/embassies-consulates-general/united-kingdom/embassy-london\">Netherlands Embassy in the UK</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>If you’re visiting Aruba, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.</p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual Citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You can visit Aruba for up to 3 months without a visa.</p>\n\n<p>To stay longer (or to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/caribbean-visa\">Aruban government’s entry requirements</a>.</p>\n\n<p>It’s illegal to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit.</p>\n\n<p>You must complete an <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://edcardaruba.aw/\">embarkation card</a> up to 7 days before you arrive. You’ll need to show proof of approval to travel to your airline before you can fly.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"applying-for-a-visa\">Applying for a visa</h3>\n\n<p><a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/visa-application-form\">Apply for a short-term or long-term Caribbean visa for Aruba</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/44/aruba-caribbean-islands-netherlands#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Aruba guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Aruba. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"travelling-through-aruba\">Travelling through Aruba</h2>\n\n<p>If you’re travelling through Aruba, you need to fill in the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://edcardaruba.aw/\">embarkation/disembarkation card</a>.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.    </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-aruba\">Terrorism in Aruba</h3>\n\n<p>Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Aruba, attacks cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-your-belongings\">Protecting your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>There is a risk of petty theft and there are occasionally incidents of street crime.</p>\n\n<p>To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>avoid walking in remote areas at night</li>\n  <li>do not take valuables or cash to the beach</li>\n  <li>do not leave bags in your vehicle</li>\n  <li>make sure purses and bags are closed and not easy to grab</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"drug-related-crime\">Drug-related crime</h3>\n\n<p>Aruba is used as a drug passageway from South America to Europe and North America. There can be drug-related violent crime.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"personal-id\">Personal ID</h3>\n\n<p>It’s a legal requirement to carry ID. Always keep a copy of your passport with you.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs\">Illegal drugs</h3>\n\n<p>There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Do not leave bags unattended or agree to carry a package for anyone.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you’re planning to drive in Aruba, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<p>You’ll need to have both the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">correct version of the international driving permit (<abbr title=\"international driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a> and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an <abbr title=\"international driving permit\">IDP</abbr> outside the UK, so get one before you travel.</p>\n\n<p>Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as 2 years of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an <abbr title=\"international driving permit\">IDP</abbr>.</p>\n\n<p>Drink-driving is a serious offence in Aruba. If you are tested and found to have just over half of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taxis\">Taxis</h3>\n\n<p>Taxis are not metered. To avoid being overcharged, agree the fare in local currency with the driver before you set off. Only use licensed taxis.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters</h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hurricanes\">Hurricanes</h3>\n\n<p>The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. Most hurricanes pass to the north of Aruba, which has no record of a recent major hurricane. There are occasional tropical storms.</p>\n\n<p>Monitor local news and check the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://worldweather.wmo.int/en/country.html?countryCode=181\">World Meteorological Organization weather reports for Curaçao and St Maarten</a> and <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/\">US National Hurricane Center</a>.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","do not take valuables or cash to the beach","If you are tested and found to have just over half of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.","To avoid being overcharged, agree the fare in local currency with the driver before you set off."]}
