Before you go to Aruba: what to know
Must know
- Obtain ED-card approval within 7 days before travel; the sustainability fee is USD 20 for applicable air visitors. Use the official portal.
- Keep valid ID with you and never carry packages for strangers.
Entry and visas
Aruba has entry rules separate from European Netherlands. British tourists can visit visa-free for up to three months. Obtain ED-card approval before boarding, including for children; applicable air visitors pay the sustainability fee online. Other nationalities should check Caribbean visa requirements with the Netherlands authorities.
Online arrival forms and permits
- Aruba ED-card ↗ required
Within 7 days before travel; approval needed before boarding · Fee: USD 20 sustainability fee where applicable · Inbound air passengers, including infants and children
Passport validity: Valid for the duration of the stay.
Customs
- Do not remove coral, seashells or beach sand.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, aruba.com ↗, aruba.com ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗
Money
Cash and cards are both common. Cards are widely accepted.
Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- US dollars are widely accepted.
- ATMs accept supported foreign bank cards; check issuer restrictions.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu ↗
Rules and bans
Prohibited
- Illegal drugs
- Removing coral, seashells or beach sand
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Carry identification; UK advice recommends a passport copy.
- Do not turn right on a red light.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Catholicism is the largest tradition; other faiths also have places of worship.
Clothing: Bring a light layer for air-conditioned rooms; dress appropriately for the venue.
Etiquette
- Agree the fare before taking an unmetered taxi.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: aruba.com ↗, international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu ↗, gov.uk ↗
Climate
Warm year-round. Most hurricanes pass north of Aruba, but tropical storms, rough seas and heavy rain remain possible during June-November.
Month by month
- January: Jan: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- February: Feb: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- March: Mar: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- April: Apr: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- May: May: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- June: Jun: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- July: Jul: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- August: Aug: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- September: Sep: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- October: Oct: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- November: Nov: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- December: Dec: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
Best season: December-May avoids the official hurricane season; check local rainfall and forecasts.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
What to pack
- Travel documents and insurance details
- Medicines in original packaging
- A backup payment method
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Carrying packages for strangers
Practical
Plugs: Type A/B, 120-127 V, 60 Hz
Water: Tap water is safe to drink according to the EU visitor information note.
Traffic: drives on the right
Mobile and eSIM: Local SIM options include SETAR and Digicel; confirm current offers and device support.
Emergency: 100 police; 911 ambulance/fire
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu ↗, aruba.com ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.