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Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Aruba’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

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 .

Passport validity requirements

If you’re visiting Aruba, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

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.

Visa requirements

You can visit Aruba for up to 3 months without a visa.

To stay longer (or to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must meet the .

It’s illegal to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit.

You must complete an up to 7 days before you arrive. You’ll need to show proof of approval to travel to your airline before you can fly.

Applying for a visa

.

Vaccine requirements

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .

Customs rules

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.

Travelling through Aruba

If you’re travelling through Aruba, you need to fill in the .

Terrorism

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.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Aruba

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Aruba, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

There is a risk of petty theft and there are occasionally incidents of street crime.

To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings:

• avoid walking in remote areas at night
• do not take valuables or cash to the beach
• do not leave bags in your vehicle
• make sure purses and bags are closed and not easy to grab

Drug-related crime

Aruba is used as a drug passageway from South America to Europe and North America. There can be drug-related violent crime.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

It’s a legal requirement to carry ID. Always keep a copy of your passport with you.

Illegal drugs

There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Do not leave bags unattended or agree to carry a package for anyone.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you’re planning to drive in Aruba, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as 2 years of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.

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.

Taxis

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.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Hurricanes

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.

Monitor local news and check the and .

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See .

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read .

Health insurance cards

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not valid in Aruba. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Aruba

Ambulance and fire: 911

Police: 100

Coastguard: 913

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• dealing with aÌýdeath abroad
• ²ú±ð¾±²Ô²µÌýarrested or imprisoned abroad
• getting help if you’re aÌývictim of crime
• what to do if you’reÌýin hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

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Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

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