The last thing you want to worry about when planning a trip to Aruba is what documents are required for entry there. But whenever you leave the United States, with just a few exceptions, it’s generally safe to assume you’ll need a valid passport, and the Aruba passport requirements are no different: U.S. citizens do need a valid passport with at least one blank page an entry stamp to visit.
A passport, however, may not be the only documentation you need when going to Aruba. You will have to provide a completed ED-Card (Embarkation-Disembarkation Card) upon arrival. You may also be required to show proof of a return ticket or an onward ticket out of Aruba, sufficient travel funds to pay for your stay, and the location of your hotel or other accommodations during your stay.
Aruba Passport Requirements for U.S. Citizens
A valid passport at the time of travel with at least one blank page for an entry stamp and a completed ED-Card (Embarkation-Disembarkation Card) are required when entering Aruba. You may also need to show proof of a return or onward ticket departing Aruba, sufficient travel funds for the time you are visiting Aruba, and the location of where you’ll be staying in Aruba.
How to Get a Passport for Travel to Aruba
If you don’t already have a valid U.S. passport, you should apply for a passport as soon as you know you’ll be traveling to Aruba. A routine passport application takes about six weeks to process.
The cost will be greater if you apply for a passport within two to three weeks of your planned travel dates, because you’ll need to pay extra to have your passport application expedited; it usually takes about two weeks to expedite a passport application. You can speed up the passport expediting process to fewer than two weeks if you apply and expedite the application in person at an agency.
You can learn more about the requirements and documents needed to obtain a U.S. passport at USA.gov.
Other Requirements for Travel to Aruba
Visa: Not required for U.S. citizens.
Vaccinations: Yes, you’ll need the Yellow Fever vaccine if traveling from Central American, Latin American, and African countries. More info here.
Maximum length of stay: 30 days.
What to Do If You Lose Your Passport in Aruba
Take every precaution to keep your passport secure, such as carrying it in a hidden passport holder, keeping it locked in a safe, and emailing copies to yourself or a loved one before traveling.
If you do lose your passport, report the loss immediately to the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao.
So, Do I Need a Passport to Go to Aruba?
In summary: Yes, you will need a valid passport with at least one blank page for an entry stamp, as well as a completed ED-Card to go to Aruba. You may also need to show proof of a return or onward ticket departing Aruba, sufficient travel funds for the time you are visiting Aruba, and the location of where you’ll be staying in Aruba.
More Information When Visiting Aruba
The U.S. Department of State provides detailed information, including travel advisories and passport validity requirements, to your destination.
For information on how to apply or renew a passport, visit here.
Aruba Tourism Authority is a great resource for things to do and places to stay, as well as everything you need to know before you go when planning a trip to Aruba. Plus, you can fill out the ED-Card (Embarkation-Disembarkation Card) online before you travel.
Protect Your Passport
We recommend investing in a passport cover or wallet to protect your pages from bends, tears and spills. It’s important to keep your passport in good condition for easy inspection.
On travel days, only take your passport out during inspection. Otherwise, keep it stowed away in a dedicated section of your bag (if you keep it in the same place every time, you won’t ever scramble to locate it). Once you arrive at your destination, find a way to stow it securely. In-room safes or safe deposit boxes at the hotel front desk are generally good options, but if neither is available, you’ll need to decide how to keep your passport secure. You might consider keeping it in an under-clothing money belt that you wear, or leaving it in the hotel or vacation rental but locking it in your suitcase with a TSA-approved lock.
More from SmarterTravel:
- 5 Exotic Places Where You Don’t Need a Passport
- How to Renew a Passport, Global Entry, and TSA PreCheck—The Ultimate Guide
- How to Take Your Own Passport Photo
Dress Up Your Passport
Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.
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