Explore: Aruba - Formalities
Clearance
ARRIVAL FORMALITIES
General Process:
The main port of entry in Aruba is the Port of Oranjestad or you may be sent to Barcadera harbor.
Call Aruba Ports Authority on channel 16 to arrange safe harbour entry.
Fly a yellow Q (Quarantine) flag from a clearly visible high point.
All people on board – whether crew or passengers – must stay on board until all entry procedures have been completed.
Remain on board in designated “Yellow marked” area (H Pier) until the Customs and Immigration officer has cleared the ship.
The Crew List and Passenger List forms are found on the Aruba Ports website and can be printed in advance to save clearance time.
Clearance is reported to be swift and efficient, and there are no clearance charges. However, if visiting during the cruise ship season (October – April) there may be longer waiting times.
When leaving the clearance dock, be sure to check first with Port Control for permission. Cruise ships have right of way here.
If arriving after 10:00 pm contact the Coast Guard for directions to the designated anchorage space and proceed with clearance in the morning.
CLEARING OUT
International Clearance:
On departure, contact Aruba Ports Authority on channel 16 to arrange docking, customs, and immigration procedures.
Last updated: April 2019
Immigration
Passports are required for all visitors.
The Immigration form (three copies will be required) for yacht crews can be downloaded from the Aruba Ports website here.
The initial period of time that a person can be admitted to Aruba as a tourist is 30 days, however, a longer period can be requested on entry.
The total amount of days a person can stay in Aruba as a tourist, cannot exceed 180 days per year. For a list of nationalities who can extend their 30 day stay for up to 180 days, go to http://www.aruba.com/sigma/Entry_Req-Eng.pdf.
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, ask for an extension on entry.
Visas
Even though Aruba is now an autonomous country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it has its own visa rules.
Nationals from a large number of countries do not require a visa to enter Aruba. For example, visitors from the United States, Canada, UK, Ireland and Schengen Area countries do not require a visa. It depends on your nationality and length of stay.
Where and How to Apply for a Visa
Nationalities requiring a visa can find out entry requirements at http://www.aruba.com/sigma/Entry_Req-Eng.pdf.
Find out about the Caribbean Visa for Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Eustatius, and St Maarten at the Kingdom of the Netherlands official website.
A visa (if required) must be obtained prior to arrival. Find a consulate or embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands near you at http://www.government.nl/issues/embassies-consulates-and-other-representations/contents.
Last updated: April 2019
Customs
Arriving By Yacht:
The Customs form (two copies are needed) can be downloaded at the Aruba Ports site.
Firearms and spear guns must be declared. These will be held until your departure.
Customs may undertake a quick search of your boat.
Arriving By Air:
Parts brought in by air in your luggage are duty free.
Importing Parts/Spares:
Considered one of the easier places in the Caribbean to ship or bring in spare parts because of its duty free status. Parts/packages can be shipped in without any hassles via a variety of companies. Renaissance Marina accepts packages for yachts in transit.
Other Customs Rules:
Outside of the regular clearance: As of October 1, 2012 there is a rule requiring a Temporary Import declaration, but due to the complexity of Customs requiring a local tax ID number most yachts are unable to comply and the rule is not enforced.
Last updated: April 2019
Health
Aruba has generally modern and sanitary conditions. Finding a good doctor or medical facility in Aruba is easy and most staff speak some English.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Be sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines.
Food and Water Concerns:
Aruba’s tap water is completely safe to drink. Food is generally safe.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
Chikungunya, dengue fever, malaria, West Nile virus and Zika virus have been reported.
Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.
Prevention:
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
- Pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Ensure that hatch and window screens work properly.
Other:
There is no decompression chamber on the island.
Public toilets are rare in Aruba. Even public beaches do not necessarily have public toilets. Nearby restaurants and hotels will usually allow use of their rest rooms (often for a fee).
Last updated: April 2019
Fees
There are no Customs & Immigration fees.
For an agent to arrange the Temporary Import Permit, the cost is approx. US$ 65.00 to US$ 100.00, or about $25 if you just use an agent to draw up the paperwork before visiting the offices yourself.
Last updated February 2017.
Clearance Agents
Pets
For dogs and cats you must submit a health certificate (not older than 2 weeks) and a valid proof of rabies vaccination (older than 1 month but not older than 1 year) at Departamento di Aduana/customs. Although dogs and cats coming from South and Central America are prohibited, an exception for household pets can be made. A statement of no objection by the Veterinary Service must be issued.
For import and export of all other animal species contact the Veterinary Service of Aruba in advance.
Last updated: April 2019
