Aruba Travel Guide and Tips

Tourists from all over the world dream of setting foot on the sands of Aruba’s beaches. Enriched by a history of transatlantic trade and influence, Aruba’s delectably diverse cuisine leaves travelers with full bellies and satisfied taste buds.

The Caribbean island nation is small but has a continent’s worth of memories for tourists to make with their family and loved ones.

But before tourists purchase their tickets and pull their families along for the ride, it’s essential to consider traveler’s insurance.

Put simply, travelers’ insurance covers unexpected expenses from when tourists board the island-bound plane to when they step off on their return flight.

Every country and vacation spot is unique in what they require of its visitors. Different environments also breed various hazards.

In this Aruba Travel Guide, we will explore the complexities of traveling to Aruba, their tourist laws, and whether or not tourists need an insurance policy.

Aruba Travel Guide - Is Aruba Open for Travel?

Yes, Aruba is open for travel. Some restrictions exist, however, including the ED card requirement before traveling.

Can Americans travel to Aruba right now?

Yes, Americans can travel to Aruba.

Is it Safe to Travel to Aruba?

According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Aruba has a high risk of COVID-19. However, the CDC suggests taking standard precautions, a level one travel advisory.

Aruba occasionally gets hurricane warnings, but the island is rarely in the hurricane’s path. This makes it generally safe to visit during hurricane season.

Aruba Travel Guide - Travel Insurance

Is Aruba Travel Insurance Required for Visitors?

As of July 8, 2022, travel insurance (or visitor’s insurance) is not required for those visiting the country, but it is strongly recommended. Travelers only need to file for an Embarkation/Disembarkation Card, or ED Card for short.

The ED Card, as part of Aruba’s COVID-19 regulations, only applies to visitors staying on the island for more than a day. Face masks are also required.

Does Aruba Require a Covid Vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine is not required, but it is highly recommended.

Old Requirements

During the COVID-19 pandemic, tourists were required to purchase the country’s visitor’s insurance to reduce the severity of the virus. The insurance is a one-time, flat fee and is intended to cover hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and help other patients infected with COVID-19.

Other pandemic-era requirements included proof of vaccination and a negative test to gain entry. These requirements were dropped this past summer. Tourists can come and go, regardless of vaccination status or test result.

Aruba Travel Guide for Vacationing During the Pandemic in 2023 and Beyond

As stated, the only thing that is now required to visit Aruba is an ED Card. Visitors can apply for the ED Card online.

Whether visitors travel from the U.S. or elsewhere, these regulations apply to all.

Travelers must fill out the form within seven days of their arrival in the country. If they are scheduled to arrive seven days from today’s date, the application will not proceed.

While the government does not mandate visitor’s insurance, it is still recommended.

Aruba Travel Insurance From GoReady

Traveling to Aruba is generally considered safe, as COVID-related mandates wind down worldwide. However, it is still prudent to consider a traveler’s insurance policy for other risks, including lost luggage.

If customers purchase an insurance policy with GoReady, they are eligible for a wide range of coverage for unexpected events. Their plans, with varying premiums and coverage, are as follows:

On GoReady’s main website, customers may get a free policy quote by entering their information into the quote box. First, GoReady will compute relevant details, including age, state of origin, and trip duration. After this, the tourist will get a recommended plan that suits their needs.

For example, if the person is a younger traveler, they may not face a high health risk after contracting COVID-19. Therefore, GoReady may recommend a lower premium and lesser health coverage plan.

If someone takes a cruise to the island and is around other passengers for an extended period, they may increase their chances of infection. In that case, GoReady will recommend a plan with a higher premium and higher coverage.

If we look at GoReady’s Pandemic Plus plan, we will know it is more suited for older travelers because its primary benefit is emergency medical services. It is also ideal for tourists who need to make connecting flights on their way to Aruba.

The Choice w/Pre-Ex Waiver plan is ideal if the tourist is looking for additional, or all-in-one, benefits including:

Baggage coverage
Trip cancellation
Accident coverage
Ancillary coverage

Each policy and benefit has stipulations, including when the policy was purchased and when they started their trip. Travelers should refer to their plan quote for additional info.

Aruba Travel Guide FAQ

Aruba Travel Guide Location and History

Where is Aruba located?

Aruba is located in the Caribbean Sea, north of South America. The island is only 15 miles north of Venezuela and roughly 500 miles from other Caribbean nations such as Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic.

Map of Aruba

What time zone is Aruba in?

Aruba is in the Atlantic Standard Time (AST) zone, which follows the same time as US states that use the Eastern Time (ET) zone.

Who owns Aruba?

The Kingdom of the Netherlands has owned the country since the 1600s. Since 1986, Aruba has been an independent country that holds its own parliamentary elections, though it’s still formally part of the Netherlands.

Aruba Travel Guide on Aruba Weather Conditions

What can you expect from Aruba Weather Conditions?

Due to the island’s proximity to the Equator, Aruba’s climate is generally sunny, and rainfall is rare. However, rain is more common throughout the year, from October to December.

When is hurricane season in Aruba?

While the Atlantic hurricane season is June 1st through November 30th for all Atlantic and Caribbean locations, including the United States, Aruba is known for being outside the usual paths of hurricanes. The last reported storm directly hitting the island nation was back in 1877.

However, because hurricanes may occasionally fall within a hundred miles from the coast, Aruba may get rainfall and tropical storms during an international hurricane event.

Are hurricanes covered events under GoReady travel insurance policies?

Hurricanes are covered events in all GoReady travel insurance policies. Hurricane coverage is included in benefits like trip cancellation, trip interruption, missed connections, and travel delay. With cancellation and interruption, it even covers you if the hurricane makes your home uninhabitable before you leave or if your accommodations become uninhabitable once your trip begins.

Aruba Travel Guide - Aruba Beaches

What are Aruba Beaches Like?

Because of the island’s ever-present sun and limited effects from hurricane season, Aruba’s beaches are popular tourist attractions.

Arguably the most well-known, Eagle Beach is renowned for its white sand and low tide. Eagle Beach is also open to the public.

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Other famous beaches are Palm Beach and Flamingo Beach, the latter on a private island.

Aruba Travel Guide - Aruba Restaurants and Food

What type of food will I eat in Aruba?

Because of its geographical location, seafood is prevalent in Aruba. Fish, oysters, lobsters, and shrimp are eaten in abundance. Dutch and South America have also influenced the island’s unique cuisine.

Aruba Travel Guide - Language and Currency

What language do they speak in Aruba?

The primary language of Aruba is Papiamento, followed by Dutch. However, most of the island’s inhabitants are multilingual and can speak English.

One of the island’s main attractions is the hospitality citizens display toward their guests. Language accommodation is no exception.

What currency does Aruba use?

Aruba uses the florin, but the U.S. dollar is also accepted on the island. American visitors may use ATMs during their stay, as well. Travelers from other countries should ask their local banks to exchange their currencies for the dollar or florin before leaving for their trip.

Aruba Travel Guide and Tips