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Visiting Aruba Right Now

As summer wanes you may be tempted to squeeze in a quick trip to the Caribbean. But with the Delta variant surging across the region and low vaccination numbers in some countries, there’s a very real possibility that your visit could contribute to overwhelming island healthcare resources. So it’s more important than ever to choose your destination carefully. If you feel you simply must travel, consider Aruba, which re-opened last June and has one of the highest vaccination rates in the Caribbean. According to this report from Reuters, more than 68 percent of the population of roughly 106,000 has been double-jabbed ­– providing a high level of protection not only to residents but to – hopefully vaccinated! – visitors. Here’s what you need to know if you plan to go.

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You’ll Need To Apply In Advance

If you’re thinking about jetting to Aruba this weekend; forget it! Just as in other Caribbean countries, you’ll need to apply online for travel authorization in advance - in Aruba’s case, three days in advance. (Note that they system will not applications earlier than three days before your trip.). You’ll do this by completing an ED card, submitting your passport information, where you’ll be staying, and COVID-related health information. Once your application is approved, you’ll be issued a QR code which you show before boarding your flight and on arrival at Queen Beatrix International Airport. (Tip: Print a copy of all your documentation and keep it handy during travel.)

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You’ll Need to Take A COVID Test

The ED card asks for your COVID status and requires you to upload proof of negative results from a PCR test taken no more than three days before arrival. Through a partnership between the government and the airline, visitors arriving on JetBlue can order a saliva-based at-home testing kit from Vault. Aruba also offers the option to be tested on arrival at the airport. The non-refundable fee of $75 must be paid for in advance during your online application.

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You’ll Have To Buy Health Insurance

As part of the application process, all visitors must purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance. The plan – which costs $15 per visitor aged 15 to 75, and provides coverage for up to 180 days – is designed to cover medical costs up to a maximum of $75,000 if you test positive for COVID while on island.

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You’ll Need To Observe On-Island Health Protocols

Everyone 12 and older must wear a mask on the flight to Aruba and in the airport. As in the U.S., island health protocols include social distancing, frequent hand sanitizing and wearing of masks in indoor spaces. Every shop I went into required you to sanitize your hands at the door, and there was no admittance without a mask. Restaurants require masks until you are seated at the table. So pack an ample supply of mask and sanitizing gel; you’ll need them.

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There’s Currently A Curfew

While you’ll find all the usual hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions open, as of August 21 the government has instituted a curfew between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and requires businesses to close by 9 p.m. so that staff has adequate time to get home. (Note that the closing hours don’t apply to hotel restaurants.) All beaches are also off-limits between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

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You’ll Need To Take Another COVID Test Before Returning to the U.S.

As of January 26, there’s been a CDC requirement that all passengers (vaccinated or not) entering the U.S. show proof of a negative result from a PCR or rapid/antigen COVID test, taken within three days of arrival. On Aruba, some resorts offer complimentary tests if you stay a minimum number of nights. Others, including the Hilton Aruba (where I stayed), offer on-site testing, performed for a fee by an external company. My rapid test cost $50 (a PCR test is $125). But there are clinics all over Oranjestad, and I saw prices as low as $35 for a rapid test. Just know that unless you’re staying five days or longer you’ll likely have to pay for a test, so budget accordingly. 

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