If you are planning a vacation to Aruba we cannot wait to welcome you! Of course, we will not exactly be welcoming you with open arms, as our island is practicing safe social distancing. Consider it more of a “bon bini from afar with our masks on” kind of welcome! Hey, after all, it’s the “new normal”!
We are proud and happy to report, our island has taken a quick, safe and effective response to the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19. Interested in seeing what precautions Aruba has taken and is currently taking? Discover Aruba’s Health and Happiness Code as well as our island’s new travel and entry requirements.
Here are some tips and things to keep in mind while preparing for your vacation to Aruba:
- We realize Aruba’s current travel and entry requirements (specifically COVID testing requirements) can be a challenge for our visitors, however, please know, our local Government has put these regulations and protocols in place to ensure a safe vacation experience for all of our visitors, as well as a safe day to day life for our locals! At the end of the day, our island has everyone’s safety in mind! Currently, our visitors have two options for testing, to take a test prior to travel in their home country and then upload their results as part of the online ED Card process, or to prepay and arrange to take the test upon arrival in Aruba at the airport. If the latter testing option is chosen, you must travel directly to your accommodation from the airport, unwind with an in-room tropical beverage and a bite to eat, and wait for the results to be emailed to you (this can take up to 6-8 hours). For specifics on testing requirements and protocols please see this page. It is important to note, in addition to testing, a one-time flat fee for Aruba Visitor’s Insurance is required.
- As mandated by the Aruba Airport Authority and the Government of Aruba, it is required for visitors to wear a mask during your flight to Aruba, at the Aruba Airport, and until you enter your room at your booked accommodation. Masks are required to be worn when using public transportation (for ex: taxi or bus) and when visiting any indoor establishments (such as the grocery store). If you are not able to social distance yourself (maintaining 1.5 meters distance between you and others) it is highly recommended to wear a mask if you are able and willing to do so. Many resorts require guests to wear masks in common areas of their resorts.
- A bit of a silly reminder, but remember to wash your hands after any outings! Washing your hands not an option? Carry hand sanitizer in your purse or pocket throughout your stay. It is good to know all restaurants, resorts, stores, and other public places have placed hand sanitizer dispensers for your convenience and use. So if you forget yours, or run out, you will be able to find some just about wherever you go!
- Outdoor dining is a great idea! Resorting to open-air restaurants and venues is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy and happy vacation experience for you, your family, and friends. We realize there are plenty of other amazing restaurants that happen to be indoors, so if you want to dine at one, you will be happy to know establishments have taken every measure to allow for a safe environment for customers and employees. Dining tables have been reduced, are seated with 4 persons maximum, and are properly spaced out at a safe distance. There are arrows & signs guiding you so that all customers walk in the right direction allowing for an orderly flow, and tables, menus & the entire restaurant are constantly being cleaned! All you need to do is look out for their displayed Health & Happiness Certification Seal and you know you’re at a safe establishment!
- Avoid crowded places and venues. While our island has done a great job of enforcing social distancing and limiting crowd sizes, it is up to you to determine your own safety and health at the end of the day.
- Be mindful of the possible local curfews and additional safety measures. At times they are put into effect to ensure health and safety for everyone on the island and to help minimize the spread of covid cases. Curfew times and additional safety regulations (such as group size limits or public gathering bans) can be implemented and change on a monthly (and sometimes even weekly) basis. Because of this we strongly urge you to tune into our COVID-related news article or our page covering requirements and protocols closer to the date of your travels, so that you can be well prepared and be aware of what to expect on the island. It is in your best interest to educate yourself so that you can follow the rules and laws of the island accordingly during your stay. It is important to note, while establishments may be required to close at a specific time, such as 10 PM, establishments that reside on a resort property may manage their own closing times.
- Book plenty of outdoor tours (tour group sizes are limited and protocols are set in place) and activities. Here are some off the beaten path places to go and things to do! Don’t want to join a guided tour? Rent a car or jeep for the day and head out to discover all of the island’s beauty. Go visit a secluded beach on the wild coast or discover hidden gems of the island, such as the small natural pool! Make sure you add these landmarks to your “must-visit list”!
- Always remember to social distance yourself. We know vacation is a time of fun and relaxation. Just please remember during all of that fun (and especially when you have had a piña colada or two) to keep an appropriate distance from other vacation goers and locals. We know this can be challenging at times but we must all try our best! It’s a good thing Aruba’s weather is perfect year-round, you will find yourself outdoors a lot, allowing for easier distancing from others!
- As of January 26th, 2021, for our American friends, the CDC requires that all US travelers must provide a COVID-19 test result upon return to the US. Our island now provides various testing locations and options for our US visitors who need to make use of this service before departing Aruba. Results are provided within 24 hours. Find more information on where to get tested here. Some clinics even provide on-site service and will come to your accommodation by appointment. In addition, many resorts now offer on-site testing for their guests before they head home. Contact your resort for more details.
We hope this helps you out when it comes time to prepare for your trip to our happy and sunny little island in the Caribbean!
PS – If you are still looking to add things to do to your Aruba vacation itinerary, visit our website and we’ll help you perfect your vacation experience in no time!
This article was last updated on January 28, 2021
