Entry Requirements into Aruba

The CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, states that ATA, the Department of Integration Policy and Admission of Aliens (DIMAS), the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism are aware of the misunderstanding on this matter.

On May 11th 2014, the Ministries involved, including the Ministry of Tourism, issued a press release both in English and Papiamento, clarifying that there will be no changes in the requirements to stay in Aruba for those applicable to visitors who wish to stay on the island for a lengthy period of time – for instance, for a maximum period of up to 180 consecutive days. The same information was also sent to the airlines by separate letter.

In spite of these efforts, the parties involved are trying to clarify information appearing on TIMATIC, the IATA airlines’ system, which, among others, is consulted to verify travel document requirements. This way, the parties continue to make sure there will be no misunderstandings regarding the interpretation of the rules for staying in Aruba.

ATA also contacted Aruba Timeshare Association (ATSA) in the hope that it can help spread the correct information and speed up the process for visitors who own timeshare in Aruba and often stay for lengthy periods of time on the island. That way, ATA hopes to work together with other parties that can get in touch directly with people who own timeshare, have property in Aruba, a yacht, etc.

According to Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, ATA and all other parties involved have taken and will continue to take steps to clear up the misunderstanding on this matter.

To make it clear: All tourists who own timeshare, a condominium, an apartment or a house in Aruba may stay on the island for a maximum period of one hundred and eighty (180) days per calendar year. These tourists are allowed to purchase an airline ticket using a return date within one hundred and eighty (180) days.

Visitors are required to show to the Immigration Officers of Aruba the following documents: 1) a valid passport, 2) a valid airline return ticket, 3) documents proving that they own a property and 4) proof of sufficient funds for their stay. This also applies to tourists who own a yacht larger than 14 meters long which is berthed in the territorial waters of Aruba.

ATA trusts this press release will help clear up the misunderstanding about staying on the island for visitors who wish to come and spend those cold months in their own country here in Aruba. ATA requests everyone to help minimize the misunderstanding and to give the visitors a clear explanation and the correct information when needed.