Aruba

Safety and security 

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services. 

• Dial 100 for police and for domestic violence
• Dial 911 for ambulance, fire department, emergency, coast guard 

Crime 

Aruba experiences a moderate level of crime. Petty theft is the most common issue affecting tourists. 

• Do not leave valuables unattended in public areas such as beaches, cars, or hotel lobbies. Thieves often steal purses, cameras, passports, phones, and other handheld electronics. Take normal precautions to secure personal property.  
• Keep a copy of your U.S. passport in a secure location in case the original is lost or stolen. 
• Incidents of violent crime including rape and armed robbery may occur but are not common. Exercise caution when visiting remote areas of the island. 
• There is an increased risk of crime in the San Nicolas district, especially at night. Crimes against tourists are more common there. 
• Car theft, especially of rental vehicles, can occur. Leases and rentals may not be fully covered by local insurance when a vehicle is stolen or damaged. Be sure you are sufficiently insured when renting vehicles. 
• The legal drinking age of 18 is not always enforced.  
• Take standard safety precautions when frequenting nightclubs and bars. Travel in pairs or groups.  
• If you consume alcohol, do so responsibly. To avoid spiked drinks, do not leave your drink unattended or accept open containers from strangers. 

Organized crime 

Organized groups may target tourists for valuables, particularly in tourist areas, beaches, and nightlife districts.  

• Travelers should be aware of signs of human trafficking and report suspicious activity to local authorities or the U.S. consulate. 
• While rare in tourist areas, drug trafficking can occasionally lead to violence that affects bystanders. 

Police responsiveness 

• Aruba is known for its high level of police responsiveness to crimes against tourists and other emergencies. 

Safety tips: 

• Stay in well-traveled tourist areas. 
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation. 
• Secure valuables and avoid showing signs of wealth. 
• Be cautious about unsolicited offers or overly friendly strangers. 
• Report suspicious activity to local police or the U.S. consulate. 

Scams and Fraud 

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams. 

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Aruba. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.  

Common scams include:  

• Romance and online dating  
• Pig butchering schemes 
• Fraudulent tour operators or service providers 
• Credit card skimming operations 
• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel 
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad 
• Money transfers  
• Grandparent and relative targeting  
• Free trip or luggage  
• Lotteries  
• Inheritance notices  
• Work permits and job offers 

If using dating apps or websites in Aruba:  

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault. 
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.  
• Meet in a popular public place.  
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app). 
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.  
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments, or houses. 
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant. 
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible. 
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers. 
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.  

Victims of crime 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 100.  

Contact the U.S. Consulate General Curaçao and the U.S. Mission to the Dutch Caribbean at +503-420-3115 or 433-2200 after you have contacted the local police. 

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. consulate can:  

• Replace a stolen or lost passport. 
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.  
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.  
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.  
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.  
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home. 

Sexual assault and domestic violence  

• Dial 131 for a sexual assault helpline. 
• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Consulate General Curacao and the U.S. Mission to the Dutch Caribbean and local law enforcement for assistance.  
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Consulate General Curacao and the U.S. Mission to the Dutch Caribbean and local law enforcement for assistance. 

Technology use abroad 

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices: 

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.  
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest. 
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens. 
• Drones are legal in Aruba but require Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba (DCAA) approval before every flight. Altitude is restricted to 200 ft and flying is banned near airports, over people, and at night. 

GPS  

Prior to using GPS abroad:  

• Research the route recommended by the GPS to make sure it’s safe.  
• The fastest path may not be the safest. 

Tourism safety 

• The tourism industry is regulated: 
• Rules and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  
• Dangerous areas and activities are marked with signs.  
• Trained and certified staff are usually there to help with organized activities.  
• If you get injured, you can usually get medical help locally.  
• In rural areas, it might take longer for medical help to arrive and help.  
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.  
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties 

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.  
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime. 
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad. 
• Before you start a business or a profession in Aruba seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification  

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  
• Local law is based on Dutch law. This allows for the detention of people during an investigation with the approval of a judge.  

Detention conditions 

• Detainees in Aruba often cannot get their prescribed or over the counter medications.  
• Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods 

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.  

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• U.S. Department of Justice   

Faith-based travelers 

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel 
• Volunteering Abroad 
• International Religious Freedom Reports 

Gay and lesbian travelers 

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Aruba.  
• Same sex relationships are legal in Aruba. The age of consent is 16 years old. Same sex marriage has been legal in Aruba since July 2024. All same sex couples have equal rights throughout the constituent countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers. 

Travelers with accessibility needs 

• The law in Aruba prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.  
• The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, communication, access to services, and ease of movement or access.  
• Expect accessibility to be limited in sidewalks and crossings, lodgings, and buildings. 
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs. 

Students 

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.  

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

Human Rights 

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling. 

Health

Health resources 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Aruba Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information  
• World Health Organization 
• Medicine and Health 
• Travel Insurance 

Emergency numbers 

• Dial 911 for emergency medical services. 

Ambulance services 

• Ambulance services are widely available. 

Medical payments and insurance 

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.  

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills. 
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad. 
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance. 
• Medical care is not free in Aruba. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility. 
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Aruba. 
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. 
• Credit card payment is not always available. 
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment. 
• Private and public hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.  
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance. 
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. 
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.  

Vaccinations 

Yellow fever: vaccination is required for entry if arriving from a country where yellow fever is common. 

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

• CDC Travelers’ Health 
• World Health Organization Travel Advice  

Healthcare facilities  

• Health facilities are available in Oranjestad and other cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas. 
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 
• Hospitals and doctors require payment upfront prior to service or admission.  
• Be aware that hotels and resorts have medical doctors on call and may have exclusive agreements with these medical providers. This may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.  
• Most medical staff speak English.  
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.  
• Psychological and psychiatric services are available. 
• Hospital-based care is available at public and private institutions. 

Medical tourism and elective surgery  

• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry in Aruba and throughout the Caribbean region. If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules.  
• Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.  
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Aruba.  
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Aruba.   
• Although Aruba has many elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies widely. If you plan to undergo surgery in Aruba, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.  

Prescription medications  

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  
• Check with the Government of Aruba to ensure the medication is legal in Aruba  
• Prescriptions from abroad are not accepted for refills and you will need to see a local doctor. 
• Controlled substances such as opioid pain killers, benzodiazepines, or certain ADHD medications may require prior approval from Aruba’s Inspection of Medication. 
• Aruba does not allow the importation of Cannabis and THC based medicines, even with prescription.  

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.  

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.  

For more information:  

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection  
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy 

• If you are considering traveling to Aruba to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.  
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Aruba via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.  

Water quality and food safety  

• Tap water is safe to drink and use in cooking.  

Air quality 

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.  

• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.  
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page. 

Transportation

Road conditions and safety 

Road signs in Aruba are different than in the United States. Familiarize yourself with them before driving.  

• Watch out for scooters, motorcycles, and ATVs. Drivers of these vehicles may not strictly follow traffic rules.  
• In less developed areas, watch out for goats and other animals that may cross the road unexpectedly.  
• Night driving is reasonably safe, if drivers are familiar with the route and road conditions. Most roads are not as well-lit as U.S. roads. 

Traffic laws  

• You can drive in Aruba with a valid U.S. driver’s license.  
• Drivers approaching roundabouts must yield to traffic already in the roundabout and wait for an opening to enter.  
• Right turns at red lights are prohibited. U-turns are often restricted.  
• Traffic signs prohibiting actions have a red circle around them. They don’t have a red slash like in the United States.  
• Local law requires drivers and passengers to wear seat belts, and motorcyclists to wear helmets.  
• Children must ride in the back seat. Children under 5 years of age must be in a child safety seat.  
• In the event of an accident, do not move your car or pull over. If an accident occurs, dial 100 to inform the police. Call the rental car company and the insurance company immediately.  

Taxis and ride-shares 

• Taxis do not have meters and are safe and well regulated. Determine the price in advance, as rates are based on destination. Ride-sharing apps are not available. 

Public and commercial transportation  

• Visit the website of Aruba’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.  
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.  

Aviation safety oversight  

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Aruba’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

Maritime travel 

Mariners planning to travel to Aruba should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories 
• U.S. Maritime Alerts 
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings  
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons 

Weather and natural disasters 

Weather conditions

Aruba stays warm all year, with temperatures in the low to mid 80s Fahrenheit (around 28–30°C) both day and night.  

Hurricanes 

Aruba sits south of where most hurricanes form, so direct hits are rare. However, from June through November (especially August to October), storms passing north of the island can still affect Aruba. During these times, you might see:  

• Stronger winds 
• Rough ocean waves 
• Heavy rain showers 

Even when storms stay far away, Aruba can feel their effects.  

Rainy season 

Aruba has a short rainy season from October through January. It brings short, heavy rainstorms and occasional thunderstorms. These storms can cause:  

• Flooded streets in some areas 
• Dangerous driving conditions 

These storms usually don’t last long. The rest of the year is mostly dry, with only scattered, light showers. 

Trade winds 

Strong ocean breezes blow from the east almost all year. These winds are strongest from January through August. These winds can also create:  

• Choppy ocean water 
• Strong currents 
• High waves on some beaches  

If you plan to swim, dive, or boat, pay close attention to wind and ocean conditions. These matter more than rain forecasts. 

U.S citizens living abroad 

Living abroad resources 

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad. 

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married. 
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad. 
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service. 
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits

Embassies and consulates