Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 66.3%, Spanish 12.6%, English (widely spoken) 7.7%, Dutch (official) 5.8%, other 2.2%, unspecified or unknown 5.3%

Roman Catholic 82%, Protestant 8%, other (includes Hindu, Muslim, Confucian, Jewish) 10%

Tourism is the mainstay of the small, open Aruban economy, with offshore banking and oil refining and storage also important. The rapid growth of the tourism sector over the last decade has resulted in a substantial expansion of other activities.

 No regular indigenous military forces; Royal Netherlands Navy and Marines, Coast Guard.

The US does not have an embassy in Aruba; the Consul General to Netherlands Antilles is accredited to Aruba.

All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter the United States.  This requirement will be extended to sea travel (except closed-loop cruises), including ferry service, on June 1, 2009.  Until then, U.S. citizens traveling by sea may present government-issued photo identification and a document showing their U.S. citizenship (for example, a birth certificate or certificate of nationalization).  Starting June 1, 2009, all travelers must present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document such as a passport or a passport card for entry to the United States.  While passport cards and enhanced driver’s licenses are sufficient for entry into the United States, they may not be accepted by the particular country you plan to visit; please be sure to check with your cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements.

In addition visitors to Aruba may be asked to show onward/return tickets, proof of sufficient funds and proof of lodging accommodations for their stay. Length of stay for U.S. citizens is granted for thirty days and may be extended to 180 days by the office of immigration.  For further information, travelers may contact the Royal Netherlands Embassy, 4200 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC  20008, telephone (202) 244-5300, or the Dutch Consulate in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Houston or Miami.  Visit the web site for the Embassy of the Netherlands at http://www.netherlands-embassy.org and the Aruban Department of Immigration at http://www.aruba.com/about/entryrequirements.php for the most current visa information. 

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Aruba Airport, Aruba, Aruba Airport Authority, Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix, Wayaca z/n, Oranjestad, ARUBA
Tel: +297 524-2424, +297 582-4800
Fax: +297 583-4229
Email: airportaruba@setarnet.aw
Website: www.airportaruba.com
Telex: (3) 5089 AIA AW

There are no known extremist groups, areas of instability or organized crime on Aruba, although drug trafficking rings do operate on the island. The crime threat in Aruba is generally considered low although travelers should always take normal precautions when in unfamiliar surroundings. Car theft, especially that of rental vehicles for joy riding and stripping, can occur. Parents of young travelers should be aware that the legal drinking age of 18 is not always rigorously enforced in Aruba, so extra parental supervision may be appropriate.

Infant MR total:  14.75 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 74.83 years (male 71.8/female 77.91)

Required: Yellow Fever if traveling from an endemnic region.
Recommended: Hep A & B, Typhoid, Boosters: MMR & DPT

Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes in this region.

Medical care is good in Aruba. There is one hospital, Dr. H.E. Oduber Hospital, whose medical standards can be compared with an average small hospital in the U.S. The hospital has three classes of services and patients are accommodated according to the level of their insurance. There is a small medical center in San Nicolas. The many drug stores, or “boticas” provide prescription and over the counter medicine. Emergency services are usually quick to respond.

Country Calling Code:  +297
Internet Code:  .aw