Is it safe to travel to Aruba? COVID-19 advice & guidelines for Aruba

Unfortunately, the whole world has had to deal with the unprecedented impact of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), and Aruba is no exception. It is for this reason Aruba has implemented new measures to protect the health and safety of our local community and visitors alike.

In this blog post, I want to walk you through the efforts taking place in Aruba in order to make the island we love as safe and happy as possible as we welcome back our visitors and to answer the question is it safe to travel to Aruba? 

Is it safe to travel to Aruba now?

It’s only natural that many travel aficionados are worried about their health and safety, and how it may be affected on their next trip. Aruba has incorporated some guidelines that protect visitors’ and residents’ personal safety. Of course, this does not mean there is absolutely no risk. It simply means the proper organisations, businesses, and individuals are doing their part to prevent people from getting sick.

The Aruba Health and Happiness Code

The 'Aruba Health & Happiness Code' certification will provide assurance that each certified business has taken all necessary measures to offer a safe environment for their employees and visitors alike. The certification seal will indicate which companies are in compliance. You can find a list of Aruba Health & Happiness Code certified businesses right here on Aruba.com.

What precautions should I take while travelling?

Aside from Aruba’s national personal health and safety guidelines, it is important to follow international protocol as well. For a step by step guide on visiting Aruba and travel focused tips and requirements visit the Safe Travels to Aruba Page.

Below, you will find some quick tips you can apply whether you are travelling to Aruba or domestically within your own country.

The CDC’s Coronavirus Travel Tips

The CDC has outlined a selection of health tips for travellers that we have summarised below.

Clean Your Hands Often

Hygiene is crucial! Due to the coronavirus being able to survive for some time on various surfaces, it is important to thoroughly wash your hands often, especially after having touched common surfaces and items. Be sure to check out this guide on how to properly and effectively wash your hands. If water and soap are not available, use a hand sanitiser containing more than 60% alcohol.

Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose & Mouth

The virus is known to commonly enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Since hands collect germs in between washing and sanitising, it is advised to avoid touching your face as much as possible.

Avoid Close Contact with Others

While it is part of the friendly Aruban culture to be very close and affectionate, now it’s time to avoid greetings like hugs and handshakes. Try to maintain a 6-foot distance from one another whenever possible.

Cover Coughs & Sneezes

If you’re feeling sick, it is crucial that you do not go to public places. Of course, sneezing and coughing every now and then does not necessarily mean you are sick. If you do happen to cough or sneeze, be sure to cover your face with the inside of your elbow rather than your hands to avoid further spreading viruses and bacteria.

Additional COVID-19 Travel Guidelines

In addition to the tips provided by the CDC, below, you will find some additional rules of thumb you should adhere to.

Don’t Travel if You’re Sick

This might seem harsh, but it is very important. If you are sick, you should not travel. Not only could you inadvertently infect those travelling alongside you, you may also unknowingly put service providers in the country you’ve traveled to at risk. In addition, your vacation won’t be nearly as enjoyable if you travel while sick. You might need to isolate for an extended amount of time if you test positive for COVID-19. To avoid this, please reschedule your trip if you’re unsure. Local accommodation and activity providers are much more flexible about rescheduling your bookings and reservations now. Be sure to review their policies when you book.

Clean All Shared Surfaces with Antibacterial Wipes

A great way to protect yourself and establish some peace of mind, is to carry antibacterial wipes. Clean all shared surfaces like tray tables and chair handles.

Regularly Check Travel Restrictions, Guidelines & Suggestions

During a pandemic, rules and regulations change rapidly in order to keep travelers and local communities safe. Be sure to review official travel restrictions, guidelines and suggestions before and during your trip! For Aruba, keep an eye on this Traveller Health Requirements page for all important information on travel requirements.

Get Travel Insurance

It is always a good idea to get travel insurance before a trip, but in uncertain times like these, coverage may be even more crucial. For travellers to Aruba, the Aruba Visitor Insurance is mandatory. For more information, visit Aruba Visitor Insurance’s official website.

What can I expect when entering Aruba?

The government of Aruba’s Department of Public Health in cooperation with the Aruba Airport Authority have determined several safety measures that follow the guidelines by the World Health Organisation.

When you arrive at Aruba’s Reina Beatrix International Airport you will be screened, and your temperature will be checked by on-site medical professionals. Markers that promote social distancing and plexiglass safety shields can be found around the airport. Staff have all been provided with mandatory personal protection equipment. All these measures were put in place to welcome visitors back to the one happy island as safely as possible. Procedures were put in place for on-island testing as well.

What is Aruba like right now?

Right now, your Aruba vacation may look a little different than you’re used to. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy most of your favourite activities. You’re sure to still have a dushi time, just a little differently.

Dining, Shopping, and Activities

The aforementioned Aruba Health and Happiness Code has allowed compliant stores, activities, and restaurants in Aruba to resume. Many of these businesses will run at a lower capacity than usual, so social distancing can be adhered to. In addition, these companies are required to adhere to stringent hygiene guidelines.

Public Events

Public events like concerts and parties are allowed, but again with some new rules. There will be a maximum number of attendees. And all health and sanitation regulations will be enforced. 

Quarantine?

For visitors taking their PCR test in Aruba, there is a mandatory quarantine period until their test results come in. They may not leave their hotel room or vacation rental property. Thankfully, these results do not take more than a day to come in. You’ll be free to enjoy the happy island as soon as the results are in.

Travel companions of visitors who test positive for COVID-19 will also have to quarantine.

Hotels

In addition to adhering to the HH Code, local hotels have also implemented certain protocols of their own. For more information, please contact your hotel directly!

Book Your Trip Today!

While Aruba and the travel industry as a whole is still getting used to the new normal, you can rest assured that Aruba is taking steps to make your travel experience as safe as possible. Please keep in mind that the Coronavirus is still an active pandemic and we are all partially responsible for keeping ourselves and the communities we are part of and visit safe and help.