When you’re planning a vacation, your mind is racing with all of the things you need to bring, activities you want to do, and the logistics. It’s easy to forget something in the hubbub of it all. So what do you need to travel from the U.S. to Aruba? Here is a short and quick guide to seven things you don’t want to forget when traveling from the U.S. to Aruba. Hope it helps, and happy travels!
Passport
Traveling from the U.S. to Aruba without a passport is like trying to get into a concert without a ticket — it’s not happening. Your passport is your key to international travel. It not only needs to be valid but also must have at least six months remaining before expiration. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a strict requirement enforced by immigration authorities. Too many people have been disappointed because they thought that they would be back home before their passports expired. But it’s not true. An expired or nearly expired passport can derail your entire trip before it even begins.
Check the Expiration Date
Imagine finally getting to your vacation date, only to be turned away at the airport or, worse, turned away once you land on the island. To avoid this scenario, check your passport’s expiration date well in advance of your trip. If it’s nearing that critical six-month window, renew it as soon as possible. Remember, passport renewal can take several weeks or even longer during peak times. So plan ahead to ensure you’re ready to go when your travel dates arrive.
Aruba ED Card
Before heading to Aruba, receiving your Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) Card is as essential as packing your swimsuit and snorkel. This online form serves as a pre-screening process for all visitors and is a mandatory requirement for entry into the island. While the ED Card itself comes at no cost, there’s an associated $20 sustainability fee. This contribution goes towards preserving the island’s natural beauty and maintaining the infrastructure that makes your stay enjoyable. Don’t let the thought of an extra fee deter you. This investment in environmental conservation ensures Aruba remains the beautiful paradise we know and love.
Completing the ED Card process is straightforward and can be done from the comfort of your couch via https://edcardaruba.aw/. This step is necessary for a smooth entry into Aruba. It helps streamline airport procedures and getting your vacation started without any unnecessary hiccups. Make sure this task is checked off your list before departure, as it will save you time and trouble upon arrival.
Prescription Medication
When packing for your trip, your prescription medication should be at the top of your checklist. Accessibility to specific medications on the island can be limited, and finding a pharmacy that stocks what you need can be challenging. More importantly, the stress of trying to secure your medication after arriving can put a damper on the start of your trip. Carry these in their original containers with clear labels, not only for ease of use but also to simplify any customs inspections.
It’s also wise to bring along a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, particularly for medications that are narcotics or otherwise heavily regulated. Besides ensuring you’re prepared for any health scenario, it also prevents potential legal issues when entering Aruba. Taking this step ensures you can handle any medical situation that arises stress-free.
Know Where You Are Staying
It might seem funny to think someone could forget where they’re staying. But in the rush and excitement of travel, crucial details can sometimes slip through the cracks. Knowing the address of your vacation rental or the name of your hotel or resort in Aruba is not just a convenience — it’s a requirement. Upon entry, you’ll be asked to provide this information as part of the customs process. Aruba takes the safety and security of its visitors seriously, and part of that involves knowing where each visitor is staying. Filling out the customs form without this information can delay your journey and start your vacation off on the wrong foot.
Before you board your plane, make sure you have the address of your accommodations saved in an accessible place or printed out with any other travel documents. This step will streamline your entry into Aruba, speeding up your time to get out of the airport and onto the beach.
Credit Card
A credit card not only facilitates smooth transactions but also serves as a safety net. Most businesses on the island accept major credit cards. Additionally, if you’re planning on renting a car or Jeep, a credit card is necessary. Rental agencies often require a credit card for a hold or deposit during the rental period. This process is standard and serves as a security measure for both parties.
Besides, using a credit card abroad often comes with additional benefits such as fraud protection, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. Before departing, you may want to inform your credit card company of your travel plans to prevent any alerts or holds on your account due to unexpected international activity. I personally have a Capital One credit card, and they no longer require a notice of your travel plans. However, you may want to look into it for any other cards you may bring.
Cash
In the digital age, cash may sometimes feel like a relic of the past, but it is valuable to have while traveling. While credit cards are widely accepted, small cash transactions — like tipping your driver at the airport, excursion guide, or restaurant staff — require cash. Having small bills on you allows you to show your appreciation for the service you receive. Also, some bathrooms, especially the one at Baby Beach, cost a dollar or two to use. So, if you don’t want to go in the ocean, you need cash. The island currency is florin. However, they accept U.S. dollars as well, so you won’t have to worry about exchanging anything.
Put Your Phone On Airplane Mode
I know, our smartphones have become our lifelines to information, entertainment, and each other. However, when traveling to Aruba from the U.S., a sometimes overlooked step to remember is placing your phone in airplane mode. The cost of international roaming can be jarring. I have AT&T, which charges $10/day in international fees and can quickly add up. Activating airplane mode when you leave the U.S. safeguards against these unwanted fees.
Nevertheless, airplane mode doesn’t render your device useless. Wi-Fi is available — from the airport to cafes, hotels, and even beaches—allowing you to stay connected, share your adventures on social media, and communicate via iMessage, WhatsApp, or email. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: staying connected without the extra cost of international roaming charges.
Bonus Tip
If you are renting a car and need to use a map, you can download the app maps.me. Then, download the map of Aruba while you have Wi-Fi, and you will be able to navigate. I believe you may be able to enter your destination on Google Maps as well while on Wi-Fi and then follow the instructions as you drive.
And there you have it! If you are unsure what you need to travel from the U.S. to Aruba, at the minimum, bring the seven things listed above.