Traveling to Aruba: A Guide for Canadian Citizens

Aruba ED Card Application

Preparing for a trip to Aruba? Get all the information you need on entry and visa requirements for Canadians, as well as health and safety tips, and practical advice for travelers visiting Aruba.

Aruba ED card for Canadian visitors

The Embarkation-Disembarkation (ED) Card is a mandatory requirement for all Canadians visiting Aruba.

You can complete the Aruba ED Card online form by giving some personal details and information about your travel plans.

Once approved, you’ll receive your ED Card QR code, which you’ll need to show on arrival in Aruba.

How Far Is Aruba From Canada?

Aruba is an island found in the Southern Caribbean Sea, approximately 3,500 km from Toronto. It’s part of the Lesser Antilles group of islands and is located around 25 km from the coast of Venezuela.

Although Aruba is an autonomous country, it’s part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Traveling to Aruba from Canada by plane

Aruba only has one airport, located in its capital city, Oranjestad.

You can fly to Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) via a number of routes from Canada.

The most popular flight route is from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). It’s the only direct flight you can get from Canada to Aruba and takes around 5 hours.

Here you can see other flight routes to Aruba from different airports in Canada.

Departing airport in Canada Options for flight transfer to Aruba
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) Toronto, New York, Philadelphia, and Miami
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) Toronto
Ottawa International Airport (YOW) Toronto, New York, and Chicago
Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) New York and Toronto
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) New York
Edmonton International Airport (YEG) Toronto
Calgary International Airport (YYC) Toronto
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Toronto, New York, and Chicago

Canadian passport holders usually do not need a visa to transit through the U.S.

If your flight route involves transiting through the U.S., you’ll need to check that you meet American requirements for passengers arriving from Canada before you travel.

Arriving in Aruba by boat

Aruba is a popular cruise destination, especially for ship routes leaving from Florida.

As there are no direct sailings from Canada to Aruba, Canadian travelers have to fly to the United States to begin their cruise journey to the Caribbean.

Cruise ships dock in Oranjestad’s cruise terminal on arrival in Aruba. For smaller boats and yachts, there are many mooring areas in Aruba, including:

  • Surf Side Beach
  • Rodger’s Bay
  • Arashi Bay
  • Customs Dock

Aruba Entry Requirements for Canadians

All Canadian travelers arriving in Aruba must meet the entry requirements, whether you arrive by boat or plane.

To enter Aruba, you’ll need:

  • A Canadian passport that’s valid for your stay
  • A completed Embarkation-Disembarkation (ED) Card
  • Onward travel tickets

Immigration officials in Aruba might ask to see your accommodation details, or proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Aruba.

Do Canadians need a visa to visit Aruba?

Canadian citizens do not need a visa for Aruba if their trip is less than 30 days. This is also the case for foreign travelers who have a Canadian residence permit.

In this visa-exempt period, you can travel to Aruba for tourism, to visit friends or family, or to attend business meetings.

If you want to stay for longer, you can apply for a tourism extension of 90 to 150 days. To get an extension, you’ll need to show proof of travel insurance which covers medical costs and personal liability, as well as evidence of sufficient financial means for your stay.

To apply for an extended tourist stay, visit Aruba’s immigration and security authorities (IASA) at their office in Oranjestad.

Aruba Work and Study Permits for Canadians

If you want to study, or do paid work in Aruba, you’ll need to apply for a visa in advance from your nearest embassy or consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (diplomatic mission).

You can visit their offices in Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Digital nomad visa for Canadians in Aruba

If you want to work remotely from Aruba, you can apply for a digital nomad visa with your Canadian passport.

This allows Canadian citizens to stay for up to 90 days and grants tax exemption in Aruba. Contact your nearest embassy or consulate to make your digital nomad visa application.

For remote work stays of less than 30 days, you will not need a digital nomad visa, or any other kind of visa. You’ll just need to meet the usual entry requirements for Canadians, as listed above.

Health and Safety Advice for Canadians Visiting Aruba

Aruba has a low crime rate and is generally considered to be one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Nonetheless, it’s important to take steps to protect your health and safety while visiting.

Canadian travelers are recommended to get comprehensive travel insurance for their trip to Aruba.

Safety considerations for Canadian travelers in Aruba

The following tips can help to ensure you enjoy a safe trip to Aruba:

  • Keep your personal belongings and travel documents secure
  • Avoid leaving any valuable items unattended
  • Keep to well populated areas, particularly after dark

Preparing for Aruba’s climate and weather conditions

Although severe storms and hurricanes are unusual in Aruba, you should follow local advice on developing weather conditions during your stay.

Aruba has a varied landscape, including deserts, forests, caves, mangrove ecosystems and beaches. If you want to visit remote areas, it’s a good idea to join a guided local tour to make sure you stay safe.

Stick to recommended swimming areas when entering water, and follow safety advice carefully if you’re taking part in water sports.

Wildlife in Aruba: Safety guidance

Aruba has very diverse wildlife. If you encounter any wild animals, remember to keep a safe distance.

Take particular care with bats, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and birds. If you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal in Aruba, seek immediate medical attention.

By avoiding mosquito bites, you can help to prevent some health problems which could affect your trip to Aruba. You should:

  • Carry insect repellent (DEET) spray
  • Sleep with shutters closed or a mosquito net
  • Wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs
  • Avoid water-based activities at dusk and dawn

Do you need vaccinations to travel to Aruba from Canada?

Canadian citizens aren’t required to show any vaccine certificates on arrival in Aruba.

You should check that you’re up-to-date with routine vaccinations before traveling.

Your doctor might advise you to get some optional vaccines for Aruba, depending on the activities you’re planning for your trip. Schedule a consultation in advance of your vacation to ask for your doctor’s recommendations.

Are Canadian Dollars Accepted in Aruba?

Canadian dollars are not used in Aruba. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, especially by restaurants, hotels, and service providers for tourists.

The local currency is Aruban Florin (AWG). ƒ10 AWG is equivalent to approximately CA$7.50. Check the latest exchange rates before you travel.

Major credit cards are also commonly accepted.

Customs Information for Canadians Visiting Aruba

Aruba’s flora and fauna are strictly protected by authorities. You’re not allowed to take any plants, flowers, or seashells when you leave.

Customs authorities in Aruba allow you to bring the following quantities of alcohol and tobacco duty-free:

  • 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigarillos, or 25 cigars, or 250g of tobacco
  • 1 liter of alcoholic spirits, or 2.25 liters of wine, or 3 liters of beer

It’s illegal for passengers to carry some items when entering or leaving Aruba. You should not carry:

  • Flammable items, like fuel or gasoline
  • Guns and ammunition
  • Explosive materials and chemicals

Important Information for Canadian Travelers Visiting Aruba

Can I drive in Aruba with a Canadian driving license? Toggle faqs

Your Canadian driver's license is valid for Aruba.

Canadian visitors aged over 25 can rent a car in Aruba. Some car rental companies may allow drivers over the age of 21 to hire a car if they meet certain criteria.

How can I contact the Canadian embassy from Aruba? Toggle faqs

If you need urgent help during your stay in Aruba, call 911 to contact local police, fire, and ambulance services.

There are no Canadian government offices in Aruba. If you need consular assistance while in Aruba, contact the Embassy of Canada in Bogotá, Colombia.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Aruba? Toggle faqs

Aruba’s tap water is suitable for drinking. It is extensively filtered from saltwater, as there is no freshwater source on the island.

Can I take public transport in Aruba? Toggle faqs

There are some public bus services in Aruba, with routes passing most major hotels.

If you want to take a taxi, make sure it is officially registered. Taxis in Aruba do not have meters and all rates are fixed. You can pay your taxi fare in U.S. dollars or Aruban florins.

Do people speak English or French in Aruba? Toggle faqs

Papiamento and Dutch are the official languages of Aruba. Many Arubans also speak English and Spanish, especially in hotels, cafés, and restaurants.