Planning a cruise trip which docks in Aruba? Make sure to check the island’s entry requirements for cruise ship passengers before you travel.
Here, you can find information about:
- Passport and visa requirements for cruise passengers
- Other necessary documentation for travel to Aruba
- Aruba’s customs rules for travelers on cruise ships
- Cruise ports and docking areas in Aruba
Documents You Need for Cruises to Aruba
Entry requirements for cruises to Aruba ship passengers vary depending on the length of your stay in port.
Only a passport is required if you’re spending fewer than 24 hours docked in Aruba’s waters.
Do you need a passport to go to Aruba on a cruise?
You’ll need a passport to take a cruise to Aruba. It should be valid for at least the duration of your trip.
U.S. citizens can travel to Aruba by cruise with government-issued photo ID and a state-certified birth certificate, instead of a passport. This only applies to cruises which start and end in the U.S.
It’s recommended to travel with a passport, as it guarantees the smoothest passage between countries.
Some cruise operators require passengers to have a minimum of 6 months’ passport validity. Check your cruise line’s passport and ID requirements for passengers when making your booking.
What are the visa requirements for cruise passengers?
Visa requirements for passengers traveling to Aruba by cruise depend on how long you will spend in port.
You can enter Aruba for up to 24 hours without a visa if you’ve arrived by cruise ship. Check the docking schedule of your cruise line to calculate how long you will spend in Aruba.
If your ship will spend more than 24 hours docked in Aruba, you’ll need to check the visa requirements for your nationality.
Visa requirements for cruise passengers in Aruba for more than 1 day
Passport or residence permit holders from certain countries, including the UK, U.S., Canada, and all EU nations, can travel to Aruba by cruise visa-free for up to 30 days.
Travelers from other countries must visit a Kingdom of the Netherlands consulate or embassy to make a visa application before traveling by cruise.
Visas issued for travel to Aruba are also valid for other Caribbean islands within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
ED Card for cruises to Aruba
The Aruba Embarkation/Disembarkation card, also known as the ED card, is a mandatory document that must be completed by most travelers arriving in Aruba.
It’s not a type of visa. The ED card gives immigration officials some information about passengers arriving on the island.
Cruise ship passengers are exempt from this requirement if they will spend fewer than 24 hours in port in Aruba.
If your cruise ship will spend more than 1 day docked in Aruba, you’ll need to complete the ED card online.
Arrival and Departure: Traveling by Cruise to Aruba
When you arrive in Aruba by cruise, you may be met by local immigration officials. You might need to show your passport, and an ED card or visa if required.
Sometimes, immigration officers will inspect the passenger list provided by the cruise operator, rather than checking individual travelers’ documents.
Aruba customs rules for cruise passengers
You will not pass through Aruba’s customs area if you are arriving to the island by cruise ship.
Nonetheless, you must comply with regulations about bringing some items on to or away from the island.
Generally, rules about what you can take into Aruba follow those of most cruise lines. Weapons and firearms are not permitted in Aruba.
You’re not allowed to take sand, seashells, or coral from Aruba’s beaches unless you have a special permit. Interfering with Aruba’s natural environment or wildlife can result in a fine.
Cruise ports in Aruba
Aruba’s cruise port is located in Oranjestad, the island’s capital. It’s known as Aruba Cruise Terminal and has 4 docks for cruise ships.
All principal cruise lines making a stop in Aruba dock in Oranjestad. Aruba has many other ports for smaller ships and boats.
