Many tourists can enter Aruba without a visa, while others must apply for one in advance.
This page breaks down who needs a visa, how to apply, and the other entry documents required — like the Aruba ED card.
Visa-Free Access to Aruba
Many nationalities do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. These include:
- All EU member countries
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Several Latin American and Caribbean countries
A valid passport and a completed Aruba ED Card are required for these travelers.
- You must [apply for the Aruba ED card](https://www.aruba-edcard.com/application) online before arrival.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Aruba?
You need a visa if you're from a country not on the visa-exempt list. Some of these include:
- India
- Pakistan
- Nigeria
- Cuba
- Haiti
- Dominican Republic (unless holding a visa/residence from Schengen, US, UK, or Canada)
Check Aruba’s official list or use an online eligibility checker.
Types of Visas for Aruba
Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. All visa applications are processed under the Dutch Caribbean visa system.
Below are the main visa types for Aruba and how to apply for each.
Short-Stay Visa (C Visa)
If you’re visiting Aruba for tourism or short stays, this visa type should cover your trip.
Purpose: Tourism, family visits, business trips, or short-term study or training
Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period (single or multiple entry)
Eligibility:
- Citizens of visa-required countries
- Must have valid reason for visit
- Cannot apply for work with this visa
Requirements:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months’ validity)
- Two recent passport-size photos
- Completed visa application form
- Proof of travel insurance (with minimum €15,000 medical coverage)
- Hotel booking or invitation letter (with copy of host’s ID/residence permit)
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Bank statements (last 3 months) showing sufficient funds
- Visa fee payment receipt (around €80)
How to apply:
- Check if you need a visa using Aruba's official list.
- Contact the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country.
- Fill out the Schengen short-stay visa form (specifying travel to Aruba).
- Gather all documents listed above.
- Make an appointment at the embassy or visa center.
- Submit application and biometric data.
- Wait for processing (around 15 working days).
- Collect your visa or receive it by mail.
Transit Visa
If you’re just planning on transiting through Aruba, you might still need a visa.
Purpose: Layovers in Aruba airport (no entry into the country)
Duration: Maximum 48 hours
Eligibility:
- Only citizens from a few countries (e.g., Afghanistan, Bangladesh)
- Most travelers do not need a transit visa if they stay in the airport.
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Valid visa or travel authorization for final destination
- Confirmed onward flight ticket
- Transit visa application form
- One recent passport photo
How to apply: Same process as short-stay visa — apply through the Dutch embassy in your country.
Residence Permit (Long-Stay Visa)
For longer stays you’ll need a resident permit.
Purpose: Living, working, studying, or retiring in Aruba
Types:
- Work permit
- Study permit
- Retirement/residence without work permit
- Family reunification
Requirements (may vary):
- Valid passport
- Clean criminal record
- Medical exam and health insurance
- Proof of income (work contract, pension, savings)
- Sponsor or employer in Aruba (for work or family-based applications)
- Application fee
How to apply:
- Your sponsor in Aruba (employer, family member) must first submit a request to Aruba's DIMAS (Departamento di Integración, Maneho y Admision di Stranhero).
- Once approved, you receive instructions to apply for a residence permit and visa at the Dutch embassy in your country.
- Submit required documents and wait for approval.
- Travel to Aruba and register with the local population registry.
Processing time: Several weeks to a few months depending on visa type.
Do You Have a US, UK, Canadian, or Schengen Visa?
If you hold a valid multiple-entry visa or residence permit for the US, UK, Canada, or Schengen Area, and are from a visa-required country:
- You do not need a separate Aruba visa
- You can stay for up to 30 days in Aruba
You still need to complete the Aruba ED Card online before traveling.
Summary: What You Need to Enter Aruba
Here’s a summary of what you need for Aruba:
| Traveler Type | Visa Needed? | ED Card Required? |
|---|---|---|
| EU/US/Canada/UK citizen | No | Yes |
| India / Nigeria / Cuba | Yes | Yes |
| Schengen/US/UK/CA visa holder | No | Yes |
