Aruba is now officially open for travelers from the United States.
The Dutch Caribbean Island officially reopened for U.S. travelers on July 10, following a July 1 reopening for Canadian and European travelers, following an initial relaunch for visitors from neighboring Caribbean countries.
In light of recent COVID-19 spikes in certain U.S. states, Aruba said it would be requiring travelers residing in 24 U.S. states to upload proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure as part of a required online Embarkation/Disembarkation form (you can find it here).
You can find the full list of states from which pre-arrival negative test results are required below:
Travelers who reside in other U.S. states have the option of taking a PCR test within the 72-hour window and uploading it, or taking a PCR test at their own expense upon arrival at the airport.
Aruba is requiring all visitors to purchase “Aruba Visitors Insurance” as part of their trip, although some hotels like the Renaissance are actually covering these costs in their rates.
“We recognize this causes an extra step for those wanting to travel, and also know not everyone will be able to have access to this test in their state. These are necessary safeguards designed to keep Aruba safe and free of health risks,” the Aruba Tourism Authority said in a statement.
So what’s open right now?
Most of Aruba’s leading resorts have reopened their doors, including the aforementioned Renaissance Aruba, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino, the Boardwalk Boutique Hotel and Divi’s resort portfolio in Aruba, too.
The Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort actually never closed, although it has completed a series of major upgrades, both cosmetic and health and safety-related.
And the Aruba Marriott has also reopened in its signature perch on Palm Beach.
“With Aruba being a popular destination for guests from all over the world, the island knew it had to be extremely careful in implementing safeguards so guests coming from areas where COVID-19 hit harder would not pose a risk to the island and our visitors,” said Ewald Biemans, owner and CEO of the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. “I’m confident in Aruba’s approach to COVID-19 safety and that Bucuti & Tara’s new high-tech, hospital-grade safety protocol will keep our guests safe to enjoy their romantic vacations and our staff and community safe.”
Aruba has not yet announced when it will be opening for South American and Central American visitors.
“Aruba’s health and safety protocols will be revisited and reevaluated on an ongoing basis,” the ATA said.
For more info, visit Aruba’s Health page.