Trip planning

Travel to Aruba from Spain: All the requirements

Planning a trip to this Caribbean island? Before you start packing, it’s important to review the requirements to travel to Aruba from Spain in 2025. Although there aren’t many requirements, if you arrive without everything in order, you might encounter issues. It wouldn’t be the first time a traveller gets held up at the airport […]

To help you avoid wasting time upon arrival and start enjoying the Dutch Caribbean right away, we’ve prepared a guide with everything you need to know before you leave. Is a return ticket required? What visas are available? Is medical insurance or specific vaccinations required? We’ll answer these questions and many more. We’ll also share some tips that will help you make the most of everything this diverse country has to offer.

Tip to travel to Aruba

Before diving into the requirements to travel to Aruba from Spain, a quick note. Though it’s not mandatory, having good connectivity from the moment you step into Queen Beatrix International Airport will help you get the most out of your trip. You’ll be able to check maps to navigate the island as soon as you arrive, rent a car, or book a tour. You can also upload photos of the stunning views to social media or find the best trails at Arikok National Park.

For short trips, we recommend the Holafly eSIM for Aruba. You’ll have unlimited data starting at just €10.90 ($11.67). To get started, simply select the number of days for your trip and follow the installation steps sent to your email. You can manage your plan at any time from the Holafly Center.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Buy Global eSIM

Are you a digital nomad or considering spending an extended time visiting Aruba and other Caribbean countries? In that case, Holafly Connect’s global internet plans might be the best option for you. You can choose a 10 GB, 25 GB, or unlimited data plan starting at just €39.90 ($40.93). You’ll be able to cross borders without worrying about getting local SIM cards and stay connected wherever you go.

Solving this before departure will save you from headaches upon arriving in Aruba. Now, let’s go over the entry requirements you need to meet to visit the island.

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1. Flight ticket to Aruba and return flight ticket to Spain

First, you must have a round-trip ticket. Alternatively, a departure ticket to another destination is also valid. Aruban immigration requires proof of onward travel to ensure you won’t overstay your permitted time.

This applies whether you’re visiting for tourism, study, work, or business. Do they always ask? Not always, but arriving without it may cause issues. Exceptions include:

If you hold a residence permit in Aruba or another Dutch Kingdom country (Netherlands, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, or Bonaire), you may be exempt from this requirement.
If you’re transiting to another country, a valid departure ticket from Aruba to your next destination will be accepted.

Bring your outbound ticket printed or saved digitally. You may need to show it at check-in in Spain or at Immigration at Queen Beatrix Airport (AUA) in Oranjestad.

2. Tourist, residence or work visas for Aruba

If you’re travelling for tourism and you’re staying less than 30 days, you don’t need a visa. You only need the ED-card. If you’d like to extend your stay once in Aruba, you can apply for an extension of up to 180 days through DIMAS or online. However, approval isn’t easy—you’ll need to own property on the island or have a legal guarantor in Aruba.

Planning to stay longer? You’ll need a visa. The type of visa depends on your travel purpose

Student visa: To apply, submit an acceptance letter from the University of Aruba (or another school), enrollment proof (DBSB), a statement from the institution, proof of financial means, and valid international health insurance for the entire stay.
Work visa: The duration depends on your job contract and can last up to five years. You’ll need a DIMAS work permit, a job offer from a registered Aruban company, and sometimes proof that the role can’t be filled by a local candidate. Multinational employees transferred to an Aruban branch can apply for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa.
Residency or long-stay visa: For those planning to live in Aruba permanently or for an extended period. There are several visa categories for non-tourist travel to Aruba:
- Investor visa: You’ll need this if you plan to buy property or make a significant financial investment in Aruba.
- Family reunification visa: This visa applies to spouses or children of Aruban citizens or legal residents.
- Retirement visa: You must show proof of stable and sufficient income.

If your trip isn’t for tourism, start planning well in advance. Visa processing can take up to eight weeks. The average cost for these residence permits is ƒ 150 (about €80 or $87).

3. Spanish passport to travel to Aruba

Another obvious requirement for leaving the Schengen Area is having a valid passport throughout your stay in Aruba. It should remain valid for your entire stay and be in good condition—no damage or torn pages.

If you plan to request a tourist permit extension, ensure your passport remains valid throughout your extended stay. For visa holders, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your entry date.

Requirements for travelling to Aruba from Spain in 2025. Source: Shutterstock

4. Address of your accommodation in Aruba

Heads up — this requirement isn’t always asked, but it’s important to be prepared. Even though immigration officers don’t always request it, they might ask where you’ll be staying during your trip. A hotel reservation will usually be enough.

But if you’re travelling to Aruba with a visa, this proof is even more crucial. If you can’t show where you’ll stay, they might deny your entry. You’ll also need to provide this information when applying for a stay extension at the DIMAS office.

5. ED-Card to enter Aruba

You must fill out the ED-Card before flying to Aruba. This is a required online immigration form that collects your travel details. Arriving without it approved could lead to problems at the border.

It’s very easy to get. At least 72 hours before your flight, go to Aruba’s official immigration site and complete the form. Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email.

6. Vaccinations mandatory to travel to Aruba

Only one type of traveller needs a vaccine to enter Aruba: Those who visited a yellow fever–endemic country within 6 days before arrival. If you’re flying from Spain but previously spent time in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, or Nigeria, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Even if this doesn’t apply to you, it’s always wise to visit an international vaccination center before traveling far.

7. Medical insurance to travel to Aruba

This requirement applies only if you’re entering with a work, study, or residence visa. To get those visas, you must present proof of valid international medical insurance. It should cover hospital stays, emergencies, and doctor visits.

8. Pass immigration control in Aruba

To start enjoying Eagle Beach, Arikok National Park, and the rest of Aruba’s gems, you’ll first pass immigration. When you land at Queen Beatrix International Airport, a border officer will ask to see your passport, approved ED-Card, and exit ticket. They might also ask you a few questions. It’s a quick process if your documents are ready and your answers are clear.

Eight requirements to travel to Aruba from Spain. Source: Shutterstock

More tips to travel to Aruba

These were the requirements for travelling to Aruba from Spain in 2025. Before wrapping up this guide, let’s go over a couple more tips. Like choosing a reliable internet plan in Aruba, these aren’t mandatory—but thinking about them before your trip makes everything easier.

1. Travel Insurance for Aruba

Only travellers with a work, study, or residence visa need medical insurance to enter. Still, if you’re visiting as a tourist, buying travel insurance is a smart move. It covers medical expenses, repatriation, flight delays, cancellations, and lost luggage. You’ll avoid big out-of-pocket costs during emergencies.

2. Driving licence in Aruba

Are you planning to rent a car to explore the island? Good news—you can drive in Aruba with your Spanish license. You won’t need an international driving permit, but the limit is 180 days.

Frequently Asked Questions about requirements to travel to Aruba from Spain

Do Spanish citizens need a visa to visit Aruba?

No. Spanish passport holders can enter Aruba visa-free. But only for stays up to 30 days. To stay longer, you’ll need a student, work, or residence visa.

Is a return ticket compulsory to enter Aruba?

Yes. When you arrive, you must show proof of a return flight to Spain or another country you’re allowed to enter.

Is it compulsory to take out medical insurance to enter to Aruba?

Only if you travel with a work, residence, or student visa. Tourists don’t need it, but it’s highly recommended as medical care in Aruba can be expensive.

Are any vaccines required to travel to Aruba?

No vaccines are mandatory—unless you’ve been in a yellow fever risk country within six days of arrival. In that case, you’ll need an international vaccination certificate.

Can you work in Aruba with a tourist visa?

No. Tourist visas don’t allow any paid work in Aruba. If you plan to work, your employer must first apply for a work permit through DIMAS. Only after that can you request the proper visa.