Clearance Procedure
Aruba has different procedure for clearing in and out as other islands in the Caribbean: At arrival, all vessels are required to go to an official port of entry first! The vessel will have to be cleared both by Immigration and by Customs.
For your convenience you can print and fill in the necessary clearance forms (three copies for Immigration, two copies for Customs).
People can initially stay 30 days. For yacht crew this can be extended to two times 90 days. 180 days per year maximum. Yachts can stay on the island up to 180 days. After this they will need to be imported. Exception: Yachts in dry storage at the entrepot section of Varadero Aruba. While in storage the 180-day count is stopped.
CLEARING DURING COVID
Yachts need to make use of Varadero Aruba Marina or Wind Creek Marina to make arrangements for arrival. The marina needs to notify authorities minimum three days before arrival of the yacht.
Upon arrival a “PCR Covid test” less than 72 hours old can be shown. Or a PCR Covid test will be done on all persons onboard. There is a charge for this test. After doing the clearance the yacht must anchor in front of Varadero Aruba Marina or at the Airport (Surfside) anchorage and await the result of the tests. Results are ussually within 24 hours. If all tests are negative yachts can continue to the Marina or anchorage of their choice.
For the latest information and travel advisory update from the Aruba Tourism Authority regarding the measures Aruba have put in place, including travel restrictions in connection with COVID-19 Please visit Aruba.com
Immigration
First clear with immigration then go to Customs.
When clearing in there is one point to keep in mind: We suggest that you ask immigration for a longer period then you intend to stay. Should your plans change you will not have to spend time to get an extension.
Visa requirements: None for citizens of the USA, Canada or the EC. Other nationalities please download entry requirements. For persons requiring visa: Even though Aruba is part of the Netherlands, visa for the Netherlands Antilles are not valid for Aruba.
Visa Requirements
None for citizens of the USA, Canada or the EU. Other nationalities please download: http://www.aruba.com/sigma/Entry_Req-Eng.pdf .
For people requiring a visa: Visa must be specifically for Aruba. Even though Aruba is part of the Netherlands, visa for the Netherlands Antilles or the Netherlands are not valid for Aruba.
Visitors can stay up to a total of 180 days per year in Aruba but might get limited in to how long for each stay depending on the nationality. A vessel can stay 180 days in Aruba.
Customs
None for citizens of the USA, Canada or the EU. Other nationalities please download: http://www.aruba.com/sigma/Entry_Req-Eng.pdf .
For people requiring a visa: Visa must be specifically for Aruba. Even though Aruba is part of the Netherlands, visa for the Netherlands Antilles or the Netherlands are not valid for Aruba.
Visitors can stay up to a total of 180 days per year in Aruba but might get limited in to how long for each stay depending on the nationality. A vessel can stay 180 days in Aruba.
Pets
Require a certificate of health from your last port of call not older then 30 days.
Anchoring Permit
In Curacao an anchoring permit is required if you want to anchor outside of Spanish water. In Aruba there is no permit required. If you are anchored in a less frequented anchorage the Coast guard will probably pay you a visit, just because you are doing something different.
Clearing in Barcadera harbor
When you clear in the Barcadera Harbor please keep the following in mind:
- The container terminal is off limits to yachts.
- You have to tie up to the North West dock with the wooden face board. There is a shoal in front of this dock.
- The entry buoy to Barcadera Harbor is at 12° 28.834′ N 70° 00.430′ W
- The customs dock at Barcadera is at 12° 28.855′ N 70° 00.014′ W
- Once tied up the Captain will have to go the Immigrations & Customs offices on the dock. Crew is to remain on board.