Aruba

Recommended Vaccinations For Aruba

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, and the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a low risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission would also require a certificate. Entry to this country will be denied if a valid vaccination certificate cannot be provided.

Rabies Vaccine

Rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers who may come in contact with bats (i. e. cavers, adventure travellers, researchers, and anyone working with bats).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Aruba

There are no recommendations for Aruba at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Aruba

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Aruba.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Aruba through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Dengue Fever

Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.

For Some Travellers

Rabies

Rabies may occur in bats in this country.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Travellers transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport in a country/territory at risk for yellow fever transmission would also require a certificate. Entry to this country will be denied if a valid vaccination certificate cannot be provided.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Aruba, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Safety & Security in Aruba

Personal Safety

Aruba ranks among the safest Caribbean destinations. The US Department of State classifies it as Level 1, advising only normal precautions. Police maintain a visible presence in tourist areas with over 600 officers trained to assist visitors. Most crimes affecting tourists involve petty theft such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, particularly during crowded events like Carnival from January to March. Violent crime against tourists is rare and typically occurs away from resort areas. In 2024, police recorded approximately 18 homicides island-wide, with most incidents involving known suspects rather than tourists. With roughly 110,000 residents and 1.5 million annual visitors, the risk to travelers remains minimal. Drug offenses carry severe penalties including heavy fines and jail time. Tourism drives the economy, which incentivizes maintaining safety standards in resort and beach areas. Police respond quickly to emergencies by calling 100.

Extreme Violence

Extreme violence targeting tourists is exceptionally rare in Aruba. The homicide rate in 2024 stood at approximately 16 per 100,000 residents, higher than some Caribbean neighbors, but most incidents involve local disputes rather than tourists. Armed robberies have been reported but remain uncommon. Violent crime rates stay low compared to regional standards, with assault and armed robbery occurring at approximately 7.2 per 100,000. Gang activity exists on the island, primarily linked to drug trafficking and prostitution in specific neighborhoods. Organized crime operates in the Caribbean region, which is why INTERPOL maintains a presence. However, criminals targeting tourists rarely use force, and instances where visitors experience violent crime are minimal. The island’s small size and strong police presence contribute to deterring violent criminal activity in tourist zones.

Political Unrest

Aruba maintains high political stability with a rating of 1.43 points in 2023, well above the world average. The country operates as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands with full autonomy on most internal matters. Protests occur occasionally, typically related to labor disputes, social issues, or election campaigns, and are most common in Oranjestad. These demonstrations rarely turn violent and generally cause only minor transportation delays. In 2024, peaceful protests emerged regarding environmental concerns and hotel development, with locals demonstrating during King’s Day and National Anthem and Flag Day. Police managed the 2024 Carnival and elections without arrests, maintaining public order. While some demonstrations in May 2024 saw police physically contain protesters, political violence remains uncommon. Elections proceed peacefully with democratic transfers of power. The government is stable and focused on tourism-driven economic development.

Areas To Avoid

San Nicolas, Aruba’s second-largest city, warrants caution particularly after dark. The area functions as a red light district with prostitution and drug trafficking activity, minimal police presence, and poorly lit streets. Avoid walking alone in this neighborhood at night. Other areas with security concerns include Tanki Leendert and Paradera, where most crimes link to drug trafficking. Downtown Oranjestad’s cruise terminal area can feel deserted on Sundays when shops close, though it poses no significant danger. Isolated beaches away from main tourist areas present risks due to potential criminal activity and limited ability to call for help. Northern coast beaches like Boca Keto, Dos Playa, Andicuri Beach, and Blackstone Beach near San Nicolas feature strong currents, rough seas, and lack lifeguards, making them hazardous. Avoid swimming beyond buoys at any beach as currents intensify quickly. Remote areas of Arikok National Park require caution when visiting. Stay in well-lit, populated areas after dark and avoid unpopulated beaches at night.