Here is the latest update on the ongoing COVID situation in Aruba. As of February 21 2022, Aruba registered 47 active cases, of which 11 were non-residents. Whereas the average daily cases over the past seven days total 15. The positivity rate stands at 23%.
Hospitalizations:
There are currently 9 hospitalized of which 1 is in the iCU. In Colombia there are 6 persons in ICU. Due to lack of staff at the hospital they have to send patients over to Colombia for treatment.
Elimination of the COVID measures:
The Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that as of February 17, 2022, all COVID-19 measures had been eliminated. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that testing for admission to Aruba remains in force. Hence, everyone arriving in Aruba must test before entering. Testing is not required if fully vaccinated (must include booster shot). Residents can get a test in Aruba upon arrival. Please note that they must be fully vaccinated, including booster shot.
– Business closure is back to what is specified on the permit (vergunningstijd). No restrictions.
– No restrictions on number of diners at restaurant tables.
– Other COVID-19 measures in force at schools, businesses, and retirement homes will also be eliminated.
However, recommendations remain in place:
– Wash your hands frequently;
– keep 1.5 meters distance;
– use face masks;
– get your vaccine or booster shot;
– ventilate indoor spaces;
– use COVID-19 self-tests;
– if you have symptoms stay inside and get tested;
– if an establishment requires the use of a face mask, you must comply.
Adaptation of testing requirements to enter Aruba
As of February 3, 2022, non-resident travelers visiting Aruba have two testing options before boarding.
- A PCR test is taken per the country of origin’s risk level;
- An Antigen lab-test within 24 hours of travel
You must upload the test results online on the ED card system. The introduction of the Antigen option facilitates the entire testing process travelers have to go through and makes it possible for more visitors to get their test results in time for their Aruba vacation. This option contributes to the growth of our tourism without increasing the risks of more covid infections. Travelers from high-risk countries still cannot test upon arrival but must show a negative PCR result before boarding.
- Residents returning from the USA can get a (PCR) test at the airport upon arrival but can now also get an Antigen test within 24 hours of travel from the US.
- Those who wish to do a Molecular (e.g. PCR) test will have 3 days to take the Molecular test
- Aruba will be opening up to all countries
Aruba launched the option to travel with a digitally verifiable QR-Code proof of Covid-19 booster vaccination. Any combination of the following vaccines and booster shot administered at least 7 days before travel will be accepted:
- Comirnaty (Pfizer BioNTech),
- Spikevax (Moderna),
- Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca),
- Janssen (Johnson&Johnson),
- Nuvaxovid (Novavax).
This needs to be uploaded as part of the ED Card process no earlier than 3 days before arrival. If you can’t scan the QR you will be able to upload a picture of the vaccination card but this must be as clear as possible and also with all details showing.
For the U.S.: Please take note that neither the physical nor a picture of the CDC card will be accepted, it needs to be in the form of a SMART Health Card.
For more details go to www.aruba.com traveler requirement.
