COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Aruba, an autonomous island in the Caribbean, is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Tourist facilities are widely available. The U.S. Consulate General in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, has responsibility for U.S. citizens in Aruba.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Either a U.S. passport or a U.S. birth certificate accompanied by a valid photo ID must be presented. While a U.S. passport is not mandatory, it is recommended since it is more readily recognized as a form of positive identification and citizenship. Tourists may be asked to show an onward/return ticket or proof of sufficient funds for their stay. Length of stay is granted for two weeks and may be extended for 90 days by the Head Office of Immigration. For further information, travelers can contact the Royal Netherlands Embassy, 4200 Linnean Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 244-5300, or the Dutch consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Houston. Internet: http://www.netherlands/embassy.org.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
DUAL NATIONALITY: Dutch law in principle does not permit dual nationality. However, there are exceptions in some cases. The Embassy of the Netherlands in Washington, D.C. or one of the Dutch consulates in the United States will be able to provide more detailed and specific information on dual nationality. In addition to being subject to all Dutch laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Dutch citizens. For additional information, please see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: There are no extremist groups, areas of instability or organized crime within Aruba.
CRIME: There has been an increase in crime in Aruba. Although strolling downtown or in other tourist areas after dark used to be generally safe, Americans should note that there has been a sharp rise in armed robberies. Newspapers report these incidents as being mostly drug related. Americans should take normal precautionary measures and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
There have been incidents of theft from hotel rooms. Valuables left unattended on beaches, in cars and in hotel lobbies are easy targets for theft. Petty crime and credit card fraud continues to be a problem. Car theft, including that of rental vehicles for joy riding or stripping, does occur. Vehicle leases or rentals may not be fully covered by local insurance when a vehicle is stolen. Please be sure that you are sufficiently insured when renting vehicles and jet skis.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is good in Aruba. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate payment in cash or by major credit card for health services. Aruba has one hospital, the Dr. H.E. Oduber Hospital, with medical standards that can be compared with an average small hospital in the United States. The hospital has three classes of services, and patients are accommodated according to the level of their insurance (i.e,. first class: one patient to a room, TV, and more meal variety; second class: two to three patients to a room, shared bathroom, etc; third class: 15 to 20 people in a ward).
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have found it to be life-saving when a medical emergency has occurred. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Aruba is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Excellent
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good
Driving in Aruba is on the right-hand side of the road, as in the United States. Right turns on red are prohibited in Aruba. Local laws require drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and motorcyclists to wear helmets. Children under 5 years of age should be in a child safety seat; if older, they should ride in the back seat.
Aruba's main thoroughfare, L.G. Smith Boulevard, is well lit, and most hotels and tourist attractions can be easily located. Although there is a speed limit in Aruba, many times it is not properly enforced. Drivers should be alert at all times for speeding cars, which have caused fatal car accidents. Buses provide convenient and inexpensive service to and from many hotels and downtown shopping areas. Taxis, while expensive, are safe and well regulated. As there are no meters, passengers should verify the price before entering the taxi.
For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Aruba driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Netherlands National Tourist Organization offices in New York at 1-888-464-6552, Internet: http://www.goholland.com. Also, please see road safety information from other sources at http://www.aruba.com/.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Aruba's Civil Aviation Authority as Category 1 - in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Aruba's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Aruba customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Aruba. Travelers are allowed to purchase a maximum of $600 worth of duty free merchandise based on the retail value. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the Netherlands in Washington, D.C. or one of the Dutch Consulates in the United States for specific information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Aruba's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Aruba are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Aruba has strict gun control laws; even a stray bullet in a suitcase can trigger a fine or time in jail.
TIME-SHARES AND REAL ESTATE: Time-share sales and other real estate investments are two of the fastest growing tourist industries in Aruba. Time-share buyers are cautioned about contracts that do not have a "non-disturbance or perpetuity protective clause" incorporated in the purchase agreement. Such a clause gives the time-share owner perpetuity of ownership should the facility be sold. Americans sometimes complain that the time-share units are not adequately maintained, despite generally high annual maintenance fees.
Potential investors should be aware that failed land development schemes involving time-share investments can result in financial losses. Interested investors may wish to seek expert professional advice regarding investments involving land development projects. Real estate investment problems that reach local courts are rarely settled in favor of foreign investors.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION AND CONSULATE LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Aruba are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao, located at J.B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao, telephone 011-599-9-461-3066; fax 011-599-9-461-6489; after-hours emergency telephone 011-599-9-560-6870; e-mail address: cgcuracao@interneeds.net. The Consular Section hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, except U.S. and Dutch holidays.
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