United States Visa RequirementsFor Aruba passport holders
Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Residents holding a Dutch passport can travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with an ESTA authorization. Residents who do not hold full Dutch citizenship and only carry a Netherlands Antilles travel document require a B1/B2 visa.
Aruba passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
If you hold a Dutch passport, you can apply for ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov instead of a B1/B2 visa. If you hold only a Netherlands Antilles or Aruban travel document without full Dutch citizenship, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa. Contact the nearest US Embassy (Port of Spain, Trinidad or Bogota, Colombia) for visa applications. Complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background, taken within last 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled at the US Embassy or consulate
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns showing ability to fund trip
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment proof
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended dates and purpose of travel to the US
Current Travel Situation
Aruba to United States: What You Need to Know
Aruba is a Caribbean island and autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located just off the coast of Venezuela. The Netherlands is a full member of the US Visa Waiver Program, so Aruban residents who hold Dutch citizenship and a Dutch passport can travel to the US without a visa using ESTA. However, residents who hold only a Netherlands Antilles document or do not have full Dutch citizenship are required to apply for a B1/B2 visa. Aruba is a highly popular tourist island with extensive US connections. The US dollar is widely used alongside the Aruban florin.
How to Get There
American Airlines, United, and JetBlue fly direct from Aruba (AUA, Queen Beatrix International Airport) to Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Charlotte (CLT), and Boston (BOS). Delta also serves AUA. Flight time to Miami is about 2.5 hours, making Aruba one of the most connected Caribbean islands to the US.
Money & Banking
The US dollar is widely used in Aruba alongside the Aruban florin. In the US, tipping is expected: 15 to 20% at restaurants, $1 to $2 for hotel porters. Credit cards are universally accepted. Budget $150 to $250 per day in major US cities.
Practical Tips
Check your passport type first. If you have a Dutch (Kingdom of the Netherlands) passport, visit esta.cbp.dhs.gov to apply for ESTA. If you need a B1/B2 visa, check current interview wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Bring documentation of your ties to Aruba: employment, property, business, and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Aruba residents need a visa to visit the United States?
It depends on your passport. Aruba is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. If you hold a Dutch (Netherlands) passport with full citizenship, you can travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program with an ESTA. If you hold only a Netherlands Antilles or Aruban travel document without full Dutch citizenship, you need a B1/B2 visa.
How do I apply for ESTA if I have a Dutch passport from Aruba?
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. You will need your Dutch passport, email address, and credit card. The ESTA authorization costs $21 and is typically valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. With an approved ESTA, you can stay in the US for up to 90 days per visit.
Where do Arubans without a Dutch passport apply for a US visa?
Contact the nearest US Embassy, which for Aruba is typically the US Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago or the US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. Complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview.
What airlines fly from Aruba to the United States?
American Airlines, United, JetBlue, and Delta all fly direct from Aruba (AUA, Queen Beatrix International) to Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Charlotte (CLT), Boston (BOS), and other US cities. Aruba has excellent US air connections. Flight time to Miami is about 2.5 hours.
How long can Aruba residents stay in the US?
With an approved ESTA (Dutch passport), you can stay up to 90 days per visit. With a B1/B2 visa, CBP sets your authorized stay at entry, typically up to 6 months. ESTA does not allow you to work in the US.
Does Aruba use US dollars?
The Aruban florin (AWG) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted throughout Aruba due to its tourism industry. In the US itself, only USD is used. Tipping in the US is customary at 15 to 20% in restaurants.