Aruba

Aruba

Transportation

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 for a particular location or circumstance.

Driving in Aruba is on the right-hand side of the road (as in the U.S.). 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; older children should ride in the back seat. Right turns at red lights are prohibited on Aruba.

Aruba's main thoroughfare, L.G. Smith Boulevard, is well lit, and most hotels and tourist attractions can be easily located. There are speed limits on Aruba, and driving while intoxicated may result in the loss of a driver’s license, fine and/or imprisonment. However, these are not consistently enforced. Drivers should be alert at all times for speeding cars and drunk drivers, which have caused fatal accidents. In the interior areas of the island, drivers should be alert for goats or other animals that may cross the roads unexpectedly. Buses provide convenient and inexpensive service to and from many hotels and downtown shopping areas. Taxis, while relatively expensive, are safe and well regulated. As there are no meters, passengers should negotiate a price before entering the taxi.

The emergency service telephone number is 911. Police and ambulances tend to respond quickly to emergency situations.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Travelers may also wish to visit Aruba’s national tourist office website for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Aruba’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Aruba’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

There are no known terrorist or extremist groups, or areas of instability on Aruba, although drug trafficking organizations do operate on the island.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Consulate on Facebook  and visit the Consulate’s website
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: The crime threat on Aruba is generally considered medium, although travelers should always take precautions when in unfamiliar surroundings. There have been incidents of theft from hotel rooms and vehicles. Armed robberies sometimes occur. Valuables left unattended on beaches, in cars and in hotel lobbies are easy targets for theft. Jewelry, phones, cameras, tablets and other electronics are the most commonly stolen items. Be especially observant when visiting isolated areas. U.S. travelers should have a copy of their valid U.S. passport in a secure location in case their passport is stolen.

Car theft, especially of rental vehicles, can occur. Vehicle leases or rentals may not be fully covered by local insurance when a vehicle is stolen or damaged. Be sure you are sufficiently insured when renting vehicles, jet skis, and other items.

We recommend that visitors take additional precautions when visiting the San Nicolas district. Due to the popularity of this area with tourists, many petty crimes are reported in this area.

Parents of young travelers should be aware that the legal drinking age of 18 is not always enforced in Aruba, so extra parental supervision may be appropriate. Young travelers in particular are urged to take the same precautions they would when going out in the United States, e.g. to travel in pairs or in groups if they choose to patronize Aruba’s nightclubs and bars, and if they opt to consume alcohol, to do so responsibly. Anyone who is a victim of a crime should make a report to Aruban police, as well as report it immediately to the U.S. Consulate General on Curacao. Do not rely on hotel/restaurant/tour company management to make the report for you.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. 

Dial “911” on Aruba for emergency police assistance.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.