Travel Tips for Aruba

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Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.

Size / Population: The island is 70 square miles with a population of 100,000 people.

Political Status: In 1986, the island became an independent entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruba has its own constitution based on western democratic principles with its own royally appointed governor and a 21-member elected parliament.

Language: The official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, the local island dialect. English and Spanish are also widely spoken.

Currency: The official currency of Aruba is the Aruban florin, which is divided into 100 cents. Travelers with ATM cards bearing the CIRRUS or Plus System network logos can withdraw cash in Aruban florins. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.

Electricity: 110 volts, same as U.S.

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (one hour ahead of New York); Daylight Saving Time is not observed.

Communication: To dial Aruba from the U.S dial 011 + 297 + the 7-digit local number. Cellular roaming service and GSM capabilities are normal in Aruba. Internet service is widely available as well as WiFi hotspots throughout the island. For international calls you can use the land line or use your credit card at the blue phones in your hotel lobby. International calling cards are widely available.

Drinking Water: No need for bottled water. Water is purified by one of the world’s largest desalination facilities.

Transportation: Taxis are abundant, and the local bus service is efficient and affordable. Visitors can also rent cars, scooters, even a Harley Davidson to cruise around the island. Drivers must be 21-25 years old (varies by rental company) and must be in possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license and major credit card.

Local Customs: Drinking / gambling age is 18. Tipping: generally 15-20% in restaurants; bellmen: $1 per bag; housecleaning staff: $1-$2 per day.

Getting Married: New laws now permit U.S. citizens to legally get married in Aruba. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees.

Wedding Requirements
The information below is a general list of requirements to perform a legal wedding ceremony in Aruba. Please check with the Aruba tourism department or wedding coordinator at your resort for additional information on legal requirements and fees for weddings in Aruba. All civil ceremonies must take place inside the City Hall in Oranjestad. Couples may also arrange a religious blessing after they have been legally married or may have a symbolic ceremony and celebration at a hotel. All information below is subject to change without notice.
Documentation: The bride/groom must bring original copies of the following documents:
• Original and copy of official birth certificate
• A valid, non-expired passport with photographed pages of the bride’s and groom's passport
• A report with an "apostile" (special seal) from the bride/groom's country of citizenship that proves their eligibility to marry and single status
• Divorce or death certificate if applicable
• Original and copies of the official identification of two witnesses
Divorced/Widowed Travelers: Divorced or widowed parties must provide official copies of the divorce decree (Decree Absolute) or a certified death certificate.
Waiting Period/Residency Requirement: The bride/groom must send copies of all documents above to the Office of the Civil Registry in Aruba preferably one month (but no later than 14 days) prior to the wedding date for civil wedding ceremonies in order to apply for a marriage license. However, there is no residency requirement per se.
Witnesses: You must have two witnesses over the age 18 with official identification credentials. Witnesses can be provided locally for an additional charge.
Fees: Vary depending upon your choice of location. Check with your wedding coordinator and/or ceremony site for most current information.