Two years after the onset of the pandemic, the Caribbean island of Aruba is doing away with its remaining COVID-19-related travel restrictions.
Starting Saturday, Aruba will no longer require a negative coronavirus test or proof of vaccination for entry. Previously, tourists were allowed to enter only with a negative coronavirus test, proof of full vaccination or proof of recovery.
Visitors’ insurance is still required, and all travelers will still need to complete an embarkation/disembarkation card before arrival.
A statement from the Aruba Tourism Authority said the Aruban government, health care systems and tourism industry will “monitor the current environment and changing conditions to determine how to further adapt, if necessary.”
The island is just one of many destinations that are beginning to roll back coronavirus travel restrictions ahead of the busy summer travel season.
Canadian officials on Thursday announced that the country would drop its pre-departure coronavirus testing requirement for fully vaccinated travelers starting April 1. Similarly, New Zealand announced this week plans to reopen to vaccinated international tourists in May, and South Korea is set to drop its quarantine requirement for vaccinated travelers next month.
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CDC warns travelers to avoid Aruba due to COVID-19 levels
Aruba’s new entry requirements come on the heels of a COVID-19 surge that spiked in January. The island reported 85 confirmed cases the week of March 14, down from a high of more than 5,500 the week of Jan. 3, according to World Health Organization data.
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that Aruba still has “very high” COVID-19 levels.
“Avoid travel to Aruba,” the CDC’s website says. “Even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19.”
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