Aruba reopens, but with interesting restrictions [MERGED]

[m61376]

Clearly the government is trying to balance safety while reopening tourism. The island reopens July 10th to US travelers, but besides temp checks and masks at the airport, visitors must either show proof of a negative coved test taken within 3 days of arrival or be tested on arrival and quarantined at a special hotel for 24 hours while waiting results. Also must either show evidence of coved specific health coverage or purchase for $15 pp/day.
While I applaud them for wanting to keep the island safe, as much as I love going there I don’t think how’s the time. Esp. for Sunday or Monday arrivals, getting test results taken within 3 days of departure will be tough, and the prospect of starting a vacation in a quarantine hotel for a day is daunting. Part of me was having a hard time cancelling our upcoming August trip ( even though I knew ultimately I’d be erring on the side of safety), but this makes the decision easier.
i hope these areas that totally depend on tourism will ultimately survive this crisis!

 

[nerodog]

Clearly the government is trying to balance safety while reopening tourism. The island reopens July 10th to US travelers, but besides temp checks and masks at the airport, visitors must either show proof of a negative coved test taken within 3 days of arrival or be tested on arrival and quarantined at a special hotel for 24 hours while waiting results. Also must either show evidence of coved specific health coverage or purchase for $15 pp/day.
While I applaud them for wanting to keep the island safe, as much as I love going there I don’t think how’s the time. Esp. for Sunday or Monday arrivals, getting test results taken within 3 days of departure will be tough, and the prospect of starting a vacation in a quarantine hotel for a day is daunting. Part of me was having a hard time cancelling our upcoming August trip ( even though I knew ultimately I’d be erring on the side of safety), but this makes the decision easier.
i hope these areas that totally depend on tourism will ultimately survive this crisis!

I wonder if these safety measures will be relaxed as each month goes on.

 

[dougef]

Was hoping to go to Aruba late 2020 or early 2021. If this stays in effect, I won't go. They are going to kill tourism there with this level of restriction if kept up for months.

 

[deniseh]

Sounds like the US resorts will be full. I think a lot of people will choose to forgo the resorts like in Aruba where there will be these restrictions. Going to Aruba is great but with some of these unknowns and restrictions it makes it harder to plan and just more complicated.

 

[klpca]

Clearly the government is trying to balance safety while reopening tourism. The island reopens July 10th to US travelers, but besides temp checks and masks at the airport, visitors must either show proof of a negative coved test taken within 3 days of arrival or be tested on arrival and quarantined at a special hotel for 24 hours while waiting results. Also must either show evidence of coved specific health coverage or purchase for $15 pp/day.
While I applaud them for wanting to keep the island safe, as much as I love going there I don’t think how’s the time. Esp. for Sunday or Monday arrivals, getting test results taken within 3 days of departure will be tough, and the prospect of starting a vacation in a quarantine hotel for a day is daunting. Part of me was having a hard time cancelling our upcoming August trip ( even though I knew ultimately I’d be erring on the side of safety), but this makes the decision easier.
i hope these areas that totally depend on tourism will ultimately survive this crisis!

That's pretty close to what French Polynesia is requiring as well (I believe that they require a negative test within three days prior to arrival, proof of travel insurance, and a signed document by a medical professional clearing you for travel). I understand their need to safety as a lot of island nations have limited medical resources and if a large proportion of their residents became ill, not only would their infrastructure be strained, it would greatly impact their residents/employees. They are in a special pickle. If you are a tourist trying to travel it is a frustrating experience for sure. I feel for them. Last time we had a pandemic of this magnitude, tourism was not their primary industry. They are in uncharted waters.

 

[JanT]

What do they mean by coved [sic] specific health coverage? That's an odd statement. I don't even know if there is such a thing. I'm assuming you have to provide proof that you have health insurance.

Also must either show evidence of coved specific health coverage or purchase for $15 pp/day.

 

[ljmiii]

Esp. for Sunday or Monday arrivals, getting [COVID] test results taken within 3 days of departure will be tough...

I don't know about availability where you live but for about the past four weeks we've been able to get COVID tests (both molecular and antibody) at local 'doc in the box' locations. They prefer if you call ahead to reserve a timeslot (so as to better maintain social distancing) but many do walk-ins.

 

[IngridN]

I don't know about availability where you live but for about the past four weeks we've been able to get COVID tests (both molecular and antibody) at local 'doc in the box' locations. They prefer if you call ahead to reserve a timeslot (so as to better maintain social distancing) but many do walk-ins.

I think she is referring to getting results over the weekend. If you take the test Fri, you would need the results Sat for a Mon arrival. DH had to have a test last month for dental surgery. Test done Thurs, results rec'd Sat, surgery was Monday. It may be very difficult to guarantee meeting the 3 day requirement.

Ingrid

 

[Dean]

Most tests we are doing are coming back in 1-3 days depending on how it was done and where it was sent. The ones that were 1 day had to be in by 2 pm and expedited to the state lab. These were being done for medical personnel only. The ones from the office are coming back in 2 days if done earlier in the day and 2-3 days if later. It should be no problem getting the result in 3 days and it's possible getting it in your hand in 3 days. But it likely requires a testing situation where someone can forward you the info either by email or by a portal. Even then it's going to be on an electronic device and not on paper. We're doing self tests on asymptomatic patients who are in the office for other reasons and self test in the vehicle for symptomatic or those that want to be tested as the reason for the visit. The results should be available even for weekend arrivals but getting someone with enough dedication to check it and get it to you on the weekend is the issue.

 

[Seaport104]

I love Aruba and happy to comply with their restrictions except the 72 hours timing on Covid-19 test is quite difficult, unless rapid testing becomes more readily available. There is an option to have the test done upon arrival in Aruba but who wants to be quarantined in 1 day of a 7 day vacation? Worst, if it comes out positive because you happen to be asymptomatic you are stuck there in a government designated accommodations? No thanks, I would rather know if I was positive before I get on a plane for everyone's safety and for my comfort so I can quarantine for 2 weeks at home.

The mandatory insurance is a good idea. Ensures if someone gets sick with Covid-19 they will get care while on the island. Although I can see how that can be cross prohibitive and redundant if one has insurance (whether trip insurance or regular medical insurance) that would cover while overseas.

 

[TravelTime]

If I loved Aruba, I would take the test 3 days before arrival. I just had a covid test and I got the results through the online portal in less than 24 hours. They told me it would take 24-48 hours to get the results. So I would go to that testing place again, if needed for travel. I would not take the test upon arrival for several reasons: I would lose a day of vacation, and If I tested positive, it would ruin the entire vacation and when would I be allowed to travel home again. I would rather know I am negative before boarding the plane. And I would rather know that everyone has been tested and had negative results before they get on the plane. I heard that Tahiti requires a pre-travel test and another one 5 days after arrival. That is really strict and I would not go to Tahiti until the restrictions make more sense. I am going to Fiji in May 2021 so I need to keep up to date with their testing requirements. I would go if we could get tested 72 hours in advance but not if they require a another test during the vacation.

 

[Steve Fatula]

The problem though is if you test positive, perhaps you are one of the ones with no symptoms, and you exchanged in, now you're back to the problem of cancelling your exchange. And that won't be a very good cancel for you most likely. If enrolled, you'll get to retrade until expiration date but only 60 days out (unless 120 is still going). I think you'll have a chance of losing it entirely if you find out last day. You may have trouble with other arrangements you have made as well.

While it would be great to know you tested positive, there's some vacation risk there.

 

[hajjah]

We've been going to Aruba since 2005. I don't know what we're going to do! There are 4 of us booked since February to the Surf Club with airfare and car rental already set. I'm trying to figure out the insurance issue. Plus, our arrival date is on a Monday in September. So, we need to be tested the Friday before we leave? Now, the issue with purchasing the insurance for the 4 of us is another story in itself. I think I read that it will be $15 per person per day. What! The car rental and airfare were high enough for this trip. Oh, and what about that turn around time for the test results? This is not looking very good. One of my friends has never been to Aruba and she was so looking forward to this trip. I may have to use the E Plus Re Trade again. I moved the trip from May to September back in February before the pandemic because the air was too high.

 

[ljmiii]

We've been going to Aruba since 2005. I don't know what we're going to do!...

So to unpack this one item at a time...

Reach out to your local health provider and/or doc-in-the-box. Find out when they are doing COVID-19 testing, when you can get results, and if the results are available online.

Did you purchase health insurance for the trip? Many US policies don't cover you overseas so you should do that anyway. In either case, find out if they cover you if you contract COVID. If not, you're in for $15/person/day. I get the impression it is more of an emotional response than a financial one but at base it's not that much compared to the cost of airfare, car rental, and dining/drinks in Aruba.

That said, you're down to the question Steve Faluta asked. How would you feel if one or more of you test positive and you have to turn back and fly home? And if you are the one who tests positive would you want your friends to continue their vacation? (if so make sure they are on your reservations)

 

[Bunk]

How would you feel if one or more of you test positive and you have to turn back and fly home? And if you are the one who tests positive would you want your friends to continue their vacation? (if so make sure they are on your reservations)

I have to believe that if one member of my family tests positive, and if we all live together and travel to Aruba together, all members of the family/group would be treated the same and we would all be denied entry or required to stay in quarantine for 2 weeks. Do you think travel insurance would cover the costs if we are denied access into Aruba as a result of a test if it turns out that it was a false positive and no one was actually sick.

 

[R1964]

Aruba’s borders will open gradually.

• June 15, 2020 :- Bonaire and Curaçao.
• July 1, 2020 :- Europe, Canada, Caribbean (except Dominican Republic and Haiti).
• July 10, 2020 :- USA
• No opening date yet for Central and South America.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO BOARDING:

• Online ED card is mandatory.
• ED card includes:
  • Self Health Declaration form.
  • Obligatory COVID insurance. Insurance would cover costs of quarantine/isolation accommodation and medical care when required. Cost is estimated at $15 per day.
  • Option to upload negative COVID19 PCR test result of test taken within 72 hours of travel OR payment for testing upon arrival on Aruba. (Testing prior to travel will be encouraged). Tests are required for 12 years of age and older.
• Masks required during flight.

PORT OF ENTRY ARUBA AIRPORT:

• 100% Thermal camera screening.
• Symptom screening.
• PCR rapid test mandatory for all that did not upload the negative test via ED card. Tests are required for 12 years of age and older.
• Visitors (with no symptoms) await result of test for 24 hours in quarantine at their hotel.
• Visitors with symptoms get a 1-hour test. If positive they will be sent to designated isolation property. If medical attention is required, they will be hospitalized

Local Residents are also required to take test prior to entry or at arrival.If the resident refuses to take the test, 14-day quarantine is required. Government does not encourage travel to affected countries.

According to the announcement for the Aruban government you can upload your negative COVID19 PCR test to the online mandatory ED card and test are required for 12 years of age or older. From the reading of this it looks like the obligatory Covid insurance is something that has to be purchased through the Aruban government when you do the online ED card.

 

[ljmiii]

I have to believe that if one member of my family tests positive, and if we all live together and travel to Aruba together, all members of the family/group would be treated the same and we would all be denied entry or required to stay in quarantine for 2 weeks...

The poster to whom I was responding to said, "...One of my friends has never been to Aruba and she was so looking forward to this trip...." so I assumed they were at least two separate households. I would guess that each individual over 18 would be considered separately but have no knowledge of Aruba's policy on such matters.

Do you think travel insurance would cover the costs if we are denied access into Aruba as a result of a test if it turns out that it was a false positive and no one was actually sick.

You would have to directly contact the insurance company to determine their coverage. But just because no one developed symptoms wouldn't mean it was a false positive.

 

[m61376]

Don’t get me wrong- I understand their need to be very cautious. The problem really is with the testing situation1-2 days here frequently is 2-3 or even 4. And results have to be uploaded before you leave. Very stressful to have to worry if the test results will come back in time. On the flip side, it protects everyone; even the best intentioned people can be asymptomatic but contagious. And if the test here doesn’t come back in time, will their system be able to deliver on the 24 hour turn around, or will people land up being quarantined for an extra day? Just too many risks, too many unknowns for my comfort. I so wish things were different...not sure I’m ready to get on a plane.

 

[Bunk]

What will happen with US flights where masks are required but the rule is not enforced.


All visitors will be required to comply with arrival, screening and health procedures as mandated by the Aruba Airport Authority and the Government of Aruba. The mandatory requirements will include: All travelers wear a mask while in-flight to Aruba.
This is from website: https://www.aruba.com/us/traveler-health-requirements

 

[ljmiii]

What will happen with US flights where masks are required but the rule is not enforced.

For a while there were different rules on electronic devices for International flights than US ones. The cabin crew enforced the more stringent rules even on a US airline. I assume the cabin crew on a US airline would enforce Aruba's requirement as well.

But it isn't as if anyone knows for sure or if Aruba would deny entry to anyone the airline reports as having flown mask-free.

 

[normab]

We are scheduled to go to Aruba this fall....I was following their closure....they had a survey on the visitaruba website that asked how you felt about a universal 14 day quarantine...really...lots of folks only go for one week...so this is their compromise.

By the way, my understanding is that the insurance is from an Aruban company only.

Am I missing something...what if you had it several months ago? DH had it and with the inaccuracy of the antibody tests, not sure what good it would do to test him...And if they would accept that as an entry criteria?

I don’t mind taking a test and paying for the insurance...more money to the Aruban economy...I just hope they work out the actual mechanics of this by the time we get there...

Agreed, we’re hoping they lower the bar as time goes on. And I hope that our airline gets us the information well in advance to our flights....

 

[m61376]

We are scheduled to go to Aruba this fall....I was following their closure....they had a survey on the visitaruba website that asked how you felt about a universal 14 day quarantine...really...lots of folks only go for one week...so this is their compromise.

By the way, my understanding is that the insurance is from an Aruban company only.

Am I missing something...what if you had it several months ago? DH had it and with the inaccuracy of the antibody tests, not sure what good it would do to test him...And if they would accept that as an entry criteria?

I don’t mind taking a test and paying for the insurance...more money to the Aruban economy...I just hope they work out the actual mechanics of this by the time we get there...

Agreed, we’re hoping they lower the bar as time goes on. And I hope that our airline gets us the information well in advance to our flights....

The sad reality is no one know what, or if, antibodies for civil mean; there haven’t been studies to know whether antibodies infer immunity and, if so, for how long. So the pcr test, which checks for active viral infection, is the best for the island‘s safety, which is why that’s the one they’re requiring.

 

[ljmiii]

...antibodies for civil mean...

Ah the joys of autocorrect. Otherwise, perfectly accurate.

 

[mdurette]

I have a trip planned to Aruba for Thanksgiving week, that I am 99% sure we will cancel. BUT..if I were considering these precautions would make me feel more comfortable about the plane ride there. If you fly non stop from the states, then you should be able to assume that most on the plane have taken a test. I wouldn't imagine risking a trip to only find out when I got there I was stuck in quarantine with it!

It is no different than if I want to travel to Maine next month, I need a negative test to avoid a 2 week quarantine there too.

 

[Luvtoride]

I love Aruba and happy to comply with their restrictions except the 72 hours timing on Covid-19 test is quite difficult, unless rapid testing becomes more readily available. There is an option to have the test done upon arrival in Aruba but who wants to be quarantined in 1 day of a 7 day vacation? Worst, if it comes out positive because you happen to be asymptomatic you are stuck there in a government designated accommodations? No thanks, I would rather know if I was positive before I get on a plane for everyone's safety and for my comfort so I can quarantine for 2 weeks at home.

The mandatory insurance is a good idea. Ensures if someone gets sick with Covid-19 they will get care while on the island. Although I can see how that can be cross prohibitive and redundant if one has insurance (whether trip insurance or regular medical insurance) that would cover while overseas.

“Get care on the Island”?! Have any of you ever had to go to the hospital while on vacation in Aruba?! It is downright incompetent with barely enough resources for locals and for that reason alone I would not go to Aruba now or for the foreseeable future! We cancelled our July trip which would have been 10 years in a row and frankly I don’t see ourselves going back anytime soon.
By “opening” the Island under these conditions to US visitors they are basically saying PLEASE come back under our rules because we realize we can’t survive without you!
Thank goodness we have other choices!


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