Aruba Country Report

Aruba, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a major tourist destination in the Caribbean and the most well-known island of the so-called "Dutch Caribbean". As such, the country's economy relies significantly tourism, aided by its longstanding political stability and highly-developed infrastructure. Another key ingredient to the island's success has been its geographic location outside the Caribbean region's main hurricane belt, which bestows upon it a considerable amount of infrastructural stability and continuity.

In general, Aruba is one of the lowest-risk countries in the Caribbean for visitors, and its main challenge lies primarily in maintaining this reputation. It is expected to remain a mainstay in the Caribbean through the long-term due to its past dominance and continued reliability in the region's tourism sector. The main risks to visitors are opportunistic crime and any incidental effects from protests or strikes.

There is no notable conflict threat to Aruba, nor is one expected to develop despite nearby Venezuela’s dire internal situation. Crime poses a low risk for those visiting the country, with petty crime as the most prevalent type. Transnational terrorism is not considered a threat within Aruba, though there is a minor abiding risk due to the island’s relationship with the Netherlands, where terrorism is a considerably greater possibility. Unrest occasionally occurs on the island, typically in Oranjestad; issues are primarily domestic in nature.

International carriers are considered safe for travel to and from Aruba.

Because of its small size, its road network is comprehensive and in generally excellent shape, although smaller roads may have signs of deterioration. Basic services such as water, electricity and fuel availability are all highly reliable.

The island is not known to be a sponsor of cyberattacks, nor is it known to particularly suffer from them.

Aruba, though in the Caribbean, has a desert-like climate that is known for its aridness. The island is not considered to be a major pollutant due to its small size and generally makes environmental concerns a priority due to their potential effects on the island’s vital tourism industry. Aruba does lie within a broad seismic zone and has the potential to experience mild-to-moderate earthquakes. However, it lies outside the Caribbean’s hurricane belt and indeed is known for its relative lack of precipitation.

Aruba has no notable outbreaks of disease apart from certain mosquito-borne illnesses; only routine vaccinations are required. Health facilities are adequate for the majority of medical needs. All major medications can be obtained in some form on the island, but more specialized medications may not be sold there. Tap water is considered safe for drinking unless otherwise specified.

Corruption in Aruba is considered somewhat higher than most North American and European averages, but lower than typical Caribbean averages. Rule of law is strong, although corruption within the police force has been blamed for a certain amount of impunity. Although Aruba shows no substantive signs of even considering leaving the Kingdom of the Netherlands, there does exist some tension from time to time regarding the amount of autonomy the island is able to exercise. Sanctions of any kind are not an issue.