Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic representation in US: None (self-governing part of the Netherlands)
US diplomatic representation: None (self-governing part of the Netherlands)


FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-ARUBA RELATIONS

Aruba has semi-autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It conducts foreign affairs, including with the United States, through the Netherlands, whose embassies and consulates issue visas for travel to the island.

Tourism is the mainstay of Aruba's economy. Approximately 1.25 million tourists per year visit Aruba, with nearly 75% of those from the United States. In 2009, the U.S. accounted for more than 9% of Aruba's exports and more than 49% of Aruba's imports by value.

The U.S. Consulate General in Curacao is responsible for the day-to-day management of relations with the Dutch Caribbean, which includes Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. Due to the strategic location of the Dutch Caribbean for the U.S., the consulate deals with issues such as securing U.S. borders, countering terrorism, and fighting international crime, especially narcotics trafficking and human trafficking. The consulate provides a variety of services to U.S. citizens; it also can issue non-immigrant visas for certain travelers to the U.S. who wish to visit, work, or study for a temporary period.

The consulate was opened in 1793. It was one of the earliest U.S. consulates, reflecting the importance of Caribbean trade to the new United States. The Consul General resides in the historic Roosevelt House, which was the local government's gift of property to the United States in 1950 as an expression of gratitude for U.S. protection during World War II.

The Consul General in Curacao is Valerie Belon; other principal officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.

The Netherlands' embassy in the U.S. is at 4200 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel: 877-388-2443; fax: 202-362-3430.

More information about Aruba is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:

Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Aruba Page
U.S. Consulate General: Curacao
Human Rights Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Travel and Business Information




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Aruba check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit required
Currency Aruban Guilder/Florin
Electrical 127 Volts
Telephones Country Code 297, City Code Oranjestan 582+4D, San Nicolaas 584+4D, Santa Cruz 585+4D


Telecommunications Instructions:
In Oranjestad, international calls can be made at hotels, at the post office and at Servicio di Telecommunicacion di Aruba (SETAR). Expect hotels to add a service charge onto the cost of international calls. At the SETAR office behind Royal Plaza you can purchase calling cards to make international calls from the phones on the street or you can make the call right there.

Telephone Codes:
297, island code

Time Zone:
4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed

Tipping Overview:
A 15% service charge is normally included in the bill. If it isn't, tip 10%-15%.

Voltage Requirements:
110 volts

What to Wear:
Even though Aruba is an informal island, it's considered rude to wear swimsuits in town. Most casinos do not require men to wear jackets in the evening, but some expensive restaurants expect evening diners to dress smartly. Casual summer clothing is appropriate in most other circumstances.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco*...200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or

50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

Liquor*....2 liters alcoholic beverage

Gifts/souvenirs....up to a value of af/100

Perfume....1/4 liter

Cameras....no restrictions

Film.......reasonable for personal use

Agricultural items/gifts...refer psgr to consulate

Import restrictions:

Currency..up to 200 awg (local currency)

Unlimited foreign currency

Others

dutch/surinam silver -prohibited

Leather articles and souvenirs from haiti -prohibited

Export restrictions:
Currency..up to 200 awg (local currency)

Unlimited foreign currency



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