Aruba Airport Information

Arriving to Aruba

Yippie!

You're on vacation in Aruba! When arriving in Aruba, the amount of time it will take you to get through customs and starting your Caribbean vacation is determined by 3 things:

1- How many planes that have landed around the same time as you

2- How far back you are seated on the plane

3- If you plan to stop at the duty free store by baggage claim to buy alcohol, plan for additional time, as they get very busy.

Or use their new feature at Aruba Duty Free, Reserve & Collect! You can reserve it ahead of time and then skip the long lines and collect it in a separate line when you arrive in Aruba!

Be sure to use the code Arubavacay

Aruba Duty Free

Pro Tip:

If you like to drink on vacation, be sure to stop at the Duty Free shop by the baggage claim where you can purchase 1L per person tax free. You can purchase more, you will just get taxed on it. It will still likely be cheaper than buying in a grocery store. You must show a boarding pass.

If you are the only plane arriving, it’s usually smooth sailing and should only take about 10-30 mins to get through customs and then wait for your bags if you checked any. There is an automated system for checking passports and also manual stations with people to stamp or check your passport. The airport is very small, baggage claim is right around the corner from here.

If you have bought alcohol, they may stop you and check to make sure you have only bought 1L per person, if you bought more, then you will need to pay the tax in Cash. USD is fine.

Once you clear customs and get your checked bag if you have one at baggage claim, then you walk out past some other customs agents and then you walk outside!

There is a chance that your luggage could be scanned as you exit the airport, but I haven't seen that happen as of yet.

Taxis will be to your left as you exit the airport. US cash or Aruba Florins are fine! No credit cards.

Don't attempt to take the Arubus from the airport. You would have to cross a CRAZY busy highway and walk about a quarter mile and there is no luggage allowed on the bus!

If you are renting a car, the car rental places are either across the street or you will be looking for a person in a bright colored shirt holding a sign for the company you are using. They are very easy to find, and everyone knows everyone, so just ask if you can't find them!

Please pack your patience, if the airport is busy, things can take longer. But remember, you're on One Happy Island, so take a deep breath and relax man!

Link to Tik Tok Video

Departing Aruba

🌴 All the Details on Aruba’s New U.S. Departures Terminal

Today might be the hardest part of your trip—you’re leaving Aruba and heading back to reality. But let's be real… this is One Happy Island, and you’ll be back again!

To make your departure as smooth as possible, this breaks down everything you need to know about leaving Aruba through Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Oranjestad, Aruba, including major

2025 updates to the new U.S. Departures Terminal.

Pro Tips for Departing from Aruba Airport

• Always arrive at least 3 hours before your flight (see picture above) from Aruba—especially on weekends. Lines at Queen Beatrix International Airport can move quickly… or not at all.

• No TSA PreCheck in Aruba. That means everyone removes shoes and takes out electronics (laptops, tablets, etc.) at both security screenings. So plan accordingly to keep everything moving.

• Need a wheelchair?

Request one through your airline when booking, or ask an agent at the airport.

Flying Out of Aruba?

Here’s What to Expect at the

New U.S. Departures Terminal

The new U.S. Departures Terminal at Queen Beatrix International Airport is now fully operational—and it’s a game-changer! The confusing old process with multiple security screenings and baggage re-checks is officially a thing of the past. 🙌

Here’s what you can expect now:

Arrive 3+ hours early to allow plenty of time for check-in, security, and U.S. Customs pre-clearance.
Use the new drop-off lane in front of the terminal and enter through Door A.
Check in at one of 30 new kiosks to weigh your bags, print your tags, and grab your boarding pass.
Bring your tagged luggage to your airline’s designated counter to drop off your bag. If it’s overweight, you’ll be alerted at the kiosk and can pay with a credit card right there.
Then head to Immigration and Access Control, followed by just one security screening—yes, only ONE!
After that, you’ll breeze through U.S. Customs & Border Protection without needing to reclaim and re-check your bag like before.
Once you’re through, relax at the gates, grab a bite, or toast to a great trip with a cocktail at One Happy Bar (say hi to Alex!)

✅ What’s gone:

No more double security screenings
No more reclaiming and re-checking luggage
No more chaos!

This new streamlined process means a faster, easier, and way less stressful departure from One Happy Island.

And when you arrive back in the U.S.? It’s just like a domestic flight—because you’ve already cleared U.S. Customs in Aruba.

Aruba Airport Baggage System: What Makes It Unique

The new terminal uses the advanced BEUMER Group CrisBag® system, making Queen Beatrix International the first airport in the Caribbean and Latin America to implement this technology.

Here’s how it benefits you:

• Processes up to 2,000 bags per hour

• Every bag is scanned, photographed, and placed in an individually tracked tote

• TSA-approved Explosive Detection Systems thoroughly screen every bag

• Bags are scanned for radiation (required by U.S. Customs pre-clearance)

• Suspicious bags go through secondary and tertiary screening

• Bags are stored safely in Early Baggage Storage until you’re cleared through customs

• Once cleared, your luggage is loaded directly onto your flight

This system offers greater efficiency, security, and full traceability of your luggage from start to finish.

What About Immigration Lines at Aruba Airport?

Even with all the upgrades, lines may still be part of the experience—especially at Immigration.

There is currently a staffing shortage, but Aruba’s airport authority is working closely with Immigration to improve the flow. Six new e-gates are being tested to help process passengers more quickly, and should help significantly once fully active.

Final Thoughts: What You Need to Know Before Leaving Aruba

While no one wants to leave paradise, Aruba’s airport upgrades are a big win for travelers, promising smoother departures and a more modern experience.

Bookmark this page or save it for your trip so you know exactly what to expect. Whether you’re heading home in April, May, or later, this Aruba airport departure info will help you navigate the changes with confidence.

Be sure to read below for ways to become a VIP & Skip the line or download the MPC app to speed up the process!

If you’re planning your next trip to Aruba or want help booking the perfect vacation, be sure to explore more tips here at arubavacationtips.org.

Link to Tik Tok Video (Old Terminal)

Aruba Airport: VIP Service

Let me give you my honest take on Aruba’s Airport VIP Service—it’s definitely a splurge, but for the right traveler, it can be totally worth it.

Pricing is around $190 per adult for departing Aruba and $145 for arrival service (subject to change), but what you’re paying for is comfort, speed, and a stress-free airport experience. Think expedited lines, personalized assistance, and access to a private lounge—yes, please!

If you’re celebrating something special, traveling with kids or elderly family, or just want to skip the lines and breeze through the airport, this might be one of those upgrades you won’t regret.

What is VIP Service at the Aruba Airport?
It's essentially skipping the line

When ARRIVING to Aruba, the VIP service, in my opinion, is ABSOLUTELY not needed. It’s never taken us
longer than 45 mins to get out of the airport upon arriving, last time I was through in 5 mins!

DEPARTING.....MIGHT be worth it, especially if you have kids and a lot of stuff. Kids pay less than the adult fee.

You get to "skip the line" and basically fast track through everything and then relax in their VIP lounge afterwards.

We usually make it through in 35 mins-1 hour with global entry and/or checking a bag. We fly United though, so feel that it's less busy than Jet Blue Desks.

It's best to plan ahead and pre-arrange this service HERE, or you can wait and decide when you get to the airport!

There will be people dressed in suits all over the place holding signs saying VIP, you can just choose to do it then if the lines are too much!

What is Mobile Passport Control(MPC)?

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) offers eligible travelers a convenient way to expedite their entry process into the United States.

By utilizing a free and secure app on their smartphones or mobile devices, travelers can easily submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information. The streamlined process significantly reduces passport control inspection time and overall wait times for travelers.

One of the key benefits of using MPC is that it does not require pre-approval (like Global Entry), making it accessible to all eligible travelers.

Once travelers successfully utilize the MPC app, they will no longer need to fill out a paper form or use an APC kiosk, leading to shorter wait times, reduced congestion, and more efficient processing.

In essence, Mobile Passport Control revolutionizes the entry experience, allowing travelers to breeze through the necessary procedures and enjoy a smoother journey into the United States.

How Do I Use MPC app in Aruba?

Download the MPC app from the app store ahead of time while you're connected to wifi.

Up to 12 profiles can be added for family members (you can do this ahead of time); a single household can be on ONE submission,

including answers to the declaration questions you need to answer.

When you first download, you will create your profile & add your general info, passport/citizenship info.

When at the Aruba airport or just before leaving for the Aruba airport from your accommodations while still on wifi, jump on the app to get ready for departure.

Pick PRE-CLEARANCE and AUA as the airport.

Answer the 6 questions. Once cleared, you will get a QR code. Please note, this code only lasts 4 hours, which is why you need to wait to fill out right before leaving for the airport or once you have arrived.

Once you go into the big room for US customs, you will find a customs agent and tell them you have pre-clearance code for MPC and they will direct you to a different line! If Global entry line, Global Entry persons have priority.

By using this, you will likely save a TON of time!