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
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!
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.
Whether you’re traveling during the transition period or later in the year, this step-by-step resource is packed with real tips from a frequent traveler, insider updates, and the newest info you won’t find anywhere else.
⭐ 🇦🇼 ✈️ Key Dates for Aruba’s New U.S. Departures Terminal ⭐ 🇦🇼 ✈️
The new U.S. Departures Terminal at Aruba Airport is opening in phases beginning in April 2025:
• April 8, 2025 – Soft opening for Delta, United, Southwest, and Spirit Airlines
• April 29, 2025 – Full transition begins for JetBlue and American Airlines
• End of May 2025 – All U.S.-bound flights expected to operate from the new terminal
Note:
If you’re flying with JetBlue or American before April 29, you’ll still use the current terminal and follow the original departure process (listed below).
Pro Tips for Departing from Aruba Airport
• Always arrive at least 3 hours before your flight from Aruba—especially on weekends. Lines at Queen Beatrix International Airport can move quickly… or not at all. During the transition period in April and May 2025, it’s wise to allow even more time to account for adjustments to the new U.S. Departures Terminal, increased passenger flow, and possible delays with updated systems or procedures.
• 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.
• Brighten your luggage!
If you have a black suitcase, add something noticeable (ribbon, sticker, tag) to spot it easily when it reappears after customs(for old terminal).
Flying from the Current Terminal?
Here’s the Original Aruba Departure Process
If you’re flying with JetBlue or American before April 29, 2025, or your airline hasn’t yet moved to the new terminal, here’s what to expect:
• Arrive 3+ hours early
• If checking a bag: Enter the terminal, wait in line, and check your bag.
• After check-in, exit through the side door and join the outdoor line (covered with shade and misters).
• Restrooms are available nearby.
• Passport and boarding pass will be checked outside.
• Inside, go through Aruba Immigration—either at a kiosk or with an agent, have passport/boarding pass ready
• Proceed to Aruba security screening (shoes off, electronics out), keep ready at top of your bag for second screening
• You will walk through a small shopping and food court area
• You’ll then enter a room to reclaim your checked bag-this is where is comes in handy to have a bright color suitcase or ribbon or something on it so its easier to find.
Inside this room:
• Global Entry: Find the designated Global Entry kiosks along the far wall as you enter--slightly to your right. Scan your face at the kiosk, then proceed directly to the Global Entry line, which is typically the far-right lane and significantly shorter than the standard customs line. It's pretty well marked, but if you're unsure, just let an agent know you’ve completed the Global Entry process so they can direct you accordingly.
MPC app users: Find an agent before you enter the regular customs line in the room where you will reclaim your baggage (See below for more info about MPC app)
• Bring your bag through U.S. Customs/Border Protection.
• Drop your checked bag again on the conveyor belt for your airline (labeled above the belt).
• Go through a second security screening (again, no PreCheck) so have those electronics ready and shoes off again.
• Finally, head upstairs to the gate area or grab a farewell drink at One Happy Bar and say hello to Alex who makes a delicious drinks and has the best mustache on the island!
When you arrive back in the U.S., it’s just like a domestic flight—because you’ve already cleared U.S. customs while in Aruba.
New Aruba U.S. Departures Terminal: What to Expect
• April 8, 2025 – Soft opening for Delta, United, Southwest, and Spirit Airlines
• April 29, 2025 – Full transition begins for JetBlue and American Airlines
If you’re flying from the new terminal at Queen Beatrix International Airport, here’s how the departure process works:
• Arrive 3+ hours early
• Use the new drop-off lane in front of the terminal
• Enter through Door A
• Use one of 30 new kiosks to check in, weigh your bags, print tags, and get your boarding pass
• Head to the airline counter to drop off your luggage
• If your bag is overweight, the system alerts the agent at tag activation, and you can pay the overage with a credit card
• Exit through Door B, turn right, and proceed to Aruba Immigration and Access Control
Note:
As of spring 2025, there is still a second security screening until the full transition is complete.
Once fully operational (expected by end of May 2025), this second screening will no longer be required.
Once the New Aruba Terminal is Fully Operational
Here’s what to look forward to once the full airport transition is complete (May 2025):
• Only one security screening
• No baggage reclaim after customs
• A faster, streamlined process from check-in to gate
• Smoother pre-clearance through U.S. Customs & Border Protection
When you arrive back in the U.S., it’s just like a domestic flight—because you’ve already cleared U.S. customs while 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 25 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 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)?
4/12/25**The Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app will not be available for use in Aruba for a few weeks, until the new U.S. Departures Terminal at Aruba Airport is fully up and running.
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, where your checked luggage is, 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!