A change in the United States COVID-19 situation has prompted Aruban officials to adjust how they will welcome visitors from the United States.
Aruba announced back in May that it would reopen its borders on July 1 and is one of a handful of countries allowing visitors from the US.
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But as the cases in the US start to increase again, visitors from at least 24 states are now required to perform a COVID-19 PCR test and upload the negative results at least 12 hours before departure.
“We recognize this causes an extra step for those planning to travel, and we realize that not everyone will be able to have access to this test in their state, or within the prescribed timeframe,” a statement from the Department of Civil Aviation Aruba reads. “We are continually assessing a variety of risks and protections to ensure our safeguards and protocols meet the highest standard. Creating a safe environment for our residents and guests is of the utmost importance to us.”
The decision from Aruba’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Primary Sector comes amid a resurge in coronavirus cases in the US where states like Arizona, Florida, and Texas are taking the hardest hit. There are more than 2.8 million confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the United States and more than 130,000 deaths, worse than any other country.
There are only 105 confirmed cases in Aruba and three reported deaths.
