| January 16, 2004 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Aruba , an autonomous island in the Caribbean , is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands . Tourist facilities are widely available. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid U.S. passport, or U.S. birth certificate (original or a certified copy) or Certificate of Naturalization accompanied by a valid photo identification must be presented. While a U.S. passport is not mandatory, it is recommended since it is a more readily recognized form of positive proof of citizenship. No visa is required for stays up to three months, but tourists may be asked to show onward/return tickets and proof of sufficient funds for their stay. The length of stay actually authorized may be based on the ability to show sufficient funds. U.S. citizens must obtain residency and/or work permits for long term stays (e.g. for work or study). Aruba 's immigration office will advise on the types of documents required to obtain these permits. Failure to obtain proper permits may result in arrest and/or deportation. Airline passengers are subject to departure taxes for international and inter-island travel. For further information, travelers may contact The Royal Netherlands Embassy, 4200 Linnean Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20008 , telephone (202)244-5300, or the Dutch consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Houston, or Miami. Internet: http://www.netherlands/embassy.org . In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. DUAL NATIONALITY: Dutch law in principle does not permit dual nationality. However, there are several exceptions to the rule. For example, A merican citizens who are married to Dutch citizens are exempt from the requirement to abandon their American nationality when they apply to become a Dutch citizen by naturalization. For detailed information, contact The Embassy of the Netherlands in Washington or one of the Dutch Consulates in the U.S. In addition to being subject to all Dutch laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on Dutch citizens. For additional information, see the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual Nationality flyer. SAFETY AND SECURITY: For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. The Overseas Citizens Services call center at 1-888-407-4747 can answer general inquiries on safety and security overseas. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328. CRIME: Street crime is low, but there have been incidents of theft from hotel rooms. Armed robbery has been known to occur. Valuables left unattended on beaches, in cars and in hotel lobbies are easy targets for theft. Car theft, including that of rental vehicles for joy riding and stripping, can occur. Vehicle leases or rentals may not be fully covered by local insurance when a vehicle is stolen or damaged. Be sure you are sufficiently insured when renting vehicles and jet skis. For more information see the section below entitled “Special Circumstances.” The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are a victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to the local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington , D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/ , or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov . MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is good in Aruba . There is one hospital, Dr. H.E. Oduber Hospital; its medical standards can be compared with an average small hospital in the U.S. The hospital has three classes of services and patients are accommodated according to the level of their insurance (i.e. first class: one patient to a room, TV, better food; second class: two to three patients to a room, shared bathroom, etc; third class: 15 to 20 people in one hall). MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States . However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Visitors planning to engage in scuba diving, snorkeling or other water-based activities should consider purchasing separate diver protection insurance. Not all medical insurance programs include protection for diving related accidents, recompression chamber treatments, or air evacuation and transportation. Your certifying organization can provide details on qualified insurance programs to supplement you current medical insurance if these are not included items on the policy. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Cases of Dengue Fever, a sometimes-fatal mosquito-borne illness for which there is no vaccine or cure, are occasionally reported on the island. Epidemics of Dengue, however, rarely occur. Dengue is transmitted by mosquito bites, and there is no vaccine. Travelers to Aruba should take appropriate precautions to avoid exposure. These include, but are not limited to, wearing appropriate clothing to cover one's body and using mosquito repellant containing “DEET” to diminish the risk of contracting the disease. Further information on dengue fever, as well as other information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov . TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the U.S. The information below concerning Aruba is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. | 
