Pet import requirements for Aruba

Aruba at a glance

The detail

For Aruba, start with this checkpoint: 3 months or older. Aruba, of ficially the Country of Aruba, is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, situated in the south of the Caribbean Sea. Confirm routing into Latin America And Caribbean with the airline before you lock crate training dates.

Import requirements

3 months or older.

Import requirements vary depending on species (type of animal) and country of origin.

Import Requirements

Whether moving or traveling your pet will need to meet all requirements. Service animals must meet criteria as well.

It is suggested to contact the Aruba Veterinary Service to clarify what they deem commercial / reason and whether you are vacationing or moving permanently.

Before traveling to Aruba, you must have permission from the Aruba Veterinary Service to import your pets.

For dogs (canines), and cats (felines), you must submit a health certificate (not older than 2 weeks) and a valid proof of vaccination against rabies upon arrival in Aruba at the Departamento di Aduana.

The importation of dogs and cats from South and Central America is prohibited unless they are part of household effects, and a statement of no objection is issued by the Veterinary Service.

Dominican Republic and Cuba: Import prohibited unless special permission granted.

Identification and microchip

Microchip for identification required when entering Aruba.

Microchip must have been already in serted before any rabies vaccination.

Rabies and vaccinations

Your pet needs lived continuously in a country with a low percentage of rabies for 6 months preceding the travel date OR must be born and have lived continuously in the country of birth until the date of travel.

If a pet is receiving its very first rabies shot prior to travel, it must be given at least 30 days before entering Aruba.

The 3 year rabies vaccination is valid in Aruba.

Rabies and in oculation certificate.

Tests and treatments

Test for screwworm within 14 days of travel. Veterinarian must attest that the pet is not from an area affected by screwworm and/or will not be transiting by such a zone.

N/A

Health certificate and permits

International Veterinary Health Certificate issued within 14 days prior to arrival in Aruba.

Not required as long as all paperwork is sent by email to the Veterinary Service of Aruba and approved (see Documentation) and the animal is not a species protected by CITES.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/aruba-dog-cat.pdf

https://aruba.bynder.com/m/240c056532b53046/original/Pet-import-Permit.pdf

Quarantine

There is no quarantine.

Restrictions and banned breeds

Animals originating from South and Central America, Cuba, Haiti or the Dominican Republic are prohibited in Aruba UNLESS they are part of the moving household and a certificate of no objection is issued by the Veterinary Service of Aruba.

Written exemption from the above by the Head of the Veterinary Service of Aruba.

The Veterinary Service of Aruba

Telephone: +297 5850400 or +297 522 4310

FAX at: +297 5851828

Email: vetservice@dvg.aw.

Customs, agents, and airports

Owner can clear pet or use a broker.

Agent Required

Best Airport: AUA- Queen Beatrix in ternational airport

The health certificate and related documentation must be approved by the Director of the Veterinary Service of Aruba before the animals are shipped to Aruba.

Upon entry you have to declare to Aruba customs that you are bringing in a dog or cat so Customs can check the necessary paperwork.

For visitors leaving Aruba on a flight to the US, you need to declare your bringing in a dog or cat at US customs so they can check the paperwork.

For visitors leaving Aruba on a flight to the US, you need to declare your bringing in a dog or cat at US customs so they can check the paperwork.

Arrival time should be when customs hours are open – 9:00am – 4:00 pm. You will want to arrange flights during that time frame if shipping as cargo. Most airlines will ship accordingly to the station hours. It is best to ship on a weekday, if possible, when using cargo.

Export notes

You will want to get an updated in ternational health certificate issued by a local Aruba veterinarian and endorsed by the Aruban Vet authority. There are a few clinics on the island to choose from.

Other pets / CITES / extra rules

If your pet is not a dog, cat, or ferret and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under CITES. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case.

Some animal species such as sea turtles, parrots, iguanas, Queen Conch, or coral are protected under the CITES Convention (www.cites.org). Import and export are not or only allowed with a CITES-permit.

The Aruban Animal Welfare Policy (MBAA) is a new approach focusing on the root causes of our animals' abuse issues. The government is taking a preventive approach to work at every level to prevent this problem from getting out of control. With MBAA, new legislation (animal welfare law) aims at protecting our animals. This law will address all aspects and issues in our community and empower authorities to act correctly and systematically.

Upon correct receipt of all required documents, the Veterinary Services of Aruba will validate and return the submitted 'application for import permit- form within two (2) working days with an "of ficial approval".

In addition to export requirements, you will need to make sure the pet fulfills destination protocol and health requirements.

Official contacts

Bureau Voorlichting

Caya Mario E. Harms 31

Oranjestad, Aruba

(297) 582-5774

(297) 583-6961

Email: buvo@aruba.gov.aw

Website

The Veterinary Service of Aruba

Barcadera 1

Aruba, Dutch Caribbean

Phone: +297 585-0400

Fax: +297 585-1828

General: vetservice@aruba.gov.aw

Email: vetservice@dvg.aw.

Current as of July-2025

Disclaimer

Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-07-31.

Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.

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