Is Aruba safe?
Among the Caribbean's safest destinations. Petty theft is the main concern; violent crime against tourists is rare.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2024-08-18.
- Homicide rate in Aruba: 1.9 per 100,000 people (2014, UNODC via World Bank).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in Aruba at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft from rental cars and beaches and bag grabs are the typical problems; scooter crashes are the main danger. |
| At night | Hotel zones and the tourist strip stay lively and safe. Take a taxi to remoter beaches or after midnight. |
| Solo women | Solo women generally feel safe in tourist areas. Normal caution at night and on empty beaches. |
| Other risks | Strong UV and heat year-round; Scooter and ATV crashes; Strong currents at northern beaches |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Time-share salespeople offering free tours or breakfast
- Pushy boat or ATV tour touts quoting inflated prices
Take care
- Leaving valuables on beaches or in cars
- Quiet Oranjestad side streets at night
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Possession of drugs, including cannabis, is illegal.
- Carry ID; police can ask for it.
Quick answers
Is Aruba safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women generally feel safe in tourist areas. Normal caution at night and on empty beaches.
Is Aruba safe at night?
Hotel zones and the tourist strip stay lively and safe. Take a taxi to remoter beaches or after midnight.
What is the crime rate in Aruba?
Theft from rental cars and beaches and bag grabs are the typical problems; scooter crashes are the main danger. Nationally, Aruba records 1.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2014).
What number do I call in an emergency in Aruba?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911.
More about Aruba
Going to Aruba solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Aruba Tourism Authority
- Queen Beatrix International Airport
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.