From https://www.aruba.com/us/traveler-health-requirements#procedures This website spells out all requirements very clearly, and is kept up-to-date. Things change frequently, as you know. There are hotlinks to additional info that is very helpful. Everyone should review this website! Bottom line: 1. All persons 15 and older must have a negative PCR test with proper documentation (hard copy and/or Aruba’s app) within 72 hours of flight time to Aruba 2. At the same time, must complete an ED card (embarkation/debarkation) online, which includes uploading PCR results, and purchasing in-country insurance (15 y.o. and older, $15; under 15 y.o.is free). This insurance covers you in case you test positive while in Aruba – for which you will need to quarantine for 10-14d. Sounds like having a hard copy of this is also a good idea. 3. The US requires a negative PCR OR antigen test for all folks over 2 years of age, within 72 h of flight time. For folks staying at Manchebo, you can schedule an onsite PCR test at http://pcraruba.com/ (recommended that you schedule this a week before arrival) OR you can purchase a travel antigen test and pack it in your suitcase for the return trip! (<---easier option and very low cost - text Lisa for a link to buy the test kit on Walmart)
1. Departing Test - I took my PCR test at CVS via the drive thru. Took it on Thursday at 12:10 pm since our flight was leaving Sunday at 8:10 am. Received the results early Saturday morning. Results do NOT say how test was administered (nasally). Not an issue (so don’t stress). Downloaded (not screenshotted) test results. 2. ED Card - Completed ED Card process Saturday morning. Takes about 5 min per person (must do it for each person; no option to do it once and just add travelers). So for 4 people, 20 min total. Uploaded the negative CVS test results (again, PDF). Received green check mark email right then and there (but I think that just means you bought the insurance and uploaded your test result; so don’t get too excited by it). 3. Test Confirmation - Received an email from Aruba Health Authorities early Sunday morning (maybe around 2am?) that our uploaded tests were approved and suggested we use the Aruba Health App, which, when you create an account, will show that your test result was negative. I was relieved by this email because until then, I wasn’t sure if they would accept the CVS test results (clearly they do). 4. Arrival - When you land, you show a health official either (1) negative test results in hard copy form; or (2) negative test result on Aruba Health App. My experience is that they are just looking to see the word negative and your name/date of the test. Took about 30 seconds. I suspect if you did not get a confirmation email prior to your flight, but the test you took is one that they authorize, you won’t have any issues showing them the hard copy results.
5. Return Testing - Aruba has many clinics in town for return testing. Unlike getting in, everyone has to have their own test getting back (meaning kids). Costs range from $35-$50 for antigen and $125-$150 for PCR. Since US will accept antigen, we went with the cheaper route. We decided to do it at our hotel (Hilton) since they did appointments and would have results back in 24 hours. If you do it at a local clinic, you may be able to get your results back anywhere from 15 min to 4 hours I was told. 6. Return Test - Scheduled the return test for the day before our flight. Why take it 3 days before and find out you have COVID? We took it around 9am and got an email at 6am the next day. Downloaded the results and went back at 9am when they opened and they printed out the results for us to take to the airport. 7. Airport - When you arrive at the airport to check in at your airline, they will give each traveler a form to sign saying that they received a negative test. You sign it and give it to the airline agent at the counter. He or she takes it, looks at your negative test results, does whatever they do in the computer, gives you back your test results, and issues you your boarding pass. That is the last time you deal with COVID testing, as US customs only asks about normal customs stuff. Bottom line is that I stressed a lot before going due to the timelines and the “what if’s” but it all worked out well. The process is actually user friendly and Aruba has done a very good job at keeping the experience simple. Hope this helps.