This Caribbean island is the first country to allow entry with a digital passport

Travelers to the Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba have thanks to the new “Aruba Happy One Pass” (AHOP app).

Developed by SITA and the Aruba Tourism Authority, the new system allows visitors to upload travel documents such as passports and boarding pass details to their AHOP app.

Once at Queen Beatrix International Airport, travelers’ details are verified by SITA Automatic Border Control Gates using facial recognition.

The system has been available to Americans since March 2024, but is not yet fully operational.

Authorities expect to complete “pre-production” on June 30 and have everything ready by October 1.

Let’s clarify something important before we go any further. You must still carry a physical passport. There are two reasons for this.

First of all, you will still need to present a valid physical passport when you return to your home country. It may take many years before all governments accept digital passports.

And secondly, because the Aruban authorities can require you to show your physical passport at any time.

“To travel to Aruba, every traveler must still have their physical passport with them. An immigration officer may request to see your physical passport at any time during the trip.” AHOP.

The main goal of this program is therefore not to completely eliminate the use of physical passports, but to speeding up border controls and reducing the risks associated with passports theft and fraud.

The Happy Island, like other Caribbean countries, has strong arrival numbers. Last year the destination experienced a significant increase compared to 2019.

To further stimulate their economy, Aruba has introduced this myAruba Assistantan AI-powered travel tool designed to provide travelers with in-depth knowledge of the island’s offerings, including gastronomic options, outdoor activities and nearby attractions.

The tool can also create personalized itineraries, taking into account visitors’ interests, budgets and vacation time.

“This year, Aruba is taking steps to provide an enhanced, environmentally conscious and increasingly exciting experience while making it easier to plan a trip to our beautiful destination,” says Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority.

“With notable ventures like the myAruba Assistant, new and growing hotel properties, transcendent events and an increased focus on sustainability, we are excited about the bright prospects of the One happy island,” she added.

The icing on the cake is that Tripadvisor just named Eagle Beach in Aruba as the most beautiful beach destination in the Caribbean.