Omar Perez
Aruba is leading the way in the Caribbean for making arrivals easier and faster.
In late spring, the island plans to debut its digital travel credential digital app program, the Aruba Happy One Pass, which will enable visitors to pass through Queen Beatrix Airport simply by looking at a camera.
Information about the app is available at www.arubahop.com.
Developed by the information technology company SITA in partnership with Indicio in conjunction with the Aruba Tourism Authority, the digital identity system enables travelers to store travel data such as passport and disembarkation/embarkation card information on their mobile devices and speed up border checkpoint clearance without having to provide a physical passport or documents again. All of a traveler's information is verified when passing through SITA Automatic Border Control Gates at Queen Beatrix, where facial scans confirm a traveler's identity. Visitors are still required to travel with their passports; the app will only streamline the process,
• Related: What to expect in travel technology in 2024
Prior to arrival, guests can download the app on their mobile device, scan their passports, verify their identity via a photo and complete an online customs form.
Aruba is one of a handful of destinations worldwide that utilize this technology.
The origins of the Aruba Happy One Pass grew out of the pandemic, when the Aruba government set up a health app to keep track of visitors' vaccination and health status. Later, the island teamed with SITA and Indicio to expand its capabilities.
The goal is not just to reduce wait times, it's also to combat identity theft, error and fraud. And in time, Aruba expects to extend the program to enable guests to do things like check in at hotels, rent a car or book a tour operator with only a mobile device.
"The latest achievements for Aruba Happy One Pass signify our steady progress in transforming the traveler experience, ensuring our guests start their vacations sooner," said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority.
Aruba said it conducted a successful 10-day trial of the technology in November, and IATA also held a successful testing late last year.
Clarifications: The app is not yet available in the App store, but information can be found at www.arubahop.com. In addition, passports are still required for traveling to the island; the app will only streamline the process and enable visitors to pass through customs without needing to show the physical documents.