Your next office could be on the sandy shores of the Caribbean. Aruba tourism officials have announced a new “One Happy Workation” program that allows Americans to stay on the island for up to three months without any special visa requirements.
As more people are working remotely amid COVID-19, Aruba has become the latest Caribbean island to announce extended stay options for tourists. The Barbados Welcome Stamp, for example, is a special visa for remote workers who want to live and work on the eastern Caribbean island for up to a year. Anguilla is also accepting tourist applications, with the option to potentially work remotely from the warm-weather destination for up to a year.
Several hotels, resorts, condos and villas are partnering with Aruba’s tourism board to extend discounted rates for Americans who visit the island for an extended period of time. As part of the “workation” program, travelers staying at participating lodging will receive complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast and all-inclusive food and beverage options. Plus, they can receive local discounts throughout the island.
Here’s Aruba’s video on the work possibilities you might find in a tropical paradise:
Travelers can work remotely through their home country or be self-employed during the 90-day visitor period. As a visitor, you cannot work for a company in Aruba, since that would require a work permit. Of course, there’s no requirement to work; you can use up all those accumulated days for a lengthy vacation.
Those who take Aruba up on the extended-stay won’t need to pay any income taxes to the island because they won’t be registered as Aruba residents. U.S. nationals may take advantage just by purchasing one of the hotel packages or rental options, which range in price and options. No extra forms or documentation are needed.
So, if you’ve spent the past several months daydreaming about the Caribbean landscape on your desktop’s screensaver, these extended stay options are certainly enticing.
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But, it’s worth noting that even though some countries are once again allowing international visitors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend traveling at this time as it can increase your chances of contracting and spreading coronavirus. COVID-19 risk remains “high” in nearly all countries across the globe (including Aruba), according to a CDC map. You can get up-to-date information on the number of COVID cases in Aruba here.
Would you consider the new “workation” program in Aruba?