Aruba ED Card: How to Obtain

What Is the Aruba ED Card?

The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory digital immigration form costing $20 USD (Sustainability Fee) that must be completed 3-7 days before your flight. Apply at edcardaruba.aw with your passport, flight details, and accommodation address—the process takes under 10 minutes and generates a QR code required for boarding.

The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) is a mandatory digital immigration form that replaces paper cards previously filled on airplanes. It collects traveler information for border control, public health monitoring, customs declarations, and sustainability fee payment processing at Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Is the ED Card the Same as a Visa?

No, the ED Card is not a visa. The ED Card is an immigration landing card required for all visitors, while a visa is separate legal authorization obtained through an embassy or consulate. Travelers from visa-required countries must obtain both documents independently.

What Is the Purpose of the Electronic Departure Card?

The Electronic Departure Card streamlines immigration processing at Queen Beatrix International Airport and collects data for three purposes:

• public health: monitoring health declarations to prevent disease spread,
• customs: declaring taxable goods or restricted items,
• sustainability: facilitating the $20 USD Sustainability Fee payment for infrastructure support.

Who Needs to Obtain an Aruba ED Card?

Every person entering Aruba via air travel requires an approved ED Card before boarding, including international tourists, business visitors, and property owners without residency status.

Do Residents of Aruba Need an ED Card?

Yes, residents of Aruba must complete the ED Card when returning but are exempt from the $20 USD Sustainability Fee. Residents log in using local identification numbers and must provide flight details for immigration processing.

Do Children and Minors Require a Separate ED Card?

Every traveler needs their own ED Card regardless of age. Infants, children, and minors require separate applications completed by parents or legal guardians. Each passport holder receives a unique confirmation and QR code—children cannot be listed on a parent’s form.

Do Cruise Ship Passengers Need to Apply?

Cruise ship passengers staying onboard for under 24 hours do not need the ED Card—immigration is handled through the cruise manifest. Passengers disembarking for over 24 hours or flying to Aruba to board a cruise must complete the online application.

What Documents Are Required for the Application?

You need three categories of information: valid passport details, confirmed flight and accommodation information, and health/customs declarations. The application times out if you lack these details during submission.

Passport Validity Requirements for Aruba Entry

You must possess a valid passport for your entire stay in Aruba. Enter passport details exactly as shown on the bio page:

• full legal name as it appears on the bio page,
• passport number,
• country of issuance,
• date of expiry.

Flight and Accommodation Details

Provide your confirmed flight information (airline name and flight number) and accommodation address (hotel name, vacation rental address, or private residence where you’re staying).

Health and Customs Information

Declare your health status, recent travel history, and luggage contents. You must declare items exceeding duty-free allowances or restricted goods (currency over $10,000, plants, food products).

How to Submit the Aruba ED Card Online

The application takes under 10 minutes on desktop or mobile devices through the official portal at edcardaruba.aw.

Where to Access the Official ED Card Portal

Use only the official Aruba Online ED Card portal (edcardaruba.aw). Unofficial third-party websites charge unnecessary service fees ($50-$80) for a process that costs only the $20 USD Sustainability Fee on the government site.

Step 1: Enter Personal and Travel Information

Enter personal data exactly as shown on your passport, then input flight details (arrival date and flight number). Select accommodation from the dropdown menu or manually enter private residence addresses.

Step 2: Complete the Health and Customs Declarations

Answer mandatory questions about:

• communicable diseases or symptoms,
• criminal history (if asked),
• customs declarations regarding cash over $10,000 or commercial goods.

Step 3: Pay the Sustainability Fee (If Applicable)

Pay the $20 USD Sustainability Fee using Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. The fee supports environmental efforts and infrastructure—payment processes securely within the portal before application finalization.

Step 4: Receive the Confirmation and QR Code

You receive an automated email with your approval status and unique QR code immediately after submission. Save this email and screenshot the QR code for offline access upon arrival.

When Should You Submit Your Aruba ED Card?

Submit your application within the 3-7 day window before arrival to ensure current information and avoid boarding denial.

What Is the Earliest You Can Apply Before Travel?

You can submit your ED Card application 7 days before your arrival date. The system blocks date selection beyond one week to ensure current health and travel information.

What Is the Latest You Can Submit the Form?

Airlines require proof of approved ED Card before boarding. Submit the form at least 3-4 hours before flight departure to avoid check-in counter stress, though technically you can submit until arrival at Aruba immigration.

What Are the Costs Associated with the Aruba ED Card?

The mandatory Sustainability Fee is $20 USD per person for air arrivals, allocated to sewage treatment plants and infrastructure projects.

Understanding the Aruba Sustainability Fee

The $20 USD Sustainability Fee per person funds sewage water treatment plant upgrades and infrastructure projects. This is not a visa fee but a levy attached to the ED Card process for air arrivals.

Are There Exemptions to the Sustainability Fee?

Four categories are exempt from the $20 USD fee but must still complete the ED Card:

• residents of Aruba with valid ID,
• children under age 8,
• repeat visitors who paid within the same calendar year (if applicable),
• Aruban students studying abroad.

How to Check the Status of Your ED Card Application

Verify your approval immediately after submission to avoid airport issues.

How to Retrieve a Lost Confirmation Email

Check spam/junk folders first. If not found, use the „Check Status” or „Manage Application” link on the official website—enter your passport number and email address to retrieve and resend your approved ED Card.

Can You Edit the ED Card After Submission?

You cannot edit approved ED Cards. Significant errors (wrong passport number or arrival date) require a completely new application. Contact support for minor issues, but new applications are typically faster.

How to Present the ED Card Upon Arrival in Aruba

Display your QR code digitally or on paper at immigration—officers scan it to verify your entry requirements.

Using the Digital QR Code on a Mobile Device

Display the digital QR code on your smartphone with maximum screen brightness for scanning. Save the QR code to photos or digital wallet apps for offline access—no internet connection required.

Should You Print a Physical Copy of the ED Card?

Print a physical copy as backup. Phones fail (dead batteries, cracked screens)—paper backup ensures presentation to airline staff and immigration officers regardless of technical issues.

What Happens at Immigration Control?

At the immigration checkpoint, scan your QR code and present your passport at the officer desk or automated e-gate. Officers verify ED Card data matches your passport and entry requirements before granting entry.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Application?

Three errors cause 80% of delays: passport data mismatches, wrong arrival dates, and using unofficial websites.

Entering Incorrect Passport Information

Passport data mismatches are the most common error. Mistyping the passport number (confusing letter 'O’ with number '0′) or misspelling names causes airlines to deny boarding or immigration to delay entry.

Selecting the Wrong Date of Arrival

Wrong arrival dates invalidate your ED Card. If your flight arrives past midnight, select the actual arrival date, not your departure date from your home country.

Using Unofficial Third-Party Websites

Scam websites charge $50-$80 service fees for a process costing only $20 USD on the official site. Always use the official .aw domain to ensure data security and avoid overpaying.