# Aruba ED Card – Complete Guide to the Embarkation/Disembarkation Card
The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory digital entry form required for all visitors to Aruba. Complete it online at edcardaruba.aw within 7 days before departure. The form is free, but a $20 USD Sustainability Fee applies for most visitors.
What Is the Aruba ED Card?
The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory digital entry form that replaced the old paper landing cards previously filled out on the plane. The ED Card stands for Embarkation/Disembarkation Card – Aruba’s official visitor registration system managed by Inmigracion Aruba.
Every person entering Aruba must complete their own individual ED Card before arrival. This includes adults, children, infants, and even returning Aruba residents. There are no exceptions to this requirement, regardless of nationality, age, or method of arrival.
Purpose and History
The ED Card serves as Aruba’s pre-registration system for all incoming travelers. It allows immigration authorities to verify visitor information before arrival, speeding up the immigration process at Queen Beatrix International Airport.
The system was originally introduced as a paper form that travelers completed on the plane. In recent years, Aruba transitioned to a fully digital system accessible through the official portal at edcardaruba.aw. In October 2024, the platform was redesigned with an improved interface and a new “qualifier” document that replaced the previous “ok to board” green checkmark.
Who Needs to Complete It
Every person entering Aruba needs their own individual ED Card, regardless of nationality, age, or method of arrival:
- Adults – each traveler completes their own form individually
- Children of all ages, including infants – a parent or guardian fills out the form on their behalf
- Aruba residents – returning residents complete the form just like visitors
- Transit passengers – if you are stopping in Aruba and disembarking, you need an ED Card
Note: Pure transit passengers who do not leave the airport do not need an ED Card. Most cruise ship passengers also do not need to complete an ED Card unless their vessel requires going through Aruba Immigration.
How to Complete the Aruba ED Card
Completing the Aruba ED Card is a straightforward process that takes approximately 10-15 minutes. You can complete it from the comfort of your home using any device with internet access.
Step 1 – Visit the Official Portal
Go to the only official Aruba ED Card website: edcardaruba.aw. This is the government-managed portal – do not use any other website. Some third-party sites charge fees to “assist” with the form, but they offer no advantage and the form is simple enough to complete independently.
Step 2 – Enter Personal Information
You will need to provide:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number and expiration date
- Email address
- Phone number
Make sure all information matches your passport exactly. Any discrepancies can cause issues at immigration.
Step 3 – Provide Travel Details
Enter your travel information including:
- Flight number and airline
- Arrival date in Aruba
- Departure date from Aruba
- Accommodation address in Aruba (hotel name, Airbnb address, or residential address)
- Purpose of visit
Step 4 – Pay the Sustainability Fee
Most visitors will pay the $20 USD Sustainability Fee as part of the ED Card process. This fee:
- Is collected during the ED Card application on the official government site
- Is a genuine government tourism contribution, not a processing fee
- Is charged once per calendar year – if you visit Aruba multiple times in the same year, only your first trip incurs the charge
You can pay with Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit cards.
Step 5 – Receive Your Qualifier
After completing the form and payment, you will receive a “qualifier” – a document with a QR code. This qualifier:
- Is checked by airlines at departure
- Is scanned by immigration on arrival in Aruba
- Can be printed or shown on your phone
Save the confirmation email and consider printing a copy as backup.
Aruba ED Card Requirements
Before starting your ED Card application, make sure you have all the required documents and information ready.
Documents You Need
- A valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay)
- Flight details (airline, flight number, arrival/departure dates)
- Accommodation information (hotel name and address, or residential address in Aruba)
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) for the $20 Sustainability Fee
Information Required on the Form
The ED Card form requires the following information:
- Personal details: full name, date of birth, nationality, gender
- Passport information: number, expiration date, country of issue
- Contact information: email address, phone number
- Travel details: flight number, airline, arrival and departure dates
- Accommodation: name and address of where you are staying in Aruba
- Health declaration: basic health questions
- Customs declaration: what you are bringing into Aruba
Aruba ED Card Cost and Fees
Understanding the cost structure helps avoid confusion and unnecessary expenses.
The $20 Sustainability Fee
Starting July 1st, 2024, Aruba implemented a $20 USD Sustainability Fee for visitors arriving by air. This fee:
- Is collected as part of the ED Card application process
- Goes toward Aruba’s sustainability and environmental initiatives
- Is a government fee, not a third-party charge
- Is charged once per calendar year
Who Is Exempt from the Fee
The following travelers are exempt from the $20 Sustainability Fee:
- Aruba residents returning home
- Children under a certain age (check current exemptions)
- Travelers who already paid the fee earlier in the same calendar year
- Certain diplomatic or official travelers
Third-Party Scam Warnings
Be aware of third-party websites that charge $35-60 to “assist” with your ED Card application. These sites:
- Offer nothing extra beyond what you can do yourself
- Do not provide faster processing
- May not be secure
- Are explicitly warned against by the Aruban government
Always use the official portal at edcardaruba.aw directly. The form takes about five minutes to complete, and you should not pay anyone to help you with it.
When to Complete the Aruba ED Card
Timing your ED Card completion correctly ensures a smooth travel experience.
The 7-Day Window
You can complete your ED Card within 7 days before your departure date to Aruba. This means:
- You cannot complete it more than 7 days before travel
- You should complete it at least 1 day before departure
- The system will not accept applications outside this window
Complete your ED Card as soon as the 7-day window opens to avoid last-minute stress.
Processing and Approval Time
ED Card applications are typically processed quickly:
- Most applications are approved within minutes
- Some may take longer if additional verification is needed
- You will receive an email confirmation once approved
Return Visitors
If you are visiting Aruba multiple times in the same calendar year:
- You still need to complete a new ED Card for each trip
- The system recognizes your prior Sustainability Fee payment
- Use the same passport number and personal details each time
- You will not be charged the $20 fee again if you already paid earlier in the year
Aruba ED Card for Different Travelers
Different traveler types have specific considerations for the ED Card.
US Citizens
US citizens need:
- A valid US passport
- To complete the ED Card online
- To pay the $20 Sustainability Fee
- No visa required for stays up to 30 days
UK and European Citizens
UK and EU citizens need:
- A valid passport
- To complete the ED Card online
- To pay the $20 Sustainability Fee
- No visa required for short stays
Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens need:
- A valid Canadian passport
- To complete the ED Card online
- To pay the $20 Sustainability Fee
- No visa required for short stays
Children and Infants
Every child, including newborn infants, must have:
- Their own valid passport
- Their own ED Card completed by a parent or guardian
- Payment of the $20 Sustainability Fee (unless exempt)
There is no minimum age exemption for the ED Card. Parents or guardians fill out the form on behalf of their children.
Cruise Passengers
Most cruise ship passengers do NOT need to complete an ED Card. However:
- Passengers on vessels required to go through Aruba Immigration must complete one
- If you are unsure, check with your cruise line
- Shore excursions that require going through immigration will need an ED Card
After Submission – What Happens Next
Understanding what happens after you submit your ED Card helps you prepare for your trip.
Confirmation Email and QR Code
After approval, you will receive:
- A confirmation email with your qualifier
- A QR code that can be scanned
- Your application reference number
Save this email and consider:
- Printing a copy of the qualifier
- Taking a screenshot on your phone
- Saving the PDF to your device
At the Airport
Before your flight to Aruba:
- Airlines will check your qualifier at check-in or the gate
- Have your qualifier ready (printed or on your phone)
- Some airlines require you to upload your ED Card during online check-in
On Arrival in Aruba
At Queen Beatrix International Airport:
- Immigration officers will scan your QR code
- Having your confirmation ready speeds up the process
- If you did not complete the ED Card in advance, you will need to do so at the airport, which adds time
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Most ED Card issues have simple solutions.
Website Not Working
If edcardaruba.aw is not loading:
- Check your internet connection
- Try a different browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge all work)
- Clear your browser cache and cookies
- Try again later – the site may be temporarily down for maintenance
Wrong Information Submitted
If you made a mistake on your ED Card:
- Contact Inmigracion Aruba for assistance
- You may need to submit a new application
- Make sure all information matches your passport exactly
Forgot to Complete ED Card
If you forgot to complete your ED Card before departure:
- Complete it as soon as possible at the airport using WiFi
- Airlines may not let you board without a qualifier
- If denied boarding, contact your airline immediately
