The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) is a free, mandatory online form that every visitor must complete at edcardaruba.aw within 7 days before travel. This guide walks you through each section of the form field by field, so you can submit your application in under 10 minutes without errors. You will receive a QR code qualifier by email – required to board your flight.
What Is the Aruba ED Card?
The Aruba ED Card is a mandatory digital embarkation and disembarkation form that replaced the old paper landing card. Required for every person entering Aruba regardless of age or nationality, the ED Card is submitted through the official Aruban government portal at edcardaruba.aw. The form serves as a pre-registration that allows the Aruban immigration authority (Inmigracion Aruba) to process travelers before they arrive on the island.
Once approved, the ED Card generates a qualifier – a confirmation document with a QR code that airlines check at departure and border control scans upon arrival in Aruba. Without this qualifier, you will not be permitted to board your flight to Aruba.
Who Needs to Complete the ED Card?
Every person entering Aruba needs their own individual ED Card, with no exceptions:
- Adults – each traveler completes their own form individually; there is no group application
- Children of all ages, including infants – a parent or guardian fills out the form on their behalf
- Returning Aruba residents – residents complete the form just like visitors
- Transit passengers – if you are stopping in Aruba and disembarking (including for a shore excursion), you need an ED Card; pure transit without entering the island does not require one
Every child, including newborn infants, must have their own valid passport to process their ED Card online.
Is the ED Card the Same as a Visa?
No. The Aruba ED Card is not a visa. It is a pre-registration form for immigration purposes. The successful submission of your ED Card does not guarantee entry into Aruba – on arrival, your eligibility for entry will be assessed on its own merits by immigration officers. All information provided must be true and correct, as this is a key factor in your entry assessment.
Before You Start – What You Need
Before filling out the Aruba ED Card application, have the following items ready to ensure a smooth and error-free submission process.
required documents and Information
Prepare these items before starting the form:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must not be expired; passport number and expiration date required |
| Full name | Exactly as it appears on your passport (including middle names if listed) |
| Date of birth | In the format requested by the form |
| Nationality | Select from the dropdown menu |
| Gender | Male, Female, or Other |
| Flight number | Your arriving flight to Aruba (e.g., AA 1234) |
| Airline name | Select from dropdown or enter manually |
| Arrival date | Must be within 7 days of form submission |
| Accommodation details | Name and address of your hotel, resort, or rental in Aruba |
| Email address | For receiving your qualifier confirmation |
| Phone number | Contact number for emergencies |
| Credit card | Visa, Mastercard, or Discover (for Sustainability Fee if arriving by air) |
Supported Browsers and Devices
The ED Card form works on both desktop and mobile browsers. Google Chrome, Safari, and Mozilla Firefox are recommended for the best experience. While you can complete the form on a smartphone, using a desktop or laptop computer makes it easier to enter details accurately, especially passport numbers and addresses.
Step 1 – Access the Official ED Card Form
Access the official Aruba ED Card application at edcardaruba.aw – the only legitimate government portal for completing the form. The site is processed by RADEX BCMS on behalf of Inmigracion Aruba.
To begin:
1. Open your web browser and go to https://edcardaruba.aw
2. Click the button to start your application
3. Select your preferred language if available
4. The form will guide you through multiple sections
Beware of Third-Party Scam Sites
Important: Several unofficial websites attempt to charge fees for filling out the free ED Card form. Sites like edcardaruba.us (note: .us, not .aw) are NOT affiliated with the Aruban government. Only edcardaruba.aw is the official portal. Third-party services may charge $20-$50 or more for a service you can complete yourself in under 10 minutes for free. Always verify the URL before entering any personal information.
Step 2 – Enter Your Personal Information
The personal information section of the Aruba ED Card requires your passport details, full name, date of birth, gender, and nationality – all must match your passport exactly. Any discrepancy between your ED Card information and your passport can cause problems at immigration.
Passport Details
Enter the following passport information:
- Passport number – enter exactly as printed on your passport data page, including any letters
- Passport expiration date – your passport must be valid for the duration of your trip
- Issuing country – select the country that issued your passport
Tip: Double-check your passport number for typos. A single wrong digit is one of the most common ED Card errors and can prevent you from boarding your flight.
Name, Date of Birth, and Nationality
- Last name(s) – enter exactly as on your passport
- First name(s) – include middle names if they appear on your passport
- Date of birth – use the date format requested by the form
- Nationality – select from the dropdown; this refers to your citizenship, not your country of residence
Step 3 – Provide Your Travel Details
The Aruba ED Card travel details section requires your airline name, flight number, departure city, and planned arrival date in Aruba. This information allows immigration authorities to verify your travel plans.
Flight Information
- Airline name – select your airline from the dropdown menu
- Flight number – enter the flight number for your arriving flight in Aruba (e.g., AA 1234, UA 1587, DL 693)
- Departure city/airport – the city or airport you are flying from to reach Aruba
If you have connecting flights, enter the flight number of the flight that arrives in Aruba, not your initial departure flight.
Arrival Date and Airline
Select your arrival date in Aruba from the date picker. The ED Card can only be submitted within 7 days of your arrival date. Attempting to fill it out earlier will result in invalid dates, and you will need to start again. The system will not accept dates outside this 7-day window.
Step 4 – Enter Your Accommodation Information
The Aruba ED Card requires the name and address of your accommodation in Aruba – whether it is a hotel, resort, Airbnb, vacation rental, or private residence. Immigration authorities use this information to verify your stay on the island.
Enter the following:
- Accommodation name – the full name of your hotel, resort, or property
- Accommodation address – the complete street address, city, and postal code if available
If you are staying at multiple locations during your trip, enter your first-night accommodation. You can find the exact address on your booking confirmation email or the property’s website.
For Airbnb or vacation rentals, use the property address from your booking confirmation. If the exact address is not available, enter the property name and general location (neighborhood or area).
Step 5 – Complete the Customs Declaration
The customs declaration section on the Aruba ED Card asks whether you are bringing items that must be declared upon entry. This is a standard customs screening that applies to all international travelers.
You will need to declare if you are carrying:
- Currency exceeding $10,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies)
- Goods for commercial use or resale
- Restricted or controlled items as defined by Aruban customs law
- Excessive quantities of goods that may appear intended for commercial purposes
Most tourists answer “No” to all customs declaration questions. If you are unsure whether an item needs to be declare, it is always better to declare it – failing to declare required items can result in fines or denial of entry.
Step 6 – Fill Out the Health Declaration
The health declaration section on the Aruba ED Card asks basic health screening questions. These questions were added during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain part of the standard ED Card process.
The health declaration typically includes yes/no questions about:
- Current symptoms of illness (fever, cough, difficulty breathing)
- Recent contact with infectious disease
- Current health conditions that may require attention upon arrival
Answer all health questions honestly. If you answer “Yes” to any health screening question, you may be subject to additional health screening upon arrival in Aruba. This does not necessarily mean you will be denied entry – it simply triggers a secondary review process.
Step 7 – Review, Pay (if applicable), and Submit
Before submitting your Aruba ED Card application, carefully review every section to ensure all information is accurate and matches your passport.
Review checklist:
- Passport number matches your passport exactly
- Name spelling matches your passport (including middle names)
- Flight number and arrival date are correct
- Accommodation details are complete
- All sections have been filled out (no blank required fields)
Sustainability Fee: If you are arriving in Aruba by air, you will be required to pay the $20 USD Sustainability Fee as part of the ED Card process. This fee is collected by credit card only – Visa, Mastercard, or Discover are accepted. The Sustainability Fee was introduced on July 1, 2024, and applies to all visitors arriving by air.
Once you have reviewed all sections and paid any applicable fees, click Submit to send your ED Card application. Save or take a screenshot of your confirmation page.
After Submission – Your ED Card Confirmation
After submitting the Aruba ED Card application, you receive a qualifier – a confirmation document with a QR code – by email. This qualifier is what airlines check before allowing you to board and what border control scans upon your arrival in Aruba.
What Is the Qualifier?
The qualifier is the official confirmation that your Aruba ED Card application has been approved. It replaced the previous “ok to board” green checkmark when the platform was redesigned on October 30, 2024. The qualifier contains:
- A QR code that can be scanned by airline staff and border control
- Your name and passport details as submitted
- Your travel details (flight, arrival date)
- A confirmation number for reference
Airlines verify your qualifier at check-in or at the departure gate. If you cannot show a valid qualifier, you will not be permitted to board your flight to Aruba.
Do I Need to Print My Confirmation?
Printing your qualifier is recommended but not strictly required. You can show the QR code from:
- A printed paper copy (most reliable)
- A screenshot on your phone
- The confirmation email on your device
- The edcardaruba.aw website by logging back in
However, print a paper backup – phone batteries die and airport Wi-Fi may be unreliable.
Filling Out the ED Card for Family Members
Each family member including infants needs their own individual Aruba ED Card application. There is no group or family form – a parent or guardian fills out separate forms on behalf of each child.
Children and Infants
Key rules for children’s ED Cards:
- Every child needs their own ED Card – including newborns and infants
- Every child needs their own valid passport – even newborns must have a passport
- A parent or guardian fills out the form on behalf of the child
- Enter the child’s passport information, not the parent’s
- The child’s ED Card is linked to the child’s passport, not the parent’s
Tip: You can complete multiple ED Cards in one session by going back to the start after each submission. Keep your children’s passports handy to avoid switching between documents.
Group Travel Tips
If you are traveling with a group (family reunion, wedding party, tour group):
- Complete all ED Cards at the same session while you have all documents ready
- Keep a spreadsheet or list of everyone’s passport details for quick reference
- Each person needs a separate submission and receives a separate confirmation
- Designate one person to manage all confirmations and distribute them before the trip
- Verify all arrival dates and flight numbers are consistent across the group
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common Aruba ED Card application mistakes include using unofficial websites, entering passport details incorrectly, and trying to submit outside the 7-day window. Here are the top errors and how to avoid them:
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Using third-party scam sites (e.g., edcardaruba.us) | Paying unnecessary fees; potential data theft | Always use edcardaruba.aw (.aw is Aruba) |
| Wrong passport number | Denied boarding; immigration issues | Double-check every digit against your passport |
| Name doesn’t match passport | Entry problems at immigration | Enter name exactly as printed on passport |
| Submitting more than 7 days before arrival | Form rejected; invalid dates | Set a reminder for 7 days before your trip |
| Expired passport | ED Card rejected | Check passport expiry before starting |
| Wrong flight number | Qualifier mismatch at airport | Verify flight number on your booking confirmation |
| Incomplete accommodation details | Application delayed or rejected | Copy address from booking confirmation |
| Skipping customs declaration | Potential fines on arrival | Complete all sections honestly |
| Forgetting children need separate ED Cards | Children denied boarding | Complete ED Cards for every family member |
| Not saving confirmation | Can’t show qualifier at airport | Screenshot and email confirmation to yourself |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Aruba ED Card free?
Yes, the Aruba ED Card application itself is completely free. However, visitors arriving by air are required to pay a $20 USD Sustainability Fee as part of the same process. This fee was introduced on July 1, 2024, and is paid by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) during the ED Card submission. Cruise passengers and transit-only passengers may be exempt from this fee.
How far in advance can I fill out the ED Card for Aruba?
You can fill out the Aruba ED Card within 7 days of your arrival date. The system will not accept submissions made earlier than 7 days before travel. The recommended approach is to complete your ED Card 3-5 days before departure – this gives you time to correct any errors while still being well within the window.
Do I need to print my ED Card for Aruba?
Printing is recommended but not strictly required. You can show your qualifier QR code from a printed copy, a screenshot on your phone, the confirmation email, or by logging back into edcardaruba.aw. A paper backup is wise in case of phone battery or connectivity issues at the airport.
Do I need to fill out an ED Card to leave Aruba?
No. The ED Card is an arrival document only (embarkation/disembarkation refers to your flight, not the island). You do not need to complete a separate ED Card when departing Aruba. However, you should keep your confirmation accessible in case any airline staff request it during your return journey.
Can I fill out the ED Card on my phone?
Yes. The ED Card form at edcardaruba.aw works on mobile browsers including Chrome, Safari, and Firefox on smartphones. However, using a desktop or laptop computer is recommended for easier data entry, especially for passport numbers, addresses, and other detailed fields where accuracy is critical.
What if the ED Card website is not working?
If edcardaruba.aw is experiencing technical issues, try the following: clear your browser cache and cookies, try a different browser, try a different device, disable any VPN connections, or wait and try again later. If the site remains down for an extended period, contact Inmigracion Aruba at [email protected] for assistance.
Can I edit my ED Card after submission?
Once submitted, you cannot directly edit your ED Card application. If you discover an error after submission, you may need to submit a new application with the correct information. The most recent submission will be the one used. Contact Inmigracion Aruba at [email protected] if you need help with a significant error.
Do cruise passengers need an ED Card?
Most cruise ship passengers do not need to complete an Aruba ED Card. Only passengers on vessels that are required to go through Aruba Immigration must complete one. If your cruise ship docks at Aruba for a day visit and you do not go through immigration, you do not need an ED Card. Check with your cruise line if you are unsure.
What happens if I arrive without an ED Card?
Arriving in Aruba without a completed ED Card will cause significant delays. You may be required to complete the form at the airport using a mobile device or airport kiosk (if available), which can add considerable time to your immigration process. In some cases, you may be denied boarding at your departure airport if you cannot show a valid qualifier.
Is the ED Card the same as a visa?
No. The Aruba ED Card is a pre-registration form, not a visa. It does not grant permission to enter Aruba – it simply pre-registers your travel information for immigration processing. Your actual eligibility for entry is assessed by immigration officers upon arrival. The ED Card is required for all visitors regardless of whether they need a visa to enter Aruba.
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Last updated: June 2026
This guide is based on official information from edcardaruba.aw, aruba.com, and visitaruba.com. Always check the official Aruban government portal for the most current requirements.
Written by the arubaedcard.info editorial team. For questions or corrections, contact us through our website.
