Aruba’s sustainability fee is a mandatory $20 USD charge for all air travelers age 8 and older, collected through the Aruba ED card portal at edcardaruba.aw. Introduced July 1, 2024 and mandatory from December 6, 2024, the fee funds environmental projects managed by Aruba Wastewater Sustainable Solutions (AWSS). It is charged once per calendar year and is non-refundable.
What Is Aruba’s Sustainability Fee?
The Aruba sustainability fee is a $20 USD environmental levy collected from international air travelers visiting Aruba. It was introduced as part of Aruba’s commitment to environmental sustainability and protecting the island’s natural resources — including its beaches, coral reefs, and water systems.
The fee is separate from the ED card form itself (which is free) and is paid simultaneously with the ED card submission at edcardaruba.aw.
When Did the Sustainability Fee Start?
| Date | Status |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2024 | Fee introduced — voluntary (optional) |
| December 6, 2024 | Fee becomes mandatory for all qualifying travelers |
Travelers who paid the fee voluntarily between July 1 and December 5, 2024 were still covered for the full calendar year 2024.
Where Does the $20 Go? (Environmental Projects)
The sustainability fee is managed by Aruba Wastewater Sustainable Solutions (AWSS) and funds:
- Wastewater treatment infrastructure improvements
- Coral reef protection programs
- Beach and coastal ecosystem conservation
- Sustainable water management projects
- Environmental education and community programs
Aruba relies on tourism for much of its economy, but high visitor volumes also put pressure on the island’s natural environment. The sustainability fee directly funds the infrastructure needed to protect these resources for future generations.
Who Must Pay the Sustainability Fee?
The fee is mandatory for:
- All international air travelers arriving in Aruba
- Travelers age 8 and older
- All nationalities (regardless of whether they need a visa)
- Both tourists and business travelers arriving by air
Who Is Exempt?
- Children under 8 years old — fee does not apply
- Cruise ship passengers — cruise passengers who don’t stay overnight in Aruba are exempt
- Aruba residents — residents with a local address are exempt
If you are arriving on a cruise and also booking a land stay in Aruba, the air portion of your trip may still require the fee — check your specific situation when completing the ED card.
How to Pay: Through the ED Card Portal
The sustainability fee is paid online through the Aruba ED card portal (edcardaruba.aw). Payment is integrated into the ED card completion process — you cannot pay it separately or at the airport. Steps:
- Complete all fields of the Aruba ED card form
- At the payment step, enter your credit card details
- Accepted cards: Visa, Mastercard, Discover
- After successful payment, your qualifier is issued — confirming both your ED card and fee payment
The $20 is the only cost. Any website charging more than $20 for the “sustainability fee” is not the official portal.
Is the Sustainability Fee Refundable?
No. The $20 sustainability fee is non-refundable in all circumstances. If you:
- Make a mistake on your ED card and need to resubmit — you pay the fee again
- Cancel your Aruba trip — the fee is not refunded
- Have your flight cancelled — the fee is not refunded by Aruba (check your travel insurance)
One exception: the fee is charged once per calendar year. If you pay and then visit Aruba a second time before December 31 of the same year, you will not be charged again for the second trip.
Aruba’s Sustainability Fee vs. Other Caribbean Islands
| Destination | Sustainability/Tourism Fee | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aruba | Yes (mandatory since Dec 2024) | $20 USD |
| Belize | Yes | $3.50 USD (protected areas fee) |
| Bermuda | Yes | Included in airline ticket |
| Curacao | No (as of 2025) | Free |
| Dominican Republic | Included in ticket | $10 tourism card fee (some) |
| Jamaica | Included in ticket | Varies |
| Bahamas | Included in ticket | N/A |
FAQ
What is Aruba’s sustainability fee?
$20 USD mandatory fee for all air travelers age 8+. Supports environmental projects managed by Aruba Wastewater Sustainable Solutions (AWSS).
When did Aruba’s sustainability fee start?
July 1, 2024 (voluntary). Mandatory from December 6, 2024.
Where does the $20 go?
Environmental projects in Aruba — wastewater treatment, coral reef protection, coastal conservation.
Who is exempt from the sustainability fee?
Children under 8, cruise passengers who don’t stay overnight, and Aruba residents.
Is the fee per trip or per year?
Once per calendar year. Visit twice in the same year and you pay once.
Can I pay the fee at the airport?
No. Must be paid online through edcardaruba.aw before arrival.
Is the $20 fee refundable if I cancel?
No. Non-refundable in all circumstances.
Do other Caribbean islands have similar fees?
Yes. Belize, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica all have tourism/sustainability fees.