Canadian citizens can visit Aruba without a visa and enjoy up to 90 days on the island. However, all air passengers — including Canadians — must complete the Aruba ED Card online before flying. The ED Card is mandatory regardless of your nationality and must be submitted up to 7 days before arrival.
Do Canadian Citizens Need an ED Card for Aruba?
Yes. The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) is a required digital entry form for every passenger arriving in Aruba by air. Canadian citizens are not exempt from this requirement. Airlines verify the ED Card at check-in, and Aruba immigration scans the QR code on arrival. Failure to complete it before departure may result in denied boarding.
| Requirement | Canadian Citizens |
|---|---|
| ED Card | ✅ Required (all travelers) |
| Visa | ❌ Not required (visa-exempt) |
| Passport | ✅ Valid Canadian passport required |
| Sustainability Fee | ✅ $20 USD (air travelers age 8+) |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 90 days per visit |
Do Canadians Need a Visa for Aruba?
No. Canada is on Aruba’s visa-exempt list. Canadian passport holders can enter Aruba for tourism or business for up to 90 days without applying for a visa in advance. There is no need to visit a Netherlands embassy before your trip.
Being visa-exempt does not mean paperwork-free travel, however. The ED Card is a separate mandatory requirement that applies to all air travelers, visa-exempt or not.
What Canadian Travelers Need to Enter Aruba
- Valid Canadian passport — must cover the full length of your stay
- Completed Aruba ED Card — submitted online up to 7 days before arrival
- Return or onward ticket — proof of departure from Aruba
- Accommodation details — hotel reservation or address in Aruba
- Sufficient funds — to support yourself during your stay
CANADA is listed in the nationality dropdown on the official ED Card form at edcardaruba.aw. The form is in English and takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
Sustainability Fee for Canadians
All air passengers arriving in Aruba aged 8 and older must pay a $20 USD tourism sustainability fee. This is collected during the ED Card application — there is no separate payment at the airport. Note: the fee is in US dollars, not Canadian dollars. At current exchange rates, that equals approximately $27-28 CAD, though the exact amount depends on the exchange rate at time of payment.
Children under 8 years old are exempt from the sustainability fee.
Flying to Aruba from Canada: Common Routes
Aruba offers seasonal direct flights from Canada, primarily from Toronto. Most other Canadian cities connect through a US hub:
- Toronto (YYZ) → Aruba (AUA) — seasonal direct flights (Air Canada, WestJet)
- Toronto (YYZ) → Miami (MIA) → Aruba (AUA) — year-round connecting option
- Montreal (YUL) → Miami (MIA) → Aruba (AUA)
- Vancouver (YVR) → Miami (MIA) or New York (JFK) → Aruba (AUA)
Flight time from Toronto to Aruba is approximately 5 hours on a direct flight. Check seasonal schedules as direct Canada-Aruba routes typically operate from January through April (winter sun season).
Practical Tips for Canadian Travelers
Currency: US dollars are widely accepted in Aruba. The local currency is the Aruban florin (AWG), pegged at approximately 1.79 AWG per US dollar. Canadian dollars are generally not accepted — exchange to USD or use a credit card before arriving or at airport exchange counters.
Travel insurance: OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) and other provincial health plans do not cover medical care outside Canada. Canadian travelers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage before departing for Aruba.
ED Card timing: Complete the ED Card within 7 days of your departure date — not earlier. The form window opens 7 days before your Aruba arrival and the QR code is linked to a specific travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadian citizens need an ED card for Aruba?
Yes. The Aruba ED Card is mandatory for all nationalities arriving by air, including Canadian citizens. It must be completed online up to 7 days before arrival.
Do Canadians need a visa for Aruba?
No. Canada is visa-exempt for Aruba. Canadian passport holders can visit for up to 90 days without a visa.
Do Canadians pay the $20 sustainability fee?
Yes. All air travelers aged 8 and older pay the $20 USD sustainability fee during the ED Card application.
Is the $20 fee in CAD or USD?
The fee is in US dollars (USD). The CAD equivalent depends on the current exchange rate at time of payment.
How long can Canadians stay in Aruba?
Canadian citizens may stay for up to 90 days per visit without a visa.
Can I fly direct to Aruba from Canada?
Seasonal direct flights from Toronto (YYZ) operate in winter months. Most other cities connect via Miami or another US hub.
Do I need travel insurance as a Canadian visiting Aruba?
Travel insurance is not required for entry but is strongly recommended. Canadian provincial health plans do not cover medical expenses outside Canada.
Can I use my Canadian passport to enter Aruba?
Yes. A valid Canadian passport is sufficient. No additional documents are required beyond the ED Card.