The Aruba ED Card underwent its biggest changes in years during 2024: a brand-new official portal launched on October 30, 2024, the “OK to board” green checkmark was replaced by a “qualifier,” and a $20 sustainability fee became mandatory for all air travelers. Here is the complete timeline and what it means for your 2026 trip.
Timeline of Aruba ED Card Changes in 2024
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2024 | $20 Sustainability Fee introduced (voluntary phase) |
| October 30, 2024 | New portal launched: edcardaruba.aw replaces ariba.gov |
| October 30, 2024 | “Qualifier” replaces “OK to board” green checkmark |
| December 6, 2024 | Sustainability fee becomes fully mandatory for all air travelers |
| October 24, 2025 | New US-Aruba Preclearance Agreement signed (bonus update) |
Change 1: New Official Portal — edcardaruba.aw (October 30, 2024)
The most significant structural change was the launch of the redesigned official portal at edcardaruba.aw. The old portal at ariba.gov is no longer active. Key improvements in the new portal:
- Passport camera scan: You can now use your phone camera to scan your passport’s bio page directly, auto-filling many fields
- Improved user interface: Cleaner design, mobile-optimized, faster to navigate
- Integrated fee payment: The $20 sustainability fee is now part of the ED card flow, not a separate step
- Qualifier issuance: The new qualifier document is generated instantly after submission and emailed to the traveler
Change 2: “Qualifier” Replaces “OK to Board” Green Checkmark
Before October 30, 2024, travelers received a green “OK to Board” checkmark after completing the ED card. This system is gone. The new system issues a qualifier — a document containing your name, arrival date, QR code, and confirmation number.
What this means in practice:
- Airlines no longer check for a green checkmark — they verify your qualifier
- The qualifier is accepted in digital form (phone) or printed
- Immigration officers at AUA scan the qualifier’s QR code on arrival
- Travelers who completed ED cards before October 30, 2024 using the old system should resubmit using the new portal for any upcoming trips
Change 3: $20 Sustainability Fee Added (July 1, 2024)
Starting July 1, 2024, Aruba introduced a $20 USD sustainability fee for air travelers. During the voluntary phase (July 1 – December 5, 2024), travelers could opt to pay or skip it. From December 6, 2024 onward, the fee became mandatory.
The fee supports environmental sustainability projects managed by Aruba Wastewater Sustainable Solutions (AWSS). It applies to all air travelers age 8 and older and is paid via credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) through the ED card portal.
Change 4: Fee Becomes Fully Mandatory (December 6, 2024)
From December 6, 2024, the $20 sustainability fee is mandatory for all air travelers age 8 and older. There are no exceptions except for:
- Children under 8 years old
- Cruise ship passengers
- Aruba residents
The fee is charged once per calendar year (January 1 to December 31). Travelers who pay in July and return in December do not pay again for the same year.
What Stayed the Same
- 7-day window: Still complete the ED card within 7 days before your arrival — no change
- One form per person: Every traveler (including children) still needs their own form
- Mandatory for all air travelers: No nationality exemptions — everyone fills it out
- ED card form itself: Still free (only the sustainability fee costs $20)
- Instant processing: Qualifier still arrives by email immediately after submission
How These Changes Affect Your 2026 Trip
If you visited Aruba before October 2024, your experience will be slightly different now:
- Use edcardaruba.aw — do not use any old portal or bookmark
- Budget $20 per person (age 8+) for the sustainability fee
- Your qualifier (not a checkmark) is what airlines and immigration will check
- Pay the fee once per calendar year — you’re covered for multiple Aruba visits in the same year
FAQ
When did the new Aruba ED card portal launch?
October 30, 2024. The new portal is at edcardaruba.aw. The old ariba.gov portal is no longer active.
What replaced the OK to board green checkmark?
The new qualifier document from edcardaruba.aw, containing your name, arrival date, and a QR code.
When was the $20 sustainability fee introduced?
July 1, 2024 (voluntary). December 6, 2024 (mandatory for all air travelers age 8+).
Is the old ariba.gov portal still valid?
No. Use only edcardaruba.aw for all ED card submissions.
Did the ED card window change (7 days)?
No. The 7-day window before arrival remains unchanged.
Is the ED card itself still free?
Yes. Only the $20 sustainability fee has a cost.
What changed in the form itself?
Improved interface, passport camera scan, integrated fee payment, and new qualifier document.
Are there other changes expected in 2025-2026?
A new US-Aruba Preclearance Agreement was signed October 24, 2025. Monitor edcardaruba.aw for updates.