Aruba ED Card FAQ: 30 Most-Asked Questions Answered (2026)

Yes. The Aruba ED Card (Embarkation/Disembarkation Card) is mandatory for all international air travelers arriving in Aruba. There are no plans to eliminate it.

A mandatory online entry registration form for all air travelers to Aruba. It collects personal information, travel details, and accommodation address before arrival. After submission, you receive a qualifier used at check-in and immigration.

At the official portal: edcardaruba.aw. This is the only valid site. The old ariba.gov portal is inactive. Any other website is unofficial and will charge extra fees.

Within 7 days (168 hours) before your arrival date in Aruba. Not earlier. If you submit more than 7 days before arrival, the form will not be valid and you must resubmit.

Approximately 5-10 minutes per person, including passport scan and payment.

Passport (number, issue date, expiry date, full name), arrival flight number and date, hotel address in Aruba, and a credit card for the $20 sustainability fee.

No. Your airline will not allow you to board without a valid qualifier. Attempting to arrive without completing the ED card in advance will result in denial of boarding at your departure airport.

The ED card form itself is free. The mandatory $20 USD sustainability fee is charged for all air travelers age 8 and older. Any site charging more than $20 is unofficial.

Yes. The $20 sustainability fee is mandatory for all air travelers age 8+ since December 6, 2024. It is paid by credit card through the ED card portal.

Per person. Every traveler age 8 and older pays $20 separately. Children under 8 are exempt.

Once per calendar year (January 1 to December 31). If you visit Aruba twice in the same year, you only pay the fee once.

No. The fee is non-refundable in all circumstances. If you make a mistake on your ED card and must resubmit, you will need to pay the fee again (unless you already paid it once in the current calendar year).

You don’t have to print it, but it is recommended as a backup. The qualifier can be shown digitally on your phone. Print a copy in case your phone battery dies.

The qualifier is issued immediately after form submission and payment — typically within minutes. There is no waiting period or approval queue.

No. Once submitted, the ED card cannot be edited. If you made a mistake, you must submit a completely new form.

Submit a new ED card with the correct information. The old incorrect submission is abandoned. If you already paid the $20 fee, you may need to pay again (it is non-refundable).

The qualifier is the document issued after completing the ED card. It replaces the old “OK to board” green checkmark (changed October 30, 2024). It contains your name, arrival date, and a QR code that airlines and immigration scan to verify your entry registration.

The qualifier — introduced October 30, 2024 along with the new edcardaruba.aw portal. The qualifier is a downloadable/emailable document with a QR code.

No. Canadian citizens are visa-free in Aruba for up to 90 days. They still need to complete the Aruba ED card.

No. Mexican citizens are visa-free in Aruba for up to 90 days. They still need to complete the ED card and pay the $20 sustainability fee.

Generally yes. However, Indian passport holders with a currently valid US visa can enter Aruba visa-free for up to 30 days. They still need the Aruba ED card regardless.

Yes. US green card holders (lawful permanent residents) can visit Aruba. Visa requirements depend on the nationality of the passport they travel on, not on US residency status. A green card does not grant Aruba visa-free entry for all nationalities — check your passport country’s requirements.

Yes. Every person traveling to Aruba by air needs their own ED card — including infants on a parent’s lap. Children under 8 are exempt from the $20 sustainability fee, but they still need the form.

Generally no. Cruise ship passengers who arrive and depart on the same cruise ship (without staying overnight on land) are exempt from the ED card requirement. Verify with your cruise line.

Typically yes for most transit passengers who enter the airport and pass through immigration. Pure airside transits (not leaving the gate area) may be exempt — confirm with your airline and Aruba immigration before travel.

If asked for a residence number (NR field), enter your local government-issued ID or residence permit number. Tourists from abroad without a local residence number typically enter their passport number or leave the field blank if not required.

In practice, your airline will not let you board without a qualifier — you will be stopped at check-in. If somehow you arrive without it, you may be directed to secondary inspection and face significant delays or denial of entry.

Three major changes: (1) New portal edcardaruba.aw launched October 30, 2024, replacing ariba.gov. (2) “Qualifier” replaced the old OK to board checkmark. (3) $20 sustainability fee introduced July 2024, made mandatory December 6, 2024.

No. The ariba.gov portal is no longer active. All ED card submissions must be completed at edcardaruba.aw.

Enter the full address of your first night accommodation in Aruba. If you don’t know the exact address, use the hotel name and general area. Have your hotel booking confirmation ready when filling out the form.